Expressions from our Youngest

Expressions from our Youngest
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Saturday, July 27, 2013

Sabbath Moments




It is time for Sabbath Moments over at Colleen's blog.  Just click on the link to participate.

1)  Last night was a Sabbath Moment when my husband and I enjoyed happy hour together on the back deck.  We were listening to the sounds of nature together and looking at the sunset and beautiful sky.  Our sons were coming out to join us periodically.  We noticed that the lightning bugs were not out as much.  We thought it may have been because the temperature was a bit cooler here in Maryland...rather than very hot the last few days.  You could really hear the crickets and cicadas (or whatever it was) in the tree line of our back yard.  My hubby wanted to get his sleeping bag a sleep outside.  I said, "I'm sorry I need my bed."

2)  I really enjoyed the forty minute drive to bring my daughter to her pool party.  We had a nice conversation in the car.  Oftentimes here in Maryland, we drive our daughters to Virginia as many of their friends live there.  We go on the famous beltway circling DC to get to their houses.  I really can't say it's that famous but you get the idea.  It is just the way life is here in the MD/VA/DC corridor.

3)  It was wonderful the other day to be able to sit outside and get some ideas for the class I'm teaching next year.  I brought all my books out and sat at the table on the back deck because it was not so hot.  I really accomplished much.  Oftentimes it is hard for me to concentrate in the house.  It was a benefit to be able to escape the chores of the house and sit outside in peace and quiet.  Sometimes I go to the library or a nearby coffee shop when I can't go on the back deck because of the weather.


Friday, July 26, 2013

Harcourt Science for Second/Third Grade



We finished the first Harcourt Science book in first grade and now we're advancing to the second book in their series.  Kolbe Academy splits the book between third and fourth grades.  Therefore, we will be doing half of the book this year for second grade.  This is because I have my second grader taking on new subjects for Latin and Spelling.  We are also participating in a co-op once a week.  We will not have the time to finish the entire book in one year with these other subjects and activities.  There are 18 chapters in the book and we will be doing 10 of them.  Each chapter comes with a manageable experiment.  Our science will consist as follows:

Life Science

Living Things
-  What Are Cells?
-  What Are Animals?
-  What Are Plants with Seeds?
-  What Are Fungi?

Animal Growth and Adaptations
-  What Are the Basic Needs of Animals?
-  How Do Animals' Body Parts Help Them Meet Their Needs?
-  How Do Animals' Behaviors Help Them Meet Their Needs?

Plant Growth and Adaptations
-  What do Plants Need to Live?
-  How do Leaves, Stems, and Roots Help Plants Live?
-  How do Plants Reproduce?

Human Body Systems (Health)
-  How Do the Skeletal and Muscular Systems Work?
-  How Do the Respiratory and Circulatory Systems Work?
-  How Do the Nervous and Digestive Systems Work?

Earth Science

Earthquakes and Volcanoes
-  What Are the Layers of the Earth?
-  What Causes Earthquakes?
-  How Do Volcanoes Form?

Fossils
-  How Do Fossils Form?
-  What Can We Learn from Fossils?
-  How Do Fossil Fuels Form?

Physical Science

Matter and Its Changes
-  What Are Three States of Matter?
-  How Can Matter Be Measured and Compared?
-  What Are Some Useful Properties of Matter?
-  What Are Chemical and Physical Changes?

Heat - Energy On The Move
-  How Does Heat Affect Matter?
-  How Can Thermal Energy Be Transferred?
-  How is Thermal Energy Produced and Used?

Sound
-  What is Sound?
-  Why Do Sounds Differ?
-  How Do Sound Waves Travel?

Light
-  How Does Light Behave?
-  How Are Light and Color Related?

or Nancy Larson at http://www.nancylarson.com/science1.html

Seven Quick Takes Friday


7 quick takes sm1 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 226)


It is time for Seven Quick Takes Friday at Conversion Diary. 

1)  Our dog, Bella, sometimes doesn't like to do her business in the brush of our backyard sometimes.  During the school year she will have to because I am in my jammies half the time when I take her out.  Maybe it will be dark enough if she pulls me into the front yard to walk down the street in the winter to go in a public grassy area.  If I'm still in my jammies, I can use a flash light.  I have to drive my girls to school early and the sun will not be up yet.  Oftentimes, she has to be pulled into the back yard to go.  She likes to patrol the neighborhood in the front.  She is like a watch dog for the neighborhood.  She'll just sit or lay in the front yard and look around.  I don't like to leave her off the leash because our neighbor's dog doesn't like her and attacks her.  She is pure joy to have and take care of but she has to remember that it is o.k. sometimes to do her business in the back yard.  Here is are sweet pup:



2)  My daughter has to babysit for an hour early in the morning twice a week for a young mom to go swimming in our local pool.  She forgot one morning and I'm very pleased that she apologized to the parents for over sleeping.  It shows she cares about her responsibilities and the people she helps.

3)  I'll be visiting my friends children today while she takes her husband to have shoulder surgery.  She doesn't even know how long it will take.  Her husband is in the service and the place where they are going said she had to bring her own food while she waited for him to recover.  This is ridiculous.  Too many cuts are being made in our military.  Someone is trying to make it miserable for our service men. 

My children are very good friends with her children and they will be able to hang out together today for a little while.  I am privileged to help a military family out.

4)  The other day I accidently took the keys to the other car with me when my son's car was in the shop.  He was supposed to pick my daughter up from teaching swim lessons to little ones.  I had to pick her up 45 minutes late.  I am so glad she had a good attitude about the whole incidence.  She was not angry at all for my carelessness.

5)  I've decided to cover half of my son's science book in homeschooling for second grade this year rather than try to finish the whole thing.  This will give us more time for Latin, Spelling, and a co-op group once a week.  He will be studying Harcourt Science and we'll do ten chapters with a simple experiment for each lesson.  The schedule is as follows:

Life Science

Living Things
-  What Are Cells?
-  What Are Animals?
-  What Are Plants with Seeds?
-  What Are Fungi?

Animal Growth and Adaptations
-  What Are the Basic Needs of Animals?
-  How Do Animals' Body Parts Help Them Meet Their Needs?
-  How Do Animals' Behaviors Help Them Meet Their Needs?

Plant Growth and Adaptations
-  What Do Plants Need to Live?
-  How Do Leaves, Stems, and Roots Help Plants Live?
-  How Do Plants Reproduce?

Human Body Systems (Health)
-  How Do the Skeletal and Muscular Systems Work?
-  How Do the Respiratory and Circulatory Systems Work?
-  How Do the Nervous and Digestive Systems Work?

Earth Science

Earthquakes and Valcanoes
-  What Are the Layers of the Earth?
-  What Causes Earthquakes?
-  How Do Volcanoes Form?

Fossils
-  How Do Fossils Form?
-  What Can We Learn from Fossils?
-  How Do Fossil Fuels Form?

Physical Science

Matter and Its Changes
-  What Are the Three States of Matter?
-  How Can Matter Be Measured and Compared?
-  What Are Some Useful Properties of Matter?
-  What Are Chemical and Physical Changes?

Heat - Energy On The Move
-  How Does Heat Affect Matter?
-  How Can Thermal Energy Be Transferred?
-  How is Thermal Energy Produced and Used?

Sound
-  What is Sound?
-  How Do Sounds Differ?
-  How Do Sound Waves Travel?

Light
-  How Does Light Behave?
-  How Are Light and Color Related?

or Nancy Larson at http://www.nancylarson.com/science1.html

6)  I am so proud of my youngest daughter too as she is vice president of her class next year.  We were really surprised at this because she is rather quiet sometimes.  It must be her red hair.  The president of the class came over to work with her on ideas for next year.  They were both very diligent in accomplishing and planning good things for their class next year.  I am very proud at how well they worked together.  Here are my two sweet daughters being silly:



7)  I am trying to loose weight by recording the things I eat and the exercise I get.  I keep bouncing back and forth like a yo yo five pounds or so.  Up and back, Up and back, Up and back.  I can't seem to keep loosing.  Therefore, I will have to give up eating my hubby's fattening dinners.  He brought subs home last night and of course I ate mine.  Of course he said, "You didn't have to eat it."  Therefore, I'm going to have a 150 calorie Lean Cuisine for dinner every night.  Hopefully this will help me.  Cutting out this late heavy meal should help me.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Simple Woman's Daybook





It is time for a Simple Woman's Daybook.  Just click on the link to participate.

Outside my window...it cloudy, still, quiet, and warm.  The weather here in Maryland has been very hot recently and today it is a bit cooler.  I just came in from walking our dog.

I am thinking...that I'm glad a brought some extra food from the swim team banquet over my friends house.  We had coffee and conversation that was so enjoyable.  I'm glad she had time to visit with me.  I actually went to high school with her and she was in my class.

I am thankful...the successful swim team banquet that was held this past weekend.  The kids had so much fun and the food was delicious.  Here are some pics:




In the kitchen...we brought home potato salad and macaroni and cheese left over from the banquet.  We just had this with chicken.

I am wearing...a blue danskin warm up.

I am creating...I finished one of the crafts for a Creation book I'm going to read the kids in the journal writing class in the fall.  The pieces are ready for the children to use.  I just have to finalize the example I will show them.

I am going...to bring my daughter to a pool party with her ninth grade friends tomorrow.

I am wondering...when my daughter's summer reading books will be available at the library.  I reserved them for her yesterday with a neighboring county's library.  Our county's library has poor hours.  It is frustrating.

I am looking forward to...I can't get my mind off our vacation to Ocean City, Maryland.  I'm constantly counting down the days.

I am hearing...my daughters talking in the kitchen and our dog chewing on her rope.

Around the house...I need to tidy up a bit and now my daughters are trying to get something away from the dog.

I am praying...for my two college sons.

One of my favorite things...was how well my daughter and her friend worked on plans for the school year yesterday.  Her friend came up to plan activities for their class because she is the president of the class and my daughter is the vice president.  They focused and communicated extremely well and accomplished a lot.

A few plans for the rest of the week...is to continue to drive my daughters to the locations they need to be for work and fun.

 Here are some pictures to share from swim team banquet.  I am in the purple:




Monday, July 22, 2013

Light in the Darkness




I'm posting some good news at Four Blessings Academy for the Light in the Darkness meme.  Here is a good article about a police officer that went above and beyond the call of duty:

http://www.happynews.com/news/4202013/police-officer-touching-gift-girl.htm

Saturday, July 20, 2013

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - July 20, 2013







It is time for the Homeschool Mother's Journal.  It is a fun way to recapture your week in writing and share among other homeschoolers.  Just click on this link to participate.

In my life this week...My neighbor came speeding down the road when I was walking our new dog.  I walked Bella on her leash and we were nearing our home.  Suddenly, their dog came barreling out of their yard with a leash dragging behind it.  She attacked our dog.  I had to pull Bella off twice before the man came over to get her.  Unfortunately, the man thinks his dog just wants to play.  This is far from the truth.  Therefore, instead of filing a complaint - I am having information sent from the county to instruct them on how to control their dog.  I figure this is a more friendly way to handle the situation since it is the first incidence. 

They are very strange people.  The wife keeps planting something in our yard and they used to put their trash cans in our yard.  At least until the day I put a cinder block in the spot.  Afterwards, they put their trash cans on the other side of their yard.  I do not trust them.  The man works for the FBI and never talks to anyone.  Their two kids have left the house so it is just them and their dog.  When our electricity went out for five days, they never offered us the use of their restrooms or anything during this time.  We have five children.  We had to go up to the local swimming pool.  They've kept to themselves for twenty years.

The mother knows their dog does not like Bella.  The father, being with the FBI, should know not to let it attack our dog.  I'm afraid our dog is going to hurt it one day because Bella is bigger.

In our homeschool week...We completed Reader:  The Story About Ping and History:  Rome begins to weaken.  We'll be doing the map work and quiz for this chapter next week.  Hopefully I will find some time to squeeze Math in next week.

Helpful homeschool tips...I took the time to reflect upon the part of homeschooling I find very challenging.  In doing so, I can take some corrective action early so that I'm prepared when this time approaches.  Reflect on the most challenging part of homeschooling for you before the year starts and take action early.

Places and People...We attended Hershey Park on Monday.  Boy...was it hot.  My son and I spent most of the time in the big Wave Pool.  We also went down the Lazy River together.  I'm not a ride and stand in line person but my husband is and the older kids joined in the fun. 

On Friday I drove to a friends house in Baltimore to teach my writing class to her five children.  She is such a beautiful person and I so enjoyed the visit with her.  My son enjoyed playing with her children.

My favorite thing...On Thursday my seven year old past the swim test at our pool.  It was such a joy to see his little body finally going down the slide and jumping off the diving board.  All the life guards were congratulating him as two of my children are guards.  Therefore, they all know him.

My kids favorite thing...My older kids loved to see the proud smile on my young sons face in passing his swim test.  We share in each others joy!

Things I'm working on...I'm always working on plans for my writing class and religious education classes.  I have some good ideas in store for the children so far when next year begins.

I'm cooking...Pizza last night

I'm grateful for...My seventeen year old daughter is a Coach-in-Training for the swim team.  I am so thankful that she has a great group of friends to coach with.  Last night they went out to dinner and put signs in the yards of all the children that swam in the divisional.

I'm praying for...My older son

I rewarded my kids by...I think it is a reward for them when I bring them to prayer.  They feel rewarded too although my younger ones do not fully realize it.

Something I have my eye on...A dress that I have to loose a little bit of weight to fit in.

A photo...Here is Bella.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Deos Gratias




It is time for Deos Gratias where we list five things we are thankful for during our week.  Just come on over to Thoughts on Grace at Colleen's blog to participate.

1)  I am especially grateful that we are here to speak with our son regarding the situation with his girlfriend.  He is going through a difficult time and he is reaching out to us for advice.  We spoke to him on the back deck last night and he is handling the situation beautifully even though his heart is breaking.  Please pray for him that he strengthens his heart and is at peace. 

2)  The parade in our town went very well and it was a good time for all.  The swim team marched in the parade and the kids had a great time.



3)  The swim team went to Hershey Park and we all had a great time.  I am one who does not do well in crowds all day long.  Therefore, my son and I went in the big wave pool often instead of going on every ride and waiting in lines.  It was almost like being at the beach.  We also went down the Lazy River in inner tubes.

4)  I'm glad I was able to recover from walking all day long at Hershey Park yesterday.  Now that I am older, I can not keep up with the kids as much and I needed a day to rest more.  I took an afternoon nap yesterday.

5)  I'm grateful that the bon fire and dive in movie went well for the kids on swim team.




Tuesday, July 16, 2013

A Simple Woman's Daybook






It's time for A Simple Woman's Daybook for today July 16, 2013.

Outside my window...it is evening here in Maryland after a scorching hot and humid day.  It is slowly cooling off with the setting sun and the sky is a clear blue.  There is no wind at all and everything is still and quiet outside (the opposite with what is happening in my house).

I am thinking...that it is so ridiculous to here the libs proclaiming racism for everything thing that happens.  It is like a big headache soap opera.  I wish they knew how ridiculous they sound when they do not deal with real issues rationally and try to make everything into a revolution.  I am so worried for the soul of George Zimmerman.

I am thankful...that I have a beautiful family who loves each other and we're here for each other to help each other out.  I've been here to feed my young one and talk to my older children about issues they are facing and to drive my daughter to and from work today.  I get no pay or credit for what I am doing but it means the world to my family and that is all that matters.

In the kitchen...we just finished grill cheese sandwiches as it has been too hot to cook anything.

I am wearing...a maroon Danskin warm up suit that I purchased at Wall Mart.  You can find some real nice items there once in a while that are very inexpensive.

I am creating...crafts and writing prompts for my second grade journal writing class next year.  Please join my MeetUp here http://www.meetup.com/nucleusoflife-com/members/ if you would like to get ideas.

I am going...to Anytime Fitness to work out in a little while.

I am wondering...how my oldest son is doing at college as he is going to grad school next year and working on his research paper.  He is back and forth between college and our home during the summer months.  We are only an hour away from his college at University of Maryland.  He will be moving into a new townhouse soon that is just off campus.

I am looking forward to...our vacation coming up the first week in August.  We are going to Ocean City, Maryland.  We have an ocean front beach house.

I am hearing...my two youngest children playing and the t.v. on quietly.  My husband just got off the phone with someone regarding the swim team that our three youngest children are on.

Around the house...my youngest son is looking for his gummy worms, my husband is answering his cell phone, and my dog is barking.  Earlier today I was very busy cleaning and vacuuming after a busy day yesterday at Hershey Park.  We weren't home yesterday and the house was too messy. 

I am praying...for my second oldest son who is going through a rough time with his girlfriend.

One of my favorite things...is taking a warm bath after a busy day.

A few plans for the rest of the week...is to pick my pictures I had framed up from Michael's and to buy a summer dress for the swim team banquet.

Here is some pictures to share from swim team happenings...










Saturday, July 13, 2013

7 Quick Takes




I'm posting to 7 Quick Takes over at Conversion Diary.

1)  We had a successful march in our town's parade last night.  Candy was flying everywhere. The swim team is great fun for the kids and the families are great too.  Two of my children are lifeguards.  One is a coach in training and helps all the little ones learn how to swim.  It's great to see her helping families in our community.  Some parents even ask her to teach their young ones private lessons.  She makes good money doing this and enjoys the children.





2)  I'm filling out my Body Clutter Investigator form and it is helping me take better care of my health and loose weight.


3)  Saturday night we attend the Adult Pool Party.  We are looking forward to more fun with other parents on the swim team.  I will post pictures here later.

4)  I just found out that my mother broke her wrist when she fell.  Please pray for her continued healing.  She is lucky my brother was there to help her up and bring her to the hospital which is near her house.

5)  When I brought my son to swim team practice on Friday, I spent my time running my legs instead of running my mouth.  I walked around the pool that isn't opened yet to get some exercise.  This was good for me.  Anytime I have the opportunity to exercise, I should take advantage of it.

6)  My seven year old can now swim the length of the pool on his own.  It was so good to see his little body in the giant pool working hard to get to the other side to get his ribbon and cookie.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=588373551185628

7)  Patrick was complaining about his hand hurting from swimming so he wasn't able to do his math.  Then I said, "you can't type and use the mouse on the computer either."  He said that it takes more energy to write than type.  I told hime that he had to prove it with a science experiment.  He quickly changed his mind and did his math.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Deo Gratias




It is time to make a list of various events I am thankful for that have occurred this past week.  To participate join Thoughts on Grace at Colleen's blog under Deos Gratias.

1)  I am grateful the my seven year old finally swam across the length of the swimming pool yesterday - July 9th.  Now he will be able to swim in the Cookie Meet on Thursday with his age group.  It is so exciting to see their little bodies in that giant pool struggling to get to the other side as you cheer them on.  I am so happy for him.

2)  I am thankful for toast, peanut butter, and banana snacks for my son.  They are healthy, easy to make, and delicious.  No the dog can't have any.



3)  I am ecstatic that my 21 year old son finally got a good used car.  It looks like it is brand new.  It is a white Honda that cost $7000.  We are fortunate to know a very kind and honest mechanic who we found to buy it from.  Now my son can come and go without trying to see who needs the car.  This is soooooo what he needed!

4)  Our 4th of July celebration went extremely well.  We attended Baker Park in Frederick, Maryland and listened to Lone Star.   This was the best part.  We were all spread out in lawn chairs while the kids sat on blankets listening to good country music.  The fire works were too short but it didn't matter.  Afterwards, the traffic getting out of the parking lot was all backed up.  Therefore, my hubby and I and another couple danced to oldies in the parking lot for over an hour until traffic moved.  I think we were scaring the kids as they all huddled in one of the cars.  It was great fun.  Also, this is out of character for my hubby.  He usually parks in the best exit spot and is one of the first to leave.

5)  I am grateful that I am taking more time to listen to Fr. Barron's Word on Fire website.  He is awesome.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Light in the Darkness




I am participating with Light in the Darkness at Four Blessings Academy.  Just click on this link to participate on reporting some good news you've heard in your life.

My good news is that I was able to belong to a co-op my son wanted to join part time instead of full time.  It  was impossible to partake in the event all day long next year as our schedule did not allow it.  Now my son will be able to participate for half the day at a reduced price and he is very excited about it.  I love it when my children are excited about their education.  Today he asked me, "Mom, when does the co-op start?"  He is looking forward to when the school year starts back up in September.  Plus we will be able to attend weekly Mass after his classes.  This is a great benefit.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Five Minute Friday: Beautiful


It's time for Five Minute Friday.  Today we write for five minutes without editing on the word beautiful.  Just click on the link to participate.

Attending the fire works this year was a beautiful sight.  We gathered with our friends at a near by park as we all enjoyed the sounds of Lone Star.  People swaying to the music, sitting in our lounge chairs talking and mingling, kids playing cards on the blankets sprawled out, fire works lighting up the sky, yummy sandwiches and snacks to eat, and drinks for everyone.  It was a beautiful sight to see and be involved in.  The best part was dancing in the parking lot while we were waiting for the traffic to start to move.  We played oldies songs and we were talking and dancing in the parking lot in the middle of the traffic jam.  We were the last people to leave.  At least we enjoyed waiting for the traffic to begin to move.  We danced for at east an hour.  Old friends and good times and much laughter made a beautiful evening.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Deos Gratias


It is time for Deos Gratias to list things we are thankful for during our week.  Just click on the link to participate.

1)  I am grateful for our freedoms on this 4th of July.  We need to continue to pray for good virtuous leaders who will protect our National Sovereignty.

2)  I am so thankful that hubby took off work this week to help organize the house.  We moved all our books into bookcases downstairs (rather than upstairs).  It looks a lot better.  I'm making a little library and scrapbooking area for myself downstairs.  Thank you to my sweetie for helping me do this!!

3)  I'm grateful that I was able to get a gel manicure today.  My nails are so weak and always break.  The gel mani helps them be stronger.

4)  I'm grateful that my son found a good used car.  He and his father will be purchasing it this week.  Unfortunately, his insurance is $300 per month because of his young age.  This is outrageous.

5)  I'm thankful that my son talked to me about his problems with his girlfriend.  It is so hard to grow up and meet the right one.