Hello! Come and Visit My New Location

 

This blog has officially moved to a self hosted website.  Please click on the link and update your bookmark. I will look forward to having you.  You will like what you see!  Homeschooling 100 Digits at www.100digits.com

Book List for Thanksgiving

The Mayflower Adventure by Colleen L. Reece. Twelve-year-old John and his sister Sarah accompany their parents on the Mayflower as it sails to the New World where they hope to enjoy freedom of worship.

If You Sailed on The Mayflower in 1620 by Ann McGovern. What would you take with you? How would you keep clean? What would you eat? What did you do when you landed? Fascinating question and answer format. Lots of colorful illustrations accurately depict the people, places, and events.

Samuel Eaton’s Day by Kate Waters. Young Samuel Eaton is looking forward to his first chance to help his father bring in the crops. He finds the work incredibly hard, but he perseveres, and at the end of the day when his father tells him “you did a man’s work today, Samuel,” we feel his pride. Depicts everyday life for boys in Pilgrim times.

N.C. Wyeth’s Pilgrims by Robert San Souci. Beautifully illustrated by N. C. Wyeth, this book tells the story of the Pilgrims from their arrival on the Mayflower through the first hard years.

Tapenum’s Day by Kate Waters. Similarly done as Samuel Eaton’s Day, but it follows the daily life of an Indian boy at the time of the Pilgrims.

Three Young Pilgrims by Marcia Sewall is one of the most beautifully illustrated of all the Pilgrim stories. It follows the lives of three children who sailed on the Mayflower: Bartholomew, Remember, and Mary Aller¬ton. The story and illustrations help you imagine what it was like to be a young Pilgrim. 

The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty. A Landmark History book based on the Pilgrim’s own journals to give a moving account of their first hard years.

The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall. Written as a personal account, Sewall’s book not only conveys the spirit and conviction of the Pilgrim experience, but also provides ample historical information and domestic detail about the settlement at Plimoth and the people who survived those arduous first seasons in America.

Stories of the Pilgrims by Margaret Pumphrey. This is the book we read and reread every Thanksgiving. Re printed from a turn of the century book, this will touch your heart as you and your children follow the Pilgrims in their long search for religious freedom. 

Squanto Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Bulla. Touching life story of Squanto, who helped the Pilgrims survive and settle the new land.

Sarah Morton’s Day by Waters tells of everyday life in Plymouth Plantation for a young girl. 

Cut & Assemble the “Mayflower“: A Full-Color Paper Model of the Reconstruction at Plimoth Plantation.

Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford. Few people realize that America was founded because a devout band of non-conformist Christians lived and breathed the covenant promises of Jesus Christ. Though the Pilgrims left England because of religious persecution, they actually left Holland to protect their children from ungodly influences. These parents risked everything to protect their young. Bradford boldly proclaimed that these families were willing to sacrifice their lives, if necessary, “even though they [the Pilgrims] be but stepping stones” for future generations of Christians they would never meet. Written as the journals of William Bradford, leader of the Pilgrims, this is the true story of “average” people who changed the world because they shared a multi-generational vision.

Dragonfly TV

 

 

When we decided to get rid of cable television in our home there were a few shows that we were all really going to miss.  Dragonfly TV was one of them.  But now they have the episodes online and my kids can watch them anytime.  There are many categories to choose from including but not limited to, Matter and Motion, Living Things, and Body and Brain.  These shows are of real kids conducting different science experiments throughout the world.  It’s fun, check it out!

Janie and Jack 25% off 11/14-11/16

November 14-16, enjoy 25% off your entire purchase at Janie & Jack. To redeem at JanieandJack.com, just enter promo codeJJFRIEND at checkout. To redeem in-store, print out this coupon and present at checkout.

On their sale rack you can find beautiful clothes up to 75% off. These sales aren’t as good online.

Target Toy Coupons

Target has a whole page of printable toy coupons.  Just click here.  These expire 11/26.

Klutz for Christmas

Have your kids experienced any of the Klutz products? They are so great. We have used many different sets over the years. My kids received a half a dozen or so last year for Christmas and they use them weekly for different activities. There are so many different things to choose from. And, if you go to their website and sign up you can get 25% off your order.  I do not know when and if this offer expires.

In God We Still Trust

A Snack My Kids Love To Eat

 

Edamame!  More commonly known as the soybean this is a fun and delicious snack for kids.  All of my kids go crazy when I put out a bowl of these.  They are simple and quick to prepare too!  They can be eaten warm or cold.  I buy them at Trader Joe’s in their freezer department.  You can get them in the shell, out of the shell, precooked or 5 minutes to cook.  Try some.

A Tree of Thanks

I sent the first 80 digits on a quest in the rain.   They searched high and low for the perfect branch for our first “Tree of Thanks”.  The girls helped me plant the tree and outline the leaves.  Then they all put up their first thought of thanks.  Every night at dinner we will add to the tree and discuss what the bible says about being thankful.  Of course, it is encouraged that if they think of something they are thankful for through the day they can add to it too.  

Thanksgiving is a holiday that began in America for us to give thanks to God for His blessings upon our lives.  Here are some verses to get you started:

• Psalm 100
• Psalm 9:1
• Psalm 50:23
• Psalm 92:1
• Psalm 97:12
• Philippians 4:6

 

A New Site in “Sites for Kids”

This is probably the best site that I have found for kids.  It is so much fun!  Even though I added it to my “Sites for Kids” link, it deserved it’s own post.  I have been writing my own silly stories, learning about the history of solitaire and sneakers, guessing flags of the world and so much more.  Ok, it’s actually not only for kids!  You have to check it out.  The design is wonderful and easy to navigate.  Endless hours of fun.  I like it so much I want to start a collection of Chevron cars.  The coloring pages are terrific too.  Don’t forget you can always find it easily by using the button on this blog called “Sites for Kids”.  Have Fun!

Splink

 

“A Splink is a SIMPLE way to LINK your family together spiritually.  It’s a FREE weekly email packed with ideas to help connect your family. Splinks are creative ways of interacting with your children with family devotional starters and ideas for family time. Splinks can also help you use teachable moments to pass along spiritual truths and life lessons while making memories or just having fun together. No matter where you are, it can always be time for a Splink! “

Here is an example activity:

Clothes from God

 As your child is getting dressed, ask:

•      Did you know the Bible tells you what to put on?

Read Colossians 3:12-17. (If you don’t have time to read the verses right then, tell them some of the characteristics listed and read them together later, maybe at bedtime when you are picking out the next day’s clothes.) 
Write each characteristic they are to “put on” on a slip of paper. (Some include: love, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, humility, patience.) Put the slips of paper in a cup and ask each member of the family to draw out one characteristic they will “put on” that day. Evaluate how it went at the end of the day. Ask: 

•      What chances did you have to show the characteristic you picked today?
•      What was hard or easy about it?

Reward your children at the end of the day by reading an extra book or playing a game together.  Put the slips back in the cup and pick a new one each day of the week, if you like.

Sign up now to have the weekly Splink emailed straight into your inbox. What are you waiting for? Get Splinking!

My Own Shower

 

I have used this for many years.  I think it builds confidence in the water quicker than taking baths.  It makes washing hair and rinsing off babies much easier.  I like to wash my babies hair and bodies while they sit or stand in the tub and then when they are all washed they can take a fun bath in clean water.  With all of the controversy about bath, shampoo and soap chemicals possibly being a threat to their growing organs, I prefer that my kids take baths in pure, clean water.  The older kids like that they can adjust it to their height. It’s a bargain at $20!  

You can find this at Leaps and Bounds and a few other online retailers.

T-I-M-E

I received this in an email and thought it worthy of a post!

Quiet Heroes
by Max Lucado

Quiet heroes dot the landscape of our society. They don’t wear ribbons or kiss trophies; they wear spit-up and kiss boo-boos. They don’t make the headlines, but they do sew the hemlines and check the outlines and stand on the sidelines. You won’t find their names on the Nobel Prize short list, but you will find their names on the homeroom, carpool, and Bible teacher lists.

They are parents, both by blood and deed, name and calendar. Heroes. News programs don’t call them. But that’s okay. Because their kids do … They call them Mom. They call them Dad. And these moms and dads, more valuable than all the executives and lawmakers west of the Mississippi, quietly hold the world together.

Be numbered among them. Read books to your kids. Play ball while you can and they want you to. Make it your aim to watch every game they play, read every story they write, hear every recital in which they perform.

Children spell love with four letters: T-I-M-E. Not just quality time, but hang time, downtime, anytime, all the time. Your children are not your hobby; they are your calling.

Your spouse is not your trophy but your treasure.
But it’s not too late for you.

Make your wife the object of your highest devotion. Make your husband the recipient of your deepest passion. Love the one who wears your ring.

And cherish the children who share your name.

Succeed at home first.

Food & Family Magazine

This magazine is fantastic and it is FREE!  They have the most simple and delicious recipes.  It gives tips, tons of recipes, all kinds of goodies.

Sure they do the typical product placement, but I just ignore it.  I do not think that the recipe cares whether or not I use Kraft cheese rather than another brand in the fridge.

These are recipes and ideas you can actually use even if you are not much of a cook. I suggest that you sign up and actually get some mail that you enjoy opening! Click the link below to sign up to receive your free subscription.

Kraft Food & Family Magazine

Recycled Glove Craft Project

 

“Gloves (like socks), while born to be part of a pair, often end their days in lonely solitude, separated from their mates by the forces of the universe that conspire at every turn to pull them apart. Alone, they sadly serve little purpose (aside from the occasional show biz appearance for only the most sparkling among them), and are left to languish in the backs of a drawers and bottoms of closets — that is, if they’re not disposed of all together. Ah… but it’s a new day. Crafter and author Miyako Kanamori has a plan and she’s ready to share it!”

For full instructions please visit The Storque or check out the book it came from and more fun projects in Happy Gloves: Charming Softy Friends Made from Colorful Gloves by Miyako Kanamori.

or for another fun craft using gloves visit this blog entry: Whipup Handcraft in a Hectic World

Homeschool Funnies

And you can hug them when they need a hug!

Bible Bee Fall 2009

 

“The Shelby Kennedy Foundation is preparing to launch the first-of-its-kind, world-class Bible Bee Competition. The competition will begin with Local Contests in communities nationwide on September 12, 2009. The top 100 finalists from each age group will advance to the National Contest in Washington, D.C. to compete on November 5-6, 2009”

Please visit the official Bible Bee website for information on local Bible Bees and how you can be involved and participate.

Michaels Kids Program “The Knack”

 

“Michaels new kids’ program, The Knack^SM, lets your kids explore their creativity through a wealth of great ideas, projects and crafts designed just for them. And to enhance kids’ creative experience, Michaels offers fun in-store events and activities for kids and their families to enjoy — from The Knack Free^SM Family Events (free to participate) to The Knack^SM Saturdays, during which kids ages 5-12 will create their own fun craft for only $5 per child, including supplies. The Knack^SM Saturdays have 30 minute sessions at 10, 10:30, 11 or 11:30 am.”  

Click the graphic or here to be directed to Michaels website and their program details.  Make sure to sign up for “The Knack” AND “The Knack Faculty” for great deals and resources.  They will email you a goody for your kids birthday!

Play Dough Cookies

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• assorted colors of paste food coloring
• 24 lollipop sticks

1. In a bowl cream butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.
2. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir till soft dough forms. Divide dough into fourths. Tint each with a different food color. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Working with half of each color, shape dough into 3/4 inch balls and for each cookie place 1 pink, 1 green, 1 blue and 1 orange ball together to make 1 large ball. Shape into a 12 inch long roll (like a snake), starting at one end, coil roll to make a 2 3/4 inch round cookie. Place cookies 3 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Carefully insert lollipop sticks into bottoms of cookies.
4. Bake cookies for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Church History ~ Reformation Day

With Reformation Day upon us on the 31st this is a great documentary on Martin Luther and how he revolutionized the Christian faith.  I would highly recommend it to anyone that would like to learn about this important event in church history. This DVD is available at most public libraries or can be purchased as well for your church history library.  Here is an excerpt from the PBS produced documentary:

But after entering the monastery, Luther becomes increasingly doubtful that the Church can actually offer him salvation at all. His views crystallize even further with a trip to Rome, where he finds that the capital of Catholicism is swamped in corruption.

Wracked by despair, Luther finally finds release in the pages of the Bible, when he discovers that it is not the Church, but his own individual faith that will guarantee his salvation.

With this revelation, he turns on the Church, attacking its practice of selling Indulgences in the famous 95 Theses. The key points of Luther’s theses were simple, but devastating: a criticism of the Pope’s purpose in raising the money, “he is richer than Croesus, he would do better to sell St Peters and give the money to the poor people…”, and a straightforward concern for his flock, “indulgences are most pernicious because they induce complacency and thereby imperil salvation”.