tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49040756696219513442024-03-05T14:31:11.808-06:00Nursery Rhymes and Fun Timessharing our reading and learning adventuresAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-35312506143985856522012-02-27T21:11:00.000-06:002012-02-27T21:13:13.906-06:00Ten, Nine, Eight, Letter T & Chicka Chicka 123<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" border="0" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Grace is 18 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Preschool%20Corner" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/jolantheerb/PreschoolCornersidebarbutton210.jpg" title="Preschool Corner" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Jonathan is 37 months</td></tr>
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It's been a couple weeks since I've posted. We've managed to stay healthy and busy! Here's what we've been up to the past two weeks.<br />
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<b>Valentine's Day Sensory Play</b><br />
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We celebrated Valentine's Day with a fun new sensory bin. I recently found some plastic heart-shaped "table sprinkle" in the dollar section at Target. It made for great and easy sensory play! We sorted by color, made patterns, and practiced some fine motor pouring. The kids <i>loved </i>this!<br />
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<b>RRSP</b><br />
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We've reviewed the letter T this unit, and did many activities Carisa provided in her <i>free </i><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStarsPreschool.html" target="_blank">curriculum</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our T verse, props, and words</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjppGLuiHRl7b0YNoyuySJGjn0AHP8MKqmab6xtqj7VbOWqe9Q_DpV6UlgyXwshavE0V-NG_WUpKmNPZSqOSFhUVW1UIzHljWqv6k7DoIT_L2zSCVXwm_3qZdT-TwUriZ_1MAwv6w4Czm2/s1600/IMG_6314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjppGLuiHRl7b0YNoyuySJGjn0AHP8MKqmab6xtqj7VbOWqe9Q_DpV6UlgyXwshavE0V-NG_WUpKmNPZSqOSFhUVW1UIzHljWqv6k7DoIT_L2zSCVXwm_3qZdT-TwUriZ_1MAwv6w4Czm2/s320/IMG_6314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan cut out and taped his verse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-MYpmhnMx2zOGq1GH6VBlKRGSjBpVbDEjRndH2S82gS5AxM6M2l0wK-luCA6sKAmXhf6GvOCmqvIgbQGD_pS9K8feRwPJ5_QAL_DQ9tp7z9czPYUDdwYSr-s3yeWoCeyQKkMcrAML7TL/s1600/IMG_6302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-MYpmhnMx2zOGq1GH6VBlKRGSjBpVbDEjRndH2S82gS5AxM6M2l0wK-luCA6sKAmXhf6GvOCmqvIgbQGD_pS9K8feRwPJ5_QAL_DQ9tp7z9czPYUDdwYSr-s3yeWoCeyQKkMcrAML7TL/s320/IMG_6302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracing "T" -- we're still working on pencil grip!</td></tr>
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<b>Books</b><br />
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We read some books from our Sonlight P3/4 curriculum this past week as well as some other favorites:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ten-Nine-Eight-Molly-Bang/dp/0688009069/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330397112&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Ten, Nine, Eight </a>by Molly Bang-- this was sort of our "theme" for the week. We've read this book before, it's a cozy bedtime story.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Says-John-Steptoe/dp/0688118550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330397179&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Baby Says</a> by John Stepcoe-- a story about a baby trying to get his big brother's attention. I think both Jonathan and Grace could relate to this story-- both kids requested it several times!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eloise-Wilkin-Stories-Little-Treasury/dp/0375829288/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330397256&sr=1-4" target="_blank">Busy Timmy</a> from Eloise Wilken Golden Book treasury-- a charming vintage story about a little boy's activities during his day.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chicka-Boom/dp/0689858817/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330397318&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Chicka Chicka 123</a> by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson-- oh my, this is currently the story Jonathan requests <i>every night. </i>It reviews numbers 1-20 and then covers 30-100 by tens. It's really sparked a huge interest in numbers for Jonathan.<br />
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<b>Math & Logic </b><br />
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To go with our reading of Ten, Nine, Eight, we made a sticker book counting down from 10 to 1. We used Cars stickers, since Lightning McQueen is a favorite around here:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpQQ8arQhyphenhyphen4WQqmU7TWhKYQRTuplf-1P3g8LTNAjsALY_FrZ6tayrgQOVWQGvjr41IApuMHb8GyuwTN17yW3BnxolLRpmmx8ooSBwPHT2CvzgxSFX8ZmmFHWp3ZhybVU5N43SBAlC-XGb/s1600/IMG_6295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpQQ8arQhyphenhyphen4WQqmU7TWhKYQRTuplf-1P3g8LTNAjsALY_FrZ6tayrgQOVWQGvjr41IApuMHb8GyuwTN17yW3BnxolLRpmmx8ooSBwPHT2CvzgxSFX8ZmmFHWp3ZhybVU5N43SBAlC-XGb/s320/IMG_6295.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Jonathan made the book while Grace just had fun playing with stickers. We also practiced counting backwards, but this didn't click with Jonathan yet. At least reciting numbers. If he's counting down the number of "sleeps" until a desired activity, he has no problem knowing how many are left! :)<br />
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<b><i>Reading </i></b><br />
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We did a free trial of the website <a href="http://readingeggs.com/" target="_blank">Reading Eggs</a>. Overall, Jonathan liked it. We made it through the first eight lessons. It <i>did </i>help his word-building skills and he's read some words on his own. The only thing that frustrated him was that they would repeat an activity over-and-over again. For example, he would have to click on the letter "t" twenty times while it made the "t" sound. He got pretty bored with it and would want me to complete the activity so he could move on to the next one. But, he did enjoy it overall and has requested it several times. I haven't paid for access, I'm not entirely sure if it's worth it or not due to the level of frustration.<br />
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<b><i>Art</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAFWp1aOdVvLGAtlethau-8fUEgKmGgU22gr_ZtgLH4H9VVTUIM3qbenBQueLyB7WWq3cQgAKzA2ow3ITEDDQz5UHSPfkgXlDmvcEn0SwWZiQ4xJLyVwKGj7DqP1CFx_P48adBm9rvsze/s1600/IMG_6306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAFWp1aOdVvLGAtlethau-8fUEgKmGgU22gr_ZtgLH4H9VVTUIM3qbenBQueLyB7WWq3cQgAKzA2ow3ITEDDQz5UHSPfkgXlDmvcEn0SwWZiQ4xJLyVwKGj7DqP1CFx_P48adBm9rvsze/s320/IMG_6306.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We did a lot of coloring the past few weejs. I found some coloring books at the Target dollar spot and we had fun with those. Grace <i>loves </i>to color, but I have to watch her with the crayons!<br />
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<b><i>Motor Skills </i></b><br />
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We went to our park district's open gym time several times over the past few weeks. We also had a little bit of snow last week and had fun playing outside!<br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Linking this up to:<br />
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<a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/search/label/Tot%20School" target="_blank">Tot School</a> @ 1+1+1=1<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Preschool%20Corner" target="_blank">Preschool Corner</a> @ Homeschool Creations<br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/category/linklearn" target="_blank">Link & Learn</a> @ No Time for Flashcards<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-441207992661576572012-02-18T15:17:00.000-06:002012-02-19T21:42:40.468-06:00Goodnight Moon Unit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace is 18 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Preschool%20Corner" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/jolantheerb/PreschoolCornersidebarbutton210.jpg" title="Preschool Corner" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan is 37 months</td></tr>
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A couple weeks ago we did a Goodnight Moon unit. Goodnight Moon is included as a book in <a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=fd22a682fa8d619e3c651d713eea02b6&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2F&v=1&libid=1329598101762&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sonlight.com%2Frewards%2FAK20340071&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CCQQFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%252F%26ei%3DiQ5AT4WbBIu-gAeB5YCmCA%26usg%3DAFQjCNGnfPnIoxu2jC1MfU0SB71PiJuwPw%26sig2%3D3PPWC04jK31-L-Fei6rUbg&title=Nursery%20Rhymes%20and%20Fun%20Times&txt=Sonlight%20P3%2F4&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13295981111351" target="_blank">Sonlight P3/4</a> as well as <a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=fd22a682fa8d619e3c651d713eea02b6&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2F&v=1&libid=1329598101762&out=http%3A%2F%2Frainbowresource.com%2Fproduct%2Fsku%2F001512%2Fc5fb2a9e0a87a666c9bac09a&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CCQQFjAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%252F%26ei%3DiQ5AT4WbBIu-gAeB5YCmCA%26usg%3DAFQjCNGnfPnIoxu2jC1MfU0SB71PiJuwPw%26sig2%3D3PPWC04jK31-L-Fei6rUbg&title=Nursery%20Rhymes%20and%20Fun%20Times&txt=Before%20Five%20in%20a%20Row&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13295981252322" target="_blank">Before Five in a Row</a>. We combined activities from several different sites (see links at bottom of post). </div>
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<b>Sensory Bin</b></div>
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I made the kids a Goodnight Moon themed sensory bin. I tried to get a good picture of what was inside, but all the pictures were blurry. The green "room" had black beans, silver stars, white "moon" (pom poms), three bears from our counting bears, a cow, red "balloons" (pom poms), and a cat. Both Jonathan and Grace had a lot of fun pouring, spooning, transferring the beans back and forth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxUuAf7oeDy_Ut1pKpjc6arG4ioEHMbKOX8ioumNoJerx7DTRgLCyizEnbiu4IkouMaZ2ZXXkswpzLZEJlKmUSg-1dfbHp-ktkUmzvHFKjgraG7PWdAcc-f2x_oKAMlct2q0QSJlDWqZW/s1600/IMG_6276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxUuAf7oeDy_Ut1pKpjc6arG4ioEHMbKOX8ioumNoJerx7DTRgLCyizEnbiu4IkouMaZ2ZXXkswpzLZEJlKmUSg-1dfbHp-ktkUmzvHFKjgraG7PWdAcc-f2x_oKAMlct2q0QSJlDWqZW/s320/IMG_6276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Books </b><br />
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We read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Moon-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/0694003611/ref=sr_1_1_title_2_boa?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329598719&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Goodnight Moon</a> several times as well as:<br />
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* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kittens-First-Full-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0060588284/ref=sr_1_17?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329598693&sr=1-17" target="_blank">Kitten's First Full Moon</a> by Kevin Henkes<br />
* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Papa-Please-Get-Moon-Me/dp/088708026X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329598617&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Papa, Please Get the Moon</a> for Me by Eric Carle<br />
* <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Bears-Byron-Barton/dp/0060204230/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329598754&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Three Bears</a> illustrated by Byron Barton<br />
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All of the books were a hit with Jonathan. Grace liked Goodnight Moon the best, but also sat through the Three Bears.<br />
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<b>Misc</b><br />
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We talked about balloons and reviewed colors, using a printable from Homeschool share. We also had fun playing volleyball with a red balloon. (And we listened to Nena's 99 Luftballoons while we played!)<br />
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We practiced beginning sounds, which he aced!<br />
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And worked on categorizing things into single or pair:<br />
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We counted stars:<br />
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Played with our shape clock:<br />
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And worked on putting mittens and socks on a clothesline for some fine motor work:</div>
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Some things I didn't get pictures of include playing Volleyball with a red balloon, matching rhyming words, playing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-Teddy-Mix-Match-Childrens/dp/B0006GVA16/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1329598840&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Teddy Mix & Match</a>, eating teddy grahams and "full moon" cookies (Oreos)<br />
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We had a <i>lot </i>of fun with this unit-- be sure to check out these wonderful resources!<br />
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<i>Resources </i><br />
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Goodnight Moon Printables @ <a href="http://homeschoolshare.com/b4_resources_goodnight_moon.php" target="_blank">Homeschool Share</a><br />
Goodnight Moon Printables @ <a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/GoodnightMoonPrintables.html" target="_blank">Homeschool Creations</a><br />
Goodnight Moon Activities @ <a href="http://delightfullearning.blogspot.com/2010/04/good-night-moon.html" target="_blank">Delightful Learning</a><br />
My Goodnight Moon <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/fiar-goodnight-moon/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>board<br />
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Linking this up to:<br />
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<a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/search/label/Tot%20School" target="_blank">Tot School</a> @ 1+1+1=1<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Preschool%20Corner" target="_blank">Preschool Corner</a> @ Homeschool Creations<br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/category/linklearn" target="_blank">Link & Learn</a> @ No Time for Flashcards<br />
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Have a great week!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-73585135880881995312012-02-07T15:10:00.001-06:002012-02-07T15:10:33.873-06:00Letter Ll Adventures<br />
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We recently covered several themes as we learned about the Letter Ll. For the majority of the lesson, we used Carisa's awesome (free!) <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStarsPreschool.html" target="_blank">Raising Rockstars</a> curriculum. Since Jonathan knows all his letters at this point, I wanted to use the program to help him prepare for writing as well as hiding more of God's Word in his heart...<br />
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Here are some highlights of our "L" week<br />
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<i>Light- </i>Our memory verse for this week was Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good good works and glorify your father in heaven. We made Popsicle stick props and both Jonathan and Grace had fun waving them around to our song: <i>This Little Light of Mine. </i>I was so excited that even Grace got some of the memory verse down. She would say "shine!" when I would repeat the first half of the verse. We also complemented each other when we would catch our lights "shining" such as by sharing toys.<br />
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We did some pre-writing exercises using our Crayola <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Dry-Erase-Activity-Center/dp/B00125V99S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1328647795&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Dry Erase Activity Center</a>-- I love that it saves me the cost of laminating pages!<br />
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Jonathan pasted our "L" words to a piece of scrapbook paper:<br />
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We learned a rhyme about <i style="font-weight: bold;">lemons </i>and made lemon pudding:<br />
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For fine motor work, Jonathan practiced opening and closing a <b><i>lock</i></b>:<br /><br />
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We played <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zobmondo-Entertainment-The-Ladybug-Game/dp/B0008ELWYG/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1328647949&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The <b>Ladybug G</b>ame</a>:<br />
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and finger/sponge-painted <b>leaves</b>:<br />
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Jonathan loves vehicles of every kind, so we learned about <b>limousines </b>and played with our Hotwheels <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wheels-Car-Gift-Pack/dp/B005AIZX0O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1328648185&sr=8-6" target="_blank">Limousine<b> </b></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Long-Limousines-Reading-Power-Machines/dp/0823959589/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328648058&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Long Limousines</a> (Extreme Machines)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Limousines-Roaring-Rides-Tracy-Maurer/dp/158952747X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328648058&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Limousines (Roaring Rides) </a><br />
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We had a lot of fun with our "L" adventures. We did some pages from <a href="http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/001720/0864bb4138212727006f2ab7" target="_blank">Go for the Code</a> and Jonathan did quite well with them. He actually surprised me! I knew he had letter recognition and the phonetic sound down, but he did an awesome job with identifying beginning sounds.<br />
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<i>Math & Logic </i><br />
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We did a couple pages from our <a href="http://www.timberdoodle.com/Mathematical_Reasoning_Beginning_Pre_K_p/410-036.htm" target="_blank">math </a>and <a href="http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/014217/0864bb4138212727006f2ab7" target="_blank">logic </a>workbooks. These ones were super easy for him (counting and color identification), but he enjoyed them a lot and wanted to do more. For a non worksheet kid, that's saying something!<br />
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So that summarizes our "Ll" adventures. It took about two weeks for us to complete the unit due to sickness and life. Thanks for visiting!<br />
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Linking up to:<br />
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<a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/search/label/Tot%20School" target="_blank">Tot School</a> @ 1+1+1=1<br /><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Preschool%20Corner" target="_blank">Preschool Corner</a> @ Homeschool CreationsAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-3692805405438457102012-01-29T21:11:00.000-06:002012-01-29T21:11:12.867-06:00Our 2012 "Curriculum"Now that Christmas is over, I'm excited to get back to having some more intentional "Tot School" time with Grace and I'm hoping to start doing a little bit of "Preschool" work with Jonathan. I still don't want to do anything terribly structured-- I do believe that children learn best through play. However, Jonathan is very curious and I do want to be presenting him with lots of books and building some of his preschool "skills". <br />
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I recently read Clay & Sally Clarkson's <em>Educating the Wholehearted Child. </em>If you are thinking about homeschooling, I heartily recommend the book. In the book, they present the analogy of a house.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Discipleship Studies-- this is the foundation of a Christian home-education. If we're not teaching our children the Word of God, nothing else matters. </li>
<li>Disciplined Studies-- the study of the mechanics of reading, writing, math and logic. </li>
<li>Discussion Studies and Discovery Studies-- include history, science, geography, etc. </li>
<li>Discretionary Studies-- are the glue that holds everything together, these things are tailored to particular interests and talents of your child. </li>
</ul>
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As we consider homeschooling our children, my plan is to work from the ground up. This past year with Jonathan we've been building a foundation of Biblical studies as well as some basic alphabet studies. Now, I'm hoping to add some more of the disciplined studies to the mix. Next year as we get closer to kindergarten, I hope to include some geography, science, etc. This model helps me to focus on what is the most important and add things in slowly without being overwhelmed at trying to do it all! <br />
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So, without further ado, this is what we're hoping to do in 2012:<br />
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<strong>Jonathan </strong>is three years old (as of Jan). <strong>Grace </strong>will be 1-1/2 through 2-1/2 through 2012. <br />
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<em>Discipleship Studies: Bible & Character</em><br />
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We are continuing our study of the New Testament through June of 2012. Our monthly units will be:<br />
<ul>
<li>Jesus the Healer </li>
<li>Jesus the Miracle Worker</li>
<li>Jesus the Teacher</li>
<li>Jesus the Storyteller</li>
<li>Jesus the Savior</li>
<li>The Early Church</li>
</ul>
After June, I will decide whether we will do another one-year cycle of biblical history or do something else. <br />
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We use: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Pictures-Little-Eyes-Gift/dp/0802430783/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327890222&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes</a> for our Bible units along with supplemental books that go with each unit. In the evenings, we try to go through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Picture-Story-Bible-Book/dp/1433523914/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327890265&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Big Picture Story Bible</a> with daddy. <br />
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For character training, we are currently using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Right-Choices-Kenneth-N-Taylor/dp/0842352996/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327890317&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Right Choices</a> by Kenneth Taylor. I'm still researching what we'd like to use after we are finished with this book. <br />
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<em>Memory Verses: </em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-ABC-Bible-Verses-Hiding/dp/1581340052/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327890417&sr=1-1" target="_blank">My ABC Bible Verses</a> by Susan Hunt (this goes along with Raising Rockstars Preschool)<br />
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<em>Disciplined Studies: Reading, Writing, Math, Logic</em><br />
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Reading (for both Jonathan & Grace)<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.sonlight.com/rewards/AK20340071" target="_blank">Sonlight P3/4</a>-- I'm interested in using Sonlight as the children get older. I bought the instructor's guide for P3/4 and am going to get most of the books from the library. My goal is to spread this out until Grace is old enough to do Sonlight P4/5 with us. I'm going to supplement some of the books with fun activities as well as use:</li>
<li><a href="http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/001512/c5fb2a9e0a87a666c9bac09a" target="_blank">Before Five in a Row</a>-- a literature-based preschool "curriculum". </li>
</ul>
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Phonics (for Jonathan)<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Parents-Guide-Teaching-Reading/dp/0972860312/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327891042&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading</a>-- I'm using this as my base guide to knowing which concepts to introduce. Supplementing with beginning readers such as <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=bob+books" target="_blank">Bob Books</a> or readers from <a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=modern+curriculum+press+readers" target="_blank">Modern Curriculum Press</a> (courtesy of our library). </li>
</ul>
Handwriting (Jonathan): <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/RaisingRockStarsPreschool.html" target="_blank">Raising Rockstars Preschool</a>- a wonderful, <em>free </em>curriculum from Carisa over at 1+1+1=1. This will also be used for Grace's letter recognition. We'll probably alternate this with Literature or theme-based units. </li>
</ul>
Math (Jonathan):<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.timberdoodle.com/Mathematical_Reasoning_Beginning_Pre_K_p/410-036.htm" target="_blank">Beginning Math Reasoning</a>- this is an award-winning book for 3 and 4 year olds. I hope to start going through this with Jonathan- it covers lots of concepts from counting through beginning fractions. He's already beginning to add and subtract, so I think this will be helpful. I'm supplementing with:</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/searchspring.php?q=MathStart#/?q=(mathstart&page=1" target="_blank">MathStart</a> books-- living books which help teach math concepts (courtesy of our library)</li>
<li>Manipulatives- <a href="http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/004087/c5fb2a9e0a87a666c9bac09a" target="_blank">Unifix cubes</a>, counting bears, etc. </li>
</ul>
Logic: <br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.timberdoodle.com/Building_Thinking_Skills_Beginning_p/410-074.htm" target="_blank">Building Thinking Skills Beginning</a>-- an award-winning book which helps develop early logic skills. </li>
</ul>
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So that's our plan for this coming year! It'll probably be re-worked several times as I see how realistic it is. But flexibility is one benefit of learning at home! <br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-90802820445301229482012-01-29T19:44:00.002-06:002012-01-29T21:11:43.962-06:00January In Review-- Homemade BeanBags, Cinnamon Rolls, First Art Experiences,<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" border="0" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan is 36 Months<br />
Grace is 17 Months</td></tr>
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Well, I need to get caught up on posting! Hoped to start last week, but a round of illness hit us (high fevers, respiratory infections, ear infections, pinkeye...). My poor Jonathan was miserable! He's finally feeling better so I'm excited to start some more activities with him this coming week. :) <br />
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Here are some highlights of the last couple weeks (what little we did): <br />
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<em>Colors- </em>Grace and I have been trying to work on colors. Here are a few activities we've done: </div>
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<li> I made pairs of beanbags out of fat quarters ($1 per color at Walmart). I got a new sewing machine for Christmas and they were <em>so </em>easy to make (I'm a sewing newbie). We work on identifying colors and matching colors with these. They're also a lot of fun to throw! </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNTlxtDT4YVYQqaOG0u9qgMZ98W9jmKczIm5aO-AT0MRVDgkqbUMo809Qc3_HacVZeqo-LB9NQ1Kl-UF1-CczNiZdSWaeYjucITgCUH9mnglc_X2xvZG1_EVV_5OiiQ-W-2d0pGivyTk6/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNTlxtDT4YVYQqaOG0u9qgMZ98W9jmKczIm5aO-AT0MRVDgkqbUMo809Qc3_HacVZeqo-LB9NQ1Kl-UF1-CczNiZdSWaeYjucITgCUH9mnglc_X2xvZG1_EVV_5OiiQ-W-2d0pGivyTk6/s320/IMG_6191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade beanbags</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>I've also been making her "color baskets". We put several toys of the same color in one basket and talk about the colors. </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEyDHIJvEjU/TyXzqEExI0I/AAAAAAAAF4k/pCG2Wns-cPU/s1600/IMG_6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEyDHIJvEjU/TyXzqEExI0I/AAAAAAAAF4k/pCG2Wns-cPU/s200/IMG_6187.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our red basket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<em>Books & Vocabulary- </em>Grace is talking quite a bit. Right now she loves finding books and curling up in our laps. She especially likes the books with pictures of everyday objects (such as Roger Priddy books). She likes pointing to the items and trying to say or repeat the names. <br />
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<em>Cooking- </em>Jonathan and Grace enjoy standing in the learning tower and watching us cook. They had fun watching daddy make homemade cinnamon rolls the other day: <br />
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<em>Art- </em><br />
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Grace tried fingerpainting for the first time, as well as dot painting with our Do-A-Dot Markers. They also love coloring on our new easel they got for Christmas. Grace is a sneaky one though-- she likes to walk off with the crayons and color on other objects. <br />
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Jonathan got a paint with water book for Christmas, and he has fun painting the cars: <br />
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<em>Motor Skills- </em>After being cooped up, we went to our park district's open gym time. We were nearly the only ones there! It was fun and it let them get some of that energy out: <br />
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Grace was so tired by the end of the hour that she just laid down: <br />
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Thanks for visiting! <br />
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I'm linking this post up to:<br />
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<a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/search/label/Tot%20School" target="_blank">Tot School</a> at 1+1+1=1 <br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/category/linklearn" target="_blank">Link & Learn</a> at No Time for Flashcards<br />
<a href="http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunday%20Showcase" target="_blank">Sunday Showcase</a> @ Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-49402185618339250402012-01-11T06:22:00.001-06:002012-01-11T06:22:40.617-06:00Still here...The past couple months have been really busy with the holidays and my new job! I'm now working 5-7 hours a week doing children's ministry for our church. This really has been a <i>wonderful </i>opportunity- I feel like I'm using my gifting and my training to bless our church. Most of it can be done from home so I still have the ability to teach and train my little ones! God really put this in my lap unexpectedly and it's been a huge blessing!<br />
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This last month I was involved in launching a blog for our children's ministry with resources, activities and articles for parents. (Email me if you want the link). So fun to use my experience blogging to also bless the church!<br />
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The kids are doing well and getting big:<br />
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Grace is now almost 17 months old. She started walking Nov 19th. We were at a playdate and she just stood up and took 20 steps. Then she did it again and again and again. There's no turning back now!<br />
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In the last month her speech has also blossomed. She probably has about 30-40 words and is adding new words each day. Jonathan was a late talker, so this has been very fun to watch! (I swear when he began talking he spoke in sentences!) She tries to sing songs with us and we can often hear her walking around singing the ABC song (not the letters, but the melody).<br />
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She loves to snuggle in with a book and really just be into anything her older brother is doing!<br />
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Jonathan just turned three years old and is growing up so fast! Three has been presenting its own challenges but we're adjusting. Potty training is still going on-- yesterday he actually initiated, so there's a glimmer of hope! He's for the most part dropped his naptime so we've instituted quiet play/rest time. '<br />
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Lately he's been into <i>Cars</i>, Richard Scarry books, picture puzzles (I Spy, 1001 Things to Spot), Clifford books, and being energetic!<br />
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Bible-wise, we've moved into the life of Christ. This week we're discussing Jesus Calling the 12 Disciples. I hope to at least get back to posting our Bible lessons. We've also been working on practicing godly choices.<br />
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Jonathan has his letters and their sounds down, so I've been wrestling a little with what to do next. He's picked up on beginning letter sounds and rhyming words. He's not ready to write, but he pretends to write. We've been practicing a lot with pencils lately. He got an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Deluxe-Standing-Easel/dp/B0002AUWKG/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1326284330&sr=1-1" target="_blank">easel </a>for Christmas and he enjoys writing on the whiteboard a lot. (As does Grace!)<br />
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Mathwise, he's counting fairly well. He gets up to 15 and sometimes to 20. His daddy does some basic word problems with him and he follows along well. He loves games! We got him <a href="http://www.amazon.com/HABA-My-Very-First-Games/dp/B004BW8TYC/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1326284181&sr=1-1" target="_blank">My First Orchard</a> for Christmas and he also received <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-Snails-Pace-Race-Childrens/dp/B004KZ8P2Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1326284213&sr=1-2" target="_blank">The Snail's Pace Race</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-Teddy-Mix-Match-Childrens/dp/B0006GVA16/ref=pd_sim_t_4" target="_blank">Teddy Mix & Match</a> for his birthday. He loves to pull out a game!<br />
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I don't want to push him, but I want to challenge him. In fact, it seems like he acts up a bit more when we don't have at least 15-30 minutes of learning time. So I'm wrestling with what to do with him this year. I just bought the Teacher's Guide for Sonlight P3/4. My hope is to read all the books with him and Grace over this year or so. But I think he's up for a bit more of a challenge... Any suggestions would be welcome!<br />
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So that's our lives right now. Hopefully I'll be able to work blogging back in soon-- I do miss it!<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-26740715254378739162011-11-16T14:00:00.001-06:002011-11-16T14:56:28.313-06:00Kids in the Word: Jonah<div align="center">
<a href="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/category/homeschooling/kids-in-the-word-wednesdays/" title="The Pelsers"><img alt="The Pelsers" src="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wednesdays-in-the-Word.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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Although we're all recovering from illness here, we <i>did </i>get through our Bible story from last week, which was Jonah. </div>
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As usually, we read the story in our toddler Bible. And then we read these stories to supplement:</div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iJ5gCGkJL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iJ5gCGkJL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonah-Fish-Read-Beginners-Bible/dp/0310714591/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321475147&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Jonah and the Big Fish</a></i></div>
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This is an easy-reader story that recounts the narrative of Jonah. It focuses on the themes of obedience as well as God's forgiveness. Jonathan has loved this series of books and this one is no exception. It focuses mostly on Jonah 1-3 and includes the fact that the people of Ninevah repented and turned to God. </div>
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<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonah-Very-Big-Fish-Books/dp/0570075416/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1321475358&sr=8-6" target="_blank">Jonah and the Very Big Fish </a></i></div>
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This is another Arch book which recounts the biblical narrative in rhyming verse. I like that it actually includes all four chapters of Jonah and therefore also includes Jonah's attitude at the end of the book after Ninevah repents as well as God's response. </div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ZGa0HuatL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ZGa0HuatL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whoops-Jonah-Fish-Hear-Read/dp/0570047048/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321475375&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Whoops! (Jonah and the Fish)</a> by Mary Manz Simon</div>
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This is another easy reader that tries to tell the story of Jonah and the fish in about twenty-five words. Jonathan really liked the illustrations in this story-- he would pound his fist with Jonah as Jonah declares he will not go to Ninevah. What I don't like is that the book solely focuses on Jonah's obedience and never mentions how Ninevah responds. </div>
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<b><i>Games </i></b></div>
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We talked about obedience a lot with the Jonah story, so we played <i>Simon Says</i> and <i>Red Light Green Light. </i></div>
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<i><b>Art </b></i></div>
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We made Jonah and the fish. We cut two sides of a fish out of cardstock and colored it and added a googly eye. Then we glued a picture of Jonah to another piece of cardstock and taped yarn to it. We glued the two fish halves together with the yarn in between and Jonathan could use the yarn to pull Jonah into the fish's belly:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jvorYR1GtlTpBdMuW_GIodFM5FI58E4GlUh_ifBNS6FQYxulKtBTFKBbHBMTs4xKTUlo8zFl6Bv_XU9t8bb6AcyOvTITr-a9a-l3LMko5tOdL-82h0tgCm-VHzrJvrMXFerdVZdNfu4y/s1600/IMG_5951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jvorYR1GtlTpBdMuW_GIodFM5FI58E4GlUh_ifBNS6FQYxulKtBTFKBbHBMTs4xKTUlo8zFl6Bv_XU9t8bb6AcyOvTITr-a9a-l3LMko5tOdL-82h0tgCm-VHzrJvrMXFerdVZdNfu4y/s320/IMG_5951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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He loved it! The only drawback was that it was played with so much it ripped. But he had fun! You can see other Jonah art projects on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/bible-ot-minor-prophets/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>board. </div>
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<b><i>Movie </i></b></div>
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We didn't get to do this, but I was planning on watching the Veggie Tales movie of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonah-VeggieTales-Dan-Anderson-III/dp/B00007M5J1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321476076&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Jonah</a>. (You can stream through Netflix). We've seen it before, and it's a fun retelling of the story. </div>
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So that's our week on Jonah. Next up- Daniel.... </div>
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-47945130923024710062011-11-16T13:39:00.001-06:002011-11-16T13:54:06.544-06:00Update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gBvVay12rBSwiB9czyWSpSamZg-SyErJ0cOOqNPsuDzEwhCwFG1FX4EdtppQUmoXkNctVpdpz8KHIHgVcYETBenVUJKmIHZC8NnujS1BSHGksM7Bfb-UDYdpuSU67YP4GfV4sNpljU1I/s1600/IMG_5945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gBvVay12rBSwiB9czyWSpSamZg-SyErJ0cOOqNPsuDzEwhCwFG1FX4EdtppQUmoXkNctVpdpz8KHIHgVcYETBenVUJKmIHZC8NnujS1BSHGksM7Bfb-UDYdpuSU67YP4GfV4sNpljU1I/s320/IMG_5945.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curried Cream of Chicken Soup (excuse the messy rim!)</td></tr>
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I haven't posted in a week! Wow! Well, illness hit our home pretty hard last week and we're still catching up. Croup. Bronchitis. I lost my voice in the midst of it all and my wonderful husband worked from home to help me with the kids.<br />
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We had a lot of soup. Curried Cream of Chicken Soup, to be specific.<br />
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In other updates, Grace is also to a point where she's getting ready to go down to one nap. Part of me is thrilled because we can do more with our mornings, but part of me isn't sure how to entertain her while I have a project for Jonathan. Sometimes I feel like I'm just skating by.<br />
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I've also started working part time [5-7 hrs a week] for our church's children's ministry. I'm coordinating curriculum, supplies, etc. for grades 1-5. I'm excited because it's something close to my heart and training, it also provides that extra spending money that can be fun at times.<br />
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Anyways, I've also been wrestling a little bit with apathy in regards to blogging. I love sharing what we're doing, but the tension to get everything written down wears on me sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I still intend to be blogging, but just saying that sometimes I feel a little more introverted...<br />
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Does that every happen to you? What do you do?<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Curried Cream of Chicken Soup</span></b></div>
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2 tbsp butter</div>
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3 tbsp flour</div>
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dash of pepper</div>
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3 cups chicken broth</div>
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1 cup milk</div>
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1 1/2 cups chopped, cooked chicken</div>
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1/2 cup shredded cheese (or more)</div>
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poultry seasoning</div>
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curry power</div>
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salt & pepper to taste</div>
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In a large saucepan, melt butter, then stir in flour and a dash of pepper. Add chicken broth and milk. Cook and stir until bubbly. Cook and stir one minute more. Stir in the chicken; heat through. Add cheese until soup is at your desired consistency and flavor, then add poultry seasoning, curry powder, salt and pepper to taste. </div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-18339361282989147142011-11-09T11:46:00.001-06:002011-11-09T11:46:44.700-06:00Kids in the Word: Josiah<div align="center">
<a href="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/category/homeschooling/kids-in-the-word-wednesdays/" title="The Pelsers"><img alt="The Pelsers" src="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wednesdays-in-the-Word.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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It's hard to believe another week has flown by! This past week we learned about King Josiah finding God's Word in the temple. We talked a lot about the Bible and that the Bible is God's special book.<br />
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<b><i>Books </i></b><br />
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Obviously, we read the story from our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Pictures-Little-Eyes-Gift/dp/0802430783/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319628983&sr=1-1" target="_blank">toddler Bible</a>. This was covered in only one short story, so we supplemented with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BkcYswhCL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA115_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BkcYswhCL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA115_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/King-Josiah-Gods-Book-Books/dp/0758614535/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320844005&sr=8-2" target="_blank">King Josiah and God's Book</a><br />
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this Arch Bible story is a good retelling of King Josiah deciding to clean the temple and finding God's scroll in the process. Josiah decided to make some changes and attempted to get rid of idolatry and re-institute the Passover feast. I'm new to the Arch books series and quickly becoming a fan. The story captures Jonathan's attention and provides good opportunities for further discussion.<br />
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<b><i>Pretend Play </i></b><br />
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We acted out the Bible story. Here was the messy temple:<br />
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And here is King Josiah:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjsc0jwZz4HggRQRnTS06wir6kgXk0v8rLPXhqnJGCzifpYS85EF6VWa_j18n8xosCYL8pB4-SEL4YyjctNKkY0IAzelso3Qyp1d70wyi405se8ncRY9LQiOZc1n98hTRvJhTx6UqAx59/s1600/IMG_5910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjsc0jwZz4HggRQRnTS06wir6kgXk0v8rLPXhqnJGCzifpYS85EF6VWa_j18n8xosCYL8pB4-SEL4YyjctNKkY0IAzelso3Qyp1d70wyi405se8ncRY9LQiOZc1n98hTRvJhTx6UqAx59/s320/IMG_5910.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Finding the Bible under all the mess:<br />
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Grace supervised:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL0ZjaC7_1nyN_FCCmxwfvWkK4YRXdGJWtdoKx5FG4_DqRP2EkXmzAWFYbA_qYMtdVUrZtiH-JchC6Ob1sSFlvxGXBaktlZsfLVCzyhPpGR8V_AT66LIovw0nM4YBNlMS1JH8Rne-bvqE/s1600/IMG_5913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL0ZjaC7_1nyN_FCCmxwfvWkK4YRXdGJWtdoKx5FG4_DqRP2EkXmzAWFYbA_qYMtdVUrZtiH-JchC6Ob1sSFlvxGXBaktlZsfLVCzyhPpGR8V_AT66LIovw0nM4YBNlMS1JH8Rne-bvqE/s320/IMG_5913.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Cooking </i></b><br />
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We made scrolls using crescent roll dough. We divided the dough into rectangles and then rolled up the ends. These were garlic flavored so I sprinkled them with cheese and herbs (plain ones would be yummy with cinnamon sugar!):<br />
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<b><i>Art </i></b><br />
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I had an art project planned for earlier this week, but we've all been dealing with a cold, so it hasn't happened yet. I may update if we get to it... but in the meantime you can see my 1 & 2 Kings <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/bible-ot-kings/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>board for some other ideas!<br />
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<b><i>Music </i></b><br />
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We learned the song the B.I.B.L.E. -- Jonathan was <i>so </i>cute. At first he started singing B.I.B.I.O.! By the end of the week he got it down though. :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QDLK7LlR1Sk" width="420"></iframe>
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Next up... Jonah! Have a wonderful week! Thanks for visiting!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-46001123963432810622011-11-05T15:00:00.000-05:002011-11-06T06:58:26.926-06:00Tot School: T is for Trains<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchool.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tot School" border="0" src="http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv250/carisafrank/Blog%20Buttons/totschool150.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan is 34 months<br />
Grace is 14.5 months</td></tr>
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<b><i>Bible </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
We've been continuing with our weekly Bible stories and this week we learned about King Josiah. We played games, sang songs and did crafts along with our story. Check in on Wednesday for our <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/Kids%20in%20the%20Word" target="_blank">Kids in the Word </a>post to see what we've been doing!<br />
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<b><i>Reading & Language Arts </i></b><br />
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This week, we focused a lot on <i>trains</i>. Jonathan loves his trains and his train table and even Grace has a lot of fun with them. We've been reading lots of books about trains. Here are some favorites:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freight-Train-Donald-Crews/dp/0688117015/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320522190&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510T96ZPS3L._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Engine-That-Could/dp/0399244670/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320522259&sr=1-3" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61B1C9re6XL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Tank-Engine-Anniversary-Friends/dp/0375833730/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320522325&sr=1-12" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mW5a5Rm2L._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Terrific-Trains-Amazing-Machines-Mitton/dp/0753453061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320522383&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61BsZ7FtLvL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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Jonathan has a bunch of Kumon workbooks and we recently started working on his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Book-Tracing-Kumon-Workbooks/dp/4774307076/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320523173&sr=8-1" target="_blank">tracing </a>book. He's really enjoyed tracing lines on some of the printables that Carisa does over at <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/TotSchoolPrintables.html" target="_blank">1+1+1=1</a> so I thought this book might be of interest to him. We started doing one worksheet a day and he always asks for more. His pencil grip still needs a lot of work, but he's been having fun with it. You can check out some of his lines here:<br />
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Psst. You can also download some <a href="http://www.schoolsparks.com/kindergarten-worksheets/category/tracing-worksheets" target="_blank">tracing worksheets </a>over at SchoolSparks.<br />
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<b><i>Art </i></b><br />
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We did a little finger painting with a friend this week and we also pulled out the play dough:<br />
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We also did a bit of a picture study, looking at a painting by James Clarke Hook called <a href="http://www.artchive.com/web_gallery/J/James-Clarke-Hook/Blackberry-Picking.html" target="_blank">Blackberry Picking</a>:<br />
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We talked about what the people in the picture were doing and compared it to our experience of going to an apple orchard. I got the idea from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Language-Lessons-Little-Ones-1/dp/B001HSL30U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320521648&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Language Lessons for Little Ones</a> by Sandi Queen.<br />
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<b><i>Math & Science </i></b><br />
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We talked about <i>friction </i>this week after reading about how trains travel on tracks to reduce the amount of friction. To do a simple experiment, we got out some of Jonathan's trains and attempted to roll them on the hardwood floor and then compared how they rolled on a rug. We talked about which trains went the farthest.<br />
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We also did a bit of a nature walk and went to the park this week. As we walked we talked about the different colors of leaves we found and tried to find red, orange and yellow leaves. When we got home, we did leaf rubbings and then pressed the leaves between two pieces of contact paper:<br />
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<i><b>Sensory Play </b></i><br />
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We walked through leaves and talked about the crunching sound they made. We also pulled out our fall sensory bin and Grace had fun playing with the silk leaves:<br />
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<b><i>Motor Skills </i></b><br />
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I threw some balls in our pack & play and this was a great way for the kids to get some energy out:<br />
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But the biggest news is Grace is <i>finally </i>standing on her own:<br />
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and she's taken three steps. So maybe we'll have a walker soon!<br />
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<b><i>Pretend Play </i></b><br />
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Of course, we played with our trains a lot:<br />
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and Grace has been enjoying her tea set from Nana:</div>
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<b><i>Practical Life </i></b><br />
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We've worked on learning how to <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/2011/10/montessori-monday-self-dressing.html" target="_blank">get dressed</a>-- this week we've been trying to do snappers:<br />
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and as far as potty training... ugh. Jonathan did <i>so well </i>with potty training and initiating going to the bathroom. Then, he just wasn't interested. We started having accidents and he told me he didn't want to stop what he was doing and go potty. <b>So I'd love to hear advice-- what do I do?</b> It isn't that he <i>can't </i>go potty but that he <i>won't. </i>He'll still go if I initiate and he wants to earn stars and get matchbox cars. But he won't stop what he's doing and tell me. Should I move him back to diapers? Keep pressing forward? It's tiring and frustrating to boot!<br />
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So, that's been our week. We're all a little under the weather this weekend, so I hope that we'll be up for some of the activities I hope to do next week. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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Linking up to:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/2011/11/tot-school-pumpkins-again.html" target="_blank">Tot School</a> @ 1+1+1=1</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2011/11/link-learn-23.html" target="_blank">Link n' Learn</a> @ No Time for Flashcards</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://momto2poshlildivas.blogspot.com/2011/11/sunday-showcase-child-centered-linky.html" target="_blank">Sunday Showcase</a> @ Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas & Classified Mom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Read Explore Learn @ J Daniel4's Mom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Preschool Corner @ Homeschool Creations</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">For the Kids Fridays @ Sun Scholars</span></div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-78804784344168621672011-11-04T14:14:00.001-05:002011-11-04T14:14:27.351-05:00Leibster Blog Award!<br />
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Amanda over at <a href="http://gratefullygrowingingrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gratefully Growing in Grace</a> nominated me for a blog award! It's an award for up and coming blogs with less than 200 subscribers. It's my first ever blog award! Thanks Amanda for the bit of bloggy love! I'm glad you're enjoying our little blog :-)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeySxYqcRuA/TqoEKQ8xquI/AAAAAAAABD4/SaUb3DDuFP4/s1600/Liebster+Blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeySxYqcRuA/TqoEKQ8xquI/AAAAAAAABD4/SaUb3DDuFP4/s1600/Liebster+Blog.png" /></a></div>
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The rules of this blog award are to:<br />
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(1) Thank the person who awarded it and link back to their blog.<br />
(2) Choose five up-and-coming bloggers (less than 200 subscribers) and pass the award on to them, notifying them on their blog.<br />
(3) Post the award on your blog<br />
(4) Hope the people you passed the award to will pass it on even further!<br />
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One of the things I <i>love </i>about blogging is meeting other like-minded ladies and getting inspired by their blogs. So here are five blogs I've been enjoying lately. Be sure to head on over and check them out! Thank you ladies for all you write and share!<br />
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(1) <a href="http://thepreschoolexperiment.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Preschool Experiment</a><br />
(2) <a href="http://musingsofthemonroefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Musings of the Monroe Family</a><br />
(3) <a href="http://ashtreemeadows.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ash Tree Meadow</a><br />
(4) <a href="http://beingwhatiwanttobe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Being What I Want to Be</a><br />
(5) <a href="http://joyfulmamasplace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joyful Mama's Place</a><br />
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Have a wonderful day!<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-82983805137786747392011-11-03T06:14:00.000-05:002011-11-03T06:14:40.636-05:00r is for rockets and robots {book reviews}A couple weeks ago, we read lots of good books about two topics that I thought would be of interest to Jonathan: rockets and robots!<br />
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<i>Robots </i><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514DutVd3PL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514DutVd3PL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robot-Book-Heather-Brown/dp/0740797255/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320286029&sr=1-2" target="_blank">The Robot Book</a> by Heather Brown<br />
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This was a fun board book that Jonathan really liked. It features moving gears and parts to show how robots work. It's very clever and very appealing to toddlers. We checked our copy out from our local library and the only drawback was the moving parts definitely showed some wear. However, this is a wonderful book for robot-loving toddlers and preschoolers.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sdGhi7PWL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sdGhi7PWL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Me-Robot-All-Aboard-Reading/dp/0448428954/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320286029&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Me and My Robot</a> by Tracy West<br />
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This was probably Jonathan's favorite book. It's an early reader about a young boy Reese and his robot who try to find a friend's missing kitten. It has <i>just </i>enough humor that made Jonathan laugh. He requested it several times.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51lMbMrMtML._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51lMbMrMtML._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Create-Robot-Sticker-Activity-Little/dp/0486448789/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320286029&sr=1-9" target="_blank">Create Your Own Robot Sticker Book</a><br />
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This isn't a storybook, but an activity book that features a robot body and enough parts (stickers) to make four different robots. Jonathan loved this book and kept wanting to pull it out and build new robots. It was a pretty big hit and was very affordable fun!<br />
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<i>Rockets</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Launch-Pad-Counting-Rockets-Numbers/dp/1404811192/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320316360&sr=1-3" target="_blank">On the Launch Pad: A Counting Book About Rockets</a> by Michael Dahl<br />
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This is a cute concept book in which you and your children count down from 12 to 1 in preparation for a rocket launch. The illustrations are bold and each page has a hidden number to find. Jonathan had fun counting the objects, but wasn't as interested in finding the number. Still, it's a good concept book for any rocket-loving little boy and a wonderful addition to a space unit.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5132wfvrVoL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5132wfvrVoL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roaring-Rockets-Amazing-Machines-Mitton/dp/0753453053/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320316360&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Roaring Rockets</a> by Tony Mitton<br />
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Ah, Tony Mitton. How we <i>love </i>his books, especially his Amazing Machines series. Ant Parker's bold pictures are a wonderful complement to Mitton's rhyming verse. This book teaches about rockets and astronauts in a way that's fun and educational. Jonathan always asks for repeated reads of these books and <i>Roaring Rockets</i> was no exception.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Pov0LIUXL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Pov0LIUXL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Rocket-H-Rey/dp/0618162410/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320316360&sr=1-5" target="_blank">Curious George and the Rocket</a> by H.A. Ray<br />
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This board book is an excerpt from one of the original George books. Jonathan really enjoyed Curious George when we went through our <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/Monkeys" target="_blank">monkeys </a>unit and I thought that Grace might like the shortened board book. The story was still too long for Grace to enjoy, but Jonathan liked reading the shortened story.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qvV0VO-lL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qvV0VO-lL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rockets-Spaceships-READERS-Karen-Wallace/dp/075667204X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320316360&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Rockets and Spaceships</a> by Karen Wallace<br />
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This is an informative easy reader about space. It has photographs on each page showing rockets, spaceships, and astronauts and teaches about space travel. Unfortunately, this one didn't really interest Jonathan. He hasn't really developed a strong interest in outer space at this point. If your little one is very interested in space, astronauts and rockets, this would be a good book to try!<br />
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This was in the middle of potty training and days where Jonathan was lukewarm about the activities I presented. Some things went really well, and others were a complete bomb. But, if you're looking for some ideas on these topics, check out my Pinterest boards on <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/rockets/" target="_blank">rockets </a>and <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/robots/" target="_blank">robots</a>!<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-46283367761807987702011-11-02T11:59:00.000-05:002011-11-02T11:59:16.485-05:00Kids in the Word: Elijah<div align="center">
<a href="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/category/homeschooling/kids-in-the-word-wednesdays/" title="The Pelsers"><img alt="The Pelsers" src="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wednesdays-in-the-Word.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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This past week, Jonathan and I learned about Elijah. We covered four different stories during this time:</div>
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- Elijah is fed by ravens</div>
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- Elijah and the widow</div>
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- Elijah and the priests of Baal</div>
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- Elijah goes to heaven in a chariot</div>
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First, we read the corresponding stories from our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Pictures-Little-Eyes-Gift/dp/0802430783/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320249695&sr=1-1" target="_blank">toddler Bible</a>. Then, I supplemented our Bible reading with two books from the Arch Books Bible Series:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elijah-Helps-Widow-Arch-Books/dp/0570075742/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320249766&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Elijah Helps the Widow</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Fire-Elijah-Arch-Books/dp/0570075505/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320249766&sr=1-3" target="_blank">God's Fire for Elijah</a>. I haven't really read books from the Arch series before. Each story is told with colorful pictures and rhyming verse. Jonathan (at almost 3) really engaged with both of these stories. They are a great way to supplement your Bible reading. I'm planning on looking for more of the books from this series!</div>
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<b><i>Art </i></b></div>
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I found lots of craft ideas that I posted on <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/bible-ot-elijah/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. Here's what we did. We glued craft sticks down to make an altar and then tore up tissue paper to make flames. (Originally, we marble painted to make flames but then had a friend over so we ended up using tissue paper so both kids could do the craft- similar to <a href="http://www.christianpreschoolprintables.com/Pages/Elijah/ElijahCraftFireHeaven2.html" target="_blank">this </a>craft.). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdqgYIFhfFtaMMbVixTUU8WDNyzuH4Ud_OvKKalNWJ13oFN1AC7HSgtGdaCUISl1bIyZw15mY1jtztsxyoOQj70UAG_Nq0RjA462Ldtcvu9Adds8BukW0KXiA211lNF4C2mr8n_L-YHvP/s1600/IMG_5883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdqgYIFhfFtaMMbVixTUU8WDNyzuH4Ud_OvKKalNWJ13oFN1AC7HSgtGdaCUISl1bIyZw15mY1jtztsxyoOQj70UAG_Nq0RjA462Ldtcvu9Adds8BukW0KXiA211lNF4C2mr8n_L-YHvP/s320/IMG_5883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Music </i></b></div>
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We reviewed the song "My God is So Big" and talked about how He is the only God we should worship and serve! We prayed that Jonathan and Grace would be bold like Elijah and trust that God would take care of them. </div>
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So that was our lesson this week! Now we're moving on to Josiah. Check out <a href="http://thepelsers.com/category/homeschooling/kids-in-the-word-wednesdays/" target="_blank">The Pelsers</a> for more ideas for discipling your little ones. God bless! </div>
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-69243365615882179992011-11-01T13:17:00.002-05:002011-11-01T13:18:06.785-05:00Pinterest Tuesday: Pins I've Done!I'm always finding good ideas at <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/">Pinterest</a>. Today I thought I'd share some ideas that we've actually <i>done </i>at our house:<br />
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First up is edible fingerpaint-- this was a fun project for playing with color mixing. The texture was good sensory play. As far as paint goes, it really didn't hold up as well on paper. But it was fun anyways! <br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/107444855/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/4011087137622852_V0hkcv9I_c.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.tinyandlittle.com.au/2011/07/edible-fingerpaint/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tinyandlittle.com.au</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Next up is a yummy Pumpkin Crunch Cake-- now, I didn't personally make this, but we had it at our small group last Sunday. It was delicious!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/414030849/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/4011087137689604_lLRpkE7C_c.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.thepickyapple.com/blog/2008/11/22/pumpkin-crunch-cake/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">thepickyapple.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Then, I did actually make this one for our Friday night homemade pizza. It was fabulous!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/340155874/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/4011087137675124_sEMg8LO6_c.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://penniesonaplatter.com/2011/09/30/chicken-ranch-pizza/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PenniesOnAPlatter+%28Pennies+on+a+Platter%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">penniesonaplatter.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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And finally, my husband made me this bench which I found on Pinterest. I've wanted one for my mudroom for a long time. We just painted ours and he's going to make a second one. I'm so excited!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/151942442/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/4011087137633270_qJ1DclVn_c.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/07/furniture-plans-three-cube-bench.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">ana-white.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Do you have a Pinterest account? Have you found any great ideas there?<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-75708738141777866682011-10-31T15:00:00.002-05:002011-10-31T15:00:37.147-05:00Montessori Monday: Self-Dressing<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/category/montessori-monday/" target="_blank"><img alt="Montessori Monday" src=" http://livingmontessorinow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/MondayButton150.jpg " /></a> </div>
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We've been focusing a lot on <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/Potty%20Training">potty training</a> around here lately and one of the practical skills related to potty training is dressing and undressing one's self. I love the Montessori idea of <a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/2010/04/29/how-to-help-your-preschooler-help-himself/">helping your child learn how to help himself</a>.</div>
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In order to help Jonathan learn how to master all the intricacies of snaps, zippers, buttons, etc. there are a couple activities we've engaged in lately:<br />
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1) Hanging daddy's clothes on our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Tower/dp/B001ECHXVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320090870&sr=8-1">learning tower</a> and having Jonathan practice snapping or buttoning or fastening the item of clothing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H91btOPEEv_BIFi3u36cY23RPgAZ2LlKBp2o-ygg1ifyvP7plqpy0VAK4mhyphenhyphenaptQ4eTTCgqJOK59WenAhVGIOhehSdoGacBLGAW0HyuUaVrp5-ZrojZhrKYJr4XcrdwEvsxt0wHNnNNB/s1600/IMG_5869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H91btOPEEv_BIFi3u36cY23RPgAZ2LlKBp2o-ygg1ifyvP7plqpy0VAK4mhyphenhyphenaptQ4eTTCgqJOK59WenAhVGIOhehSdoGacBLGAW0HyuUaVrp5-ZrojZhrKYJr4XcrdwEvsxt0wHNnNNB/s320/IMG_5869.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdMyvDw6xYdXs94cmuScs7pcb5qLTC74qLUQj-CTLqq8OepzoQtWyPJtCX1f6UK93q-UtyA-k2K8Na5o6Wd-XzZKdxBsBXrGJTb9ZmWL0LUdhQZy1jtT3VINErTgO-JFNf_N__UB9MLgx/s1600/IMG_5868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdMyvDw6xYdXs94cmuScs7pcb5qLTC74qLUQj-CTLqq8OepzoQtWyPJtCX1f6UK93q-UtyA-k2K8Na5o6Wd-XzZKdxBsBXrGJTb9ZmWL0LUdhQZy1jtT3VINErTgO-JFNf_N__UB9MLgx/s320/IMG_5868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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2) Using our Melissa & Doug <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Basic-Skills-Board/dp/B000NVBE10/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320088631&sr=8-1">Basic Skills board</a>. This is a puzzle as well as a tool for practicing basic skills. The drawback to this one is that since it is a puzzle, the pieces are not 100% stable for working on the different items. It's still a fun addition though:<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51A+KN9MDbL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51A+KN9MDbL._AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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3) We have a quiet/busy book which my mom made for me when I was a preschooler. Each sewn page features a different skill set. Here's an idea for a similar busy book:<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/154930862/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/4011087137634007_5yWxm9uD_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://fortytworoads.blogspot.com/2007/10/close-your-clothes.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">fortytworoads.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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We haven't mastered these skills yet, but it's good practice! <br />
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See more Montessori-inspired ideas over at <a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/">Living Montessori Now!</a> and <a href="http://onehookwonder.blogspot.com/">One Hook Wonder</a>. This post is linked up to <a href="http://livingmontessorinow.com/category/montessori-monday/">Montessori Monday</a> over at those terrific blogs.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-80188843704415561762011-10-26T06:30:00.000-05:002011-10-26T10:23:33.409-05:00Kids in the Word: King Solomon<div align="center">
<a href="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/category/homeschooling/kids-in-the-word-wednesdays/" title="The Pelsers"><img alt="The Pelsers" height="200" src="http://thepelsers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Wednesdays-in-the-Word.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="200" /></a></div>
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A couple weeks ago, we learned about King Solomon. Let me tell you, finding resources to teach on Solomon was pretty tough! I found no children's books that I liked and coming up with a craft was hard as well. I was determined to press on so here's what we did:<br />
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<b><i>Books </i></b><br />
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First, we read from our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Pictures-Little-Eyes-Gift/dp/0802430783/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319628983&sr=1-1">toddler Bible</a>. Solomon was divided up into 4 or 5 stories, so we did one story per day.<br />
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I tried to find some children's books on Solomon, but couldn't find any except for King Solomon and the Bee. This is a myth adapted from rabbinic literature-- but I didn't feel comfortable reading Jonathan a myth about a true biblical figure. I don't want him to confuse the Bible with mythology.<br />
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Do you know of any books on King Solomon? I couldn't even find any Arch books (a pretty expansive series for children) on Solomon. I'd love to have some up my sleeve for next year.<br />
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<b><i>Life/Character</i></b><br />
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Since Solomon asked for wisdom, we talked a lot about what wisdom is. We talked about making wise choices which honor God. I read some Proverbs about wisdom:<br />
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Proverbs 2:6 <i>For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. </i><br />
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Proverbs 3:13 <i>Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding. </i><br />
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<b><i>Craft </i></b><br />
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We made a crown (since Solomon was a king). I just had Jonathan color on yellow cardstock and then I cut out the crown and had him glue it on paper. He also decorated it with star stickers and was very particular about <i>one </i>gold star, <i>two </i>silver stars, etc. It would also be cute using gem stickers or something similar, but we didn't have any on hand. Since Solomon asked for wisdom we wrote one of our Proverbs on the crown:<br />
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So, this was a hard week to pull together, but I'm glad we learned about Solomon. Next up-- Elijah!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-27102890490633912512011-10-25T22:53:00.001-05:002011-10-25T22:53:26.872-05:00Ultimate Blog Bash!<br />
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About Me: I'm a stay-at-home mom to two precious little ones (ages 2 and 1). Before having children, I worked in higher education. My seminary work was in Christian education (children's and youth min) and I love being able to use my education on my two most important students: Jonathan (2) and Grace (1).<br />
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I mostly write about our reading and learning adventures. Here are some things you may find here:<br />
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~ We are currently going through the <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/p/bible-lessons.html">Bible </a>in a year (albeit focusing on toddler-friendly Bible stories) and I write up our lessons most <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/Kids%20in%20the%20Word">Wednesdays </a>(when I'm not in the middle of potty training). </div>
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~ We also have been going through the <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/p/abc-adventures.html">ABCs</a>, focusing on different themes. Recently we've been learning about rockets and robots (two things which fascinate my son!)</div>
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~ We are <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading%20my%20library">book lovers</a>, and we are trying to read all the recommended books for toddlers/preschoolers we can find. I'm influenced by Charlotte Mason in that regard-- love living books!</div>
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~ We also do some <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/Montessori%20Mondays">Montessori-inspired activities</a>, which I think are wonderful for developing practical life skills. </div>
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Sometimes I share <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/Recipes">recipes</a>, or updates on personal projects. This blog is basically a chronicle of our nursery-rhyme filled days! Thanks for stopping by! If you want to learn more about me, you can read my <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/2011/10/100-things-about-me.html">100 things list</a>. </div>
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-46538536064547194772011-10-25T22:45:00.001-05:002011-10-25T22:45:20.102-05:00100 Things About Me<br />
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Here are some things you may or may not want to know about me...<br />
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1. I am originally from the east cost (Delaware). I always say that I am from the Philadelphia area, because very few people know where Delaware actually is.<br />
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2. I am the youngest of three. My brothers are 12 and 16 years older than me. I was definitely a surprise!<br />
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3. I went to all private schools. I went to Catholic schools from (K-12) and a Christian college and seminary.<br />
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4. I became a Christian my senior year of high school.<br />
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5. My undergraduate degree was in history.<br />
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6. I originally wanted to be an ed major but didn't like the education classes.<br />
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7. When I dropped the education major, I wanted to change to christian ministry. But then I learned I was only one class away from a history degree.<br />
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8. I worked for the college and got a (mostly) free graduate education.<br />
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9. My graduate studies were in educational ministries. (Children's/youth/women's ministry)<br />
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10. I never wrote my thesis but completed all my coursework. I second guess that decision.<br />
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11. I am introverted.<br />
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12. I love road trips and travel.<br />
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13. I've been to Europe twice and Africa once. The countries I've visited include: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ghana, and Burkina Faso.<br />
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14. I've been to 31 states. My husband only had been to a handful of states before he met me. Now he has more than me.<br />
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15. I met my husband doing youth ministry at a local church.<br />
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16. We were friends for several years before we became a couple. I'm thankful it was that way because of #11.<br />
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17. I had a crush on him for a year before he asked me out. My journals from that time are full of prayers for God to guard my heart.<br />
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18. I thought my husband was a man full of godly character and one I could easily follow. I still think that, although I'm not always a good follower.<br />
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19. 6 months after we started dating, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 25 (2004).<br />
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20. I went through surgery and chemo and hormonal therapy (tamoxifen). He walked through it with me. It's the hardest thing we walked through together. (Breast cancer does not run in my family).<br />
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21. He proposed on a Monday-- I wasn't expecting it, because who proposes on a Monday after work?<br />
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22. We were engaged for five months and decided on a January wedding. We've been married since 2006.<br />
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23. He is my best friend, my strongest Encourager, in many ways my complete opposite, but absolutely perfect for me.<br />
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24. I took violin lessons from the time I was four years old until my senior year of high school. I briefly picked it up in college, but not for long. I still have my violin.<br />
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25. I have a good ear for picking out a melody (thanks to Suzuki).<br />
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26. I love history, especially family history.<br />
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27. I love to read, but mostly Christian non-fiction. It's rare to find me with a fiction book.<br />
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28. I have been chronologically studying through the Bible since graduating college. I prefer to use an inductive method.<br />
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29. My Bible is held together with purple duct tape.<br />
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30. I love to play games, but don't get to do so very often. I really like playing the Catan Card Game with my husband as well as Carcasonne. We brought them with us on our anniversary cruise this year.<br />
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31. It's hard to suck me away from my laptop. I have to turn it off during the day so I can focus on my kids (sad, but true!)<br />
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32. I am not a morning person, but I try to get up at 5:30 AM to have a little "me" time before the kids get up.<br />
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33. Speaking of children, I have two beautiful children. Jonathan (Jan 2009) and Grace (Aug 2010).<br />
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34. We weren't sure if we would be able to have children or not (see # 19-20). God gave us both a heart for adoption.<br />
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35. We were surprised to find out we were expecting Jonathan.<br />
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36. Because I was on tamoxifen, the doctor flat-out recommended we have an abortion.<br />
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37. That was never a consideration. Jonathan is perfectly healthy and smart! It saddens me to think there would be many women who would have followed the doctor's advice. (There was no research on the effects of tamoxifen & pregnancy at the time-- it was just a guess that he would have some kind of defect).<br />
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38. We were also surprised to learn we were expecting our daughter. Apparently, fertility was not an issue for us.<br />
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39. We still have a heart for adoption.<br />
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40. I had post-partum depression with Jonathan. I denied it at the time, but it's pretty clear looking back. I've been on an anti-depressant following Grace's birth.<br />
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41. I had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruritic_urticarial_papules_and_plaques_of_pregnancy">PUPPS</a> when I was pregnant with Jonathan. It's so rare, my doctor didn't recognize it. I was miserable.<br />
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42. I didn't have PUPPS with my 2nd pregnancy, but ended up with gestational diabetes. That was no fun either!<br />
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43. I grew up having dogs (a chihuahua and a mutt). I always thought I was a dog person.<br />
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44. When I was single and living alone, I adopted a cat named Tulip.<br />
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45. Tulips are my favorite flowers.<br />
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46. My husband is allergic to cats. I was sad to give Tulip away (but found her a good home).<br />
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47. I would like to have a cat, and I think my husband would too if he wasn't allergic.<br />
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48. His parents live on a horse farm and have barn cats-- we all love their kitties!<br />
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49. I, unlike every other little girl on the planet, never wanted horses.<br />
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50. I did have My Little Ponies though.<br />
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51. I love '80s music.<br />
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52. And worship music.<br />
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53. And early '90s grunge.<br />
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54. My iPod is very eclectic.<br />
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55. I love to bake-- cookies and pies are my specialty.<br />
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56. I enjoy my 30s more than my 20s. And I enjoyed my 20s more than my teens.<br />
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57. I was a misfit-- hence, my enjoyment of children's/youth ministry.<br />
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58. I love chai tea lattes and fancy coffee drinks.<br />
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59. I also love scones of any shape and size.<br />
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60. I worked at Starbucks for a week.<br />
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61. I couldn't handle cleaning public restrooms so I quit.<br />
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62. I think about that every time I have to use a public restroom and try to be as courteous as possible.<br />
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63. I despise having wet socks.<br />
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64. Cotton balls give me goose bumps when I hold them. Ick.<br />
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65. I've lived in Illinois since 1997 (except for 1 year across the border in Wisconsin). Most of that has been in the Chicago area.<br />
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66. I lived for a couple years down in central Illinois. We lived with my in-laws and tried to sell our house in Chicago.<br />
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67. I am fortunate that I get along very well with my mother-in-law.<br />
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68. Our house didn't sell and we moved back to Chicago after two years. The job called my husband, so we thought that God was moving us back.<br />
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69. We came back to the same house and same church, but with Jonathan. It was a strange time warp.<br />
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70. I <i>love </i>our church and our adopted hometown, but I miss having family close by.<br />
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71. Moving was very hard on me-- I had a hard time fitting in down in central Illinois. It was probably because of #11.<br />
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72. I consequently have a heart for helping people get connected when they are new to the area/or our church.<br />
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73. We co-lead a small group of mostly young families. I <i>love </i>our small group! I am so thankful for Christian friends for my children.<br />
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74. We plan on homeschooling. I don't know how far we'll go, but we'll take it year by year.<br />
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75. I have a major sweet tooth.<br />
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76. I think I'm addicted to Pepsi.<br />
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77. Oh, and to <a href="http://pinterest.com/akunzeman/pins/">Pinterest</a>. I find such wonderful ideas and blogs from there!<br />
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78. I dislike the winter-- it always makes me wonder why I chose Chicago for college.<br />
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79. I'm an INFP. I try to be more organized.<br />
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80. I'm finally getting in the groove of meal planning.<br />
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81. But all my son will eat are peanut butter sandwiches.<br />
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82. I'm trying to learn how to sew. I've made one baby quilt, two couch pillows and an apron.<br />
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83. I wish I was a better decorator. I don't have a good visual eye.<br />
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84. Same goes for clothing.<br />
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85. I'm only 4'11" so I have a hard time finding clothing. I wear a lot of T-shirts and jeans.<br />
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86. I often get mistaken for being <i>much </i>younger than I am. I hate it. It's so insulting when someone thinks you're a child.<br />
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87. It's a blessing when you're in children's ministry.<br />
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88. I love thunderstorms, but used to have recurring nightmares about tornadoes.<br />
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89. I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.<br />
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90. I could do laundry every day, but hate doing dishes. But, they both pile up every day.<br />
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91. I used to go see a broadway show once a year for my birthday. I still love musicals.<br />
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92. I love mysteries-- mystery novels, TV shows, movies. My standby is <i>Murder She Wrote. </i>But I hate "horror" movies.<br />
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93. I have a Philly accent sometimes. I say "arange" instead of "orange" and "harrar" vs. "horror". My husband teases me when it comes out.<br />
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94. I really liked<i> </i>the TV shows <i>Lost </i>and <i>Monk. </i>My current favorite is <i>Psych. </i><br />
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95. I really, really like Jane Austen. I particularly like the 1996 BBC mini-series of <i>Pride & Prejudice. </i>Any Jane Austen book/well done movie is right up my alley.<br />
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96. As an '80s child, I loved Care Bears. I have all ten original Care Bears.<br />
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97. I hate making phone calls. See #11.<br />
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98. I love blogging-- and reading others' blogs. But I have to turn the computer off while my children are awake-- see #31<br />
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99. I am an imperfect woman, wife and mother.<br />
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100. But I have a perfect God who is at work in my life!<br />
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Do you have a 100 things list to share?Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-90166454243780999782011-10-24T13:15:00.000-05:002011-10-24T13:15:45.791-05:00Some days you just have to scrap your lesson plan...Ever have one of <i>those </i>days?<br />
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After focusing on babysitting and then potty training last week, I was excited to start some new activities with Jonathan and Grace. But, it just isn't happening today. Everything I attempted this morning was met with whining or disinterest.<br />
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For example, I had this cute Halloween-themed Montessori activity lined up for today... it only lasted a couple minutes. Grace is cutting her molars and is pretty irritable right now. Jonathan kept trying to grab my attention this morning by acting up.<br />
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So, I had to scrap the "lesson plan" today-- or at least <i>my </i>agenda for the day. Sometimes you just have to tune into your kids and what they need... the alphabet will still be there tomorrow. It's hard to let go sometimes, isn't it? Maybe we'll go for a walk after they wake up from naps (<i>please sleep today!) </i><br />
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So in the meantime, pray for wisdom and patience so I can figure out what exactly they <i>do </i>need today!<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-8289659977317143842011-10-21T15:41:00.001-05:002011-10-21T15:41:37.520-05:00Potty Training- Day Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, I think perhaps we made it!<br />
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We had no more accidents yesterday-- and Jonathan even stopped playing to run to the potty. We had no accidents this morning until we ventured out to the park, but that was the only one. He has one more big present left to earn on his potty chart (the Cars DVD). But, I think I can say that he's potty trained! I expect accidents here and there, but he's initiating and going potty on his own. We use Pull-Ups for nap time and I may for church this weekend... but I think the hardest part is done.<br />
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Whew! I am <i>exhausted. </i>I hope to be back to regular posting next week. For now, I'm going to take it easy! Have a great weekend!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-54571711026619936102011-10-20T16:06:00.002-05:002011-10-20T16:06:21.848-05:00Potty Training Update-- Day Two<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01825/FisherPriceME_1825994c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01825/FisherPriceME_1825994c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our singing potty chair. <br />Warning: It will serenade our house guests at random!</td></tr>
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So, we went through 14 pairs of underwear yesterday- I think that may be a record! But by the end of the night Jonathan had started initiating more-- and even got enough stars on his chart to earn a Tow Mater truck I bought at Walmart.<br />
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This morning, we only had two accidents and he went potty by himself enough times to earn another Cars toy-- I think its name is Pacer. So things are looking better! Both of the accidents were when he was distracted (a toy or eating lunch), so we'll continue to work on it. At least we've made good progress! I feel exhausted, my house is in shambles, but I'm encouraged nonetheless!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-25998803429726084972011-10-19T14:37:00.000-05:002011-10-19T14:37:27.305-05:00Potty Training Day One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been quiet around here. I'm taking the week off to focus on potty training. We babysat for friends Monday and Tuesday. And today we started potty training... all that to say, I'll be back with Kids in the Word (and other posts) next week.<br />
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For those of you who are interested in the potty training details...<br />
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We're throwing Jonathan a three day <a href="http://www.parentsconnect.com/parenting-your-kids/parenting/potty-training-boot-camp-potty-party.html">potty party</a>. This morning he woke up and the family room and bathroom area were decorated with streamers and balloons (left over from 1st birthday celebrations). We bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Corolle-Classiques-Special-Feature-Drink-/dp/B0032JTK7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1319051979&sr=1-1">boy doll</a> that goes potty and started to "potty train" the doll. Our doll went on the potty a few times and got treats (which he shared with Jonathan) and star stickers on his potty chart.<br />
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I intended to keep Jonathan in diapers until after nap, but then he wanted to be in big boy underwear just like the doll. So we moved into his Cars and Thomas the Train underpants.<br />
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Now, our biggest hurdle with potty training is having him initiate going potty. He's been very comfortable sitting and using the potty-- but always at our initiative. He typically uses it three or four times a day (after every meal). We've had the occasional dirty diapers and lots and lots of wet ones. And every once in a while he'll initiate going potty. But not usually. So, my hope is by moving him into big boy underwear, he'll begin to initiate more.<br />
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At first, we had one poop in underwear which he told me about right away. Then, we had several pairs of wet underwear-- one of which he told me about, the rest he didn't seem to care. I was pretty discouraged! We checked every 15 minutes to see if he was dry. If he was dry, he got a treat. If he was wet, we changed his underwear and put him on the potty. If he got anything in the potty, we put some stars on his chart,<br />
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I knew to expect accidents, but I didn't expect him <i>not to care. </i>We cleaned up the accidents and talked about how our pee/poo is supposed to go in the potty-- not the floor. We also talked about telling our body to wait until we ran to the potty.<br />
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So, he finally initiated and told me "Mama! I have to go pee!" So we ran to the potty, he went pee and mommy did a happy dance. He put a sticker on his chart (which happened to complete a row) and got a toy-- a Tow Mader truck. Suddenly, he was a <i>lot </i>more motivated. He initiated one more time after that and now it's time for nap (in a pull up).<br />
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I don't know whether or not the trend will continue, but at least it's progress! Stay tuned for more updates... but I'd love if you have words of wisdom to share...<br />
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-4643411400999852392011-10-15T20:57:00.000-05:002011-10-15T20:57:19.426-05:00Tot School: Grace's Week (14 Months & 33 months)I had grand intentions for this week, but we didn't get as much done as I had hoped! My pictures were mostly of Grace, so here's what she did this week:<br />
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We had unseasonably warm weather, so we went on several walks:<br />
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Grace really enjoyed our busy gears this week:<br />
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And this busy box toy. She just figured out how to push the button to make the panda come up-- she's so proud of herself!<br />
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She's started standing a <i>little </i>bit more. She's figured out how to stand with her back to an object, so she's learning better how to be aligned.<br />
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Jonathan got a doll to help with potty training and she became quite the little mother:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqNIP038FI42W-wVzqvzRqr2jYRyCfmUmwLwIxb6Zwofi-LoLseX4qxbO9xfEULgUKkfOOT_l1vMF7Ahab-BSQVOaYSP8xcgUCFrEjNiCj-u0h9fixA_JKMl8UYYP1GhscSPDAN62gGkz/s1600/IMG_5798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqNIP038FI42W-wVzqvzRqr2jYRyCfmUmwLwIxb6Zwofi-LoLseX4qxbO9xfEULgUKkfOOT_l1vMF7Ahab-BSQVOaYSP8xcgUCFrEjNiCj-u0h9fixA_JKMl8UYYP1GhscSPDAN62gGkz/s320/IMG_5798.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">giving kisses</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to feed the baby</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She decided that she wanted the bottle herself</td></tr>
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<b><i>Jonathan's Week</i></b><br />
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Jonathan and I did do a little bit of "Tot School" this week-- mostly reading about robots and rockets. I think I'll carry some of the ideas into next week. One thing that is so fun to see is that he's really developed good phonological awareness recently. He's started pointing out to me when words rhyme and can tell me what letter a lot of words start with. It's <i>amazing </i>to see how quickly this has developed! I'm thinking about starting working on reading after Christmas. Any recommendations on what to use?<br />
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Next week is also... <i>potty training</i> {enter ominous music}. He's 33 months old and he will go potty every time I put him on the potty, but he won't initiate. He knows he's gone potty-- but won't tell me beforehand! So, we're going to move to big boy pants and we'll see how it goes! Any advice?<br />
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<b><i>Mom's Favorite </i></b><br />
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I love seeing my children be sweet to one another! (I promise it's not a choke hold!)<br />
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See what other Moms are doing over at <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/search/label/Tot%20School">1+1+1=1</a>! Have a great week!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-14613895779836158842011-10-13T16:30:00.000-05:002011-10-13T20:28:41.591-05:00r is for Rainforest {Books}<a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/2011/10/r-is-for-rainforest-33-months.html">Last week</a> we learned about the rainforest as we began reviewing the letter "r". We had fun learning about the <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/2011/10/amazon-rainforest-nomenclature-cards.html">different animals</a> in the rainforest.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61QjCZTgC1L._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61QjCZTgC1L._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Over-Jungle-Rainforest-Marianne-Berkes/dp/1584690925/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318530471&sr=1-1">Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme</a> by Marianne Berkes<br />
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This is a delightful book that you can sing to your children. You count rainforest animals to the tune of the children's song <i>Over in the Meadow. </i>While you are singing, you will learn more about the different animals that live in the rainforest . The clay illustrations just seem to jump out at you and the back of the book includes different actions you and your children can do for each animal. This is tons of fun to share with your toddler-- it's a book we read often in the past few weeks. Apparently she has books about other animal habitats-- I'm excited to read more of her works!<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Pp-eEMXKL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Pp-eEMXKL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp,TopRight,12,-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Umbrella-Jan-Brett/dp/0399242155/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318530963&sr=1-1">The Umbrella</a> by Jan Brett<br />
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This offering by noted children's author Jan Brett is a fun tale that takes place in the Costa Rican cloud forest. It's similar in style to The Mitten, an earlier work of Brett's, in which animals crowd one by one into a leaf umbrella until there's no more room. It's an entertaining tale that Jonathan wanted to hear several times. Brett's illustrations are, as always, breathtaking and full of detail. This is a fun addition to any rainforest unit!<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QyMWIGObL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QyMWIGObL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rainforest-Animals-Animal-Verse-Paul/dp/1840895608/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318531644&sr=1-1">Rainforest Animals</a> by Paul Hess<br />
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This is a perfect first book to introduce children to Rainforest animals. Each two page spread features a different animal in its natural habitat. Bold text displays the animal name and a short 4-line verse is included which describes some of that animal's behavior. It's the perfect book for younger toddlers-- even Grace had the attention span to enjoy this book.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-pariVMIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-pariVMIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Living-Rain-Forest-Animal-Alphabet/dp/1580893937/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1318552001&sr=8-2">The Living Rain Forest: An Animal Alphabet</a> by Paul Kratter<br />
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I usually try to pick out an alphabet book that corresponds with whatever our "theme" for the week is. So this is a beautifully illustrated alphabet book that features different animals and plants of the world's rain forests. Each double-spread layout includes some interesting facts about the animal, including their size and length. It's very interesting and informative, but the information really isn't appealing for toddlers/preschoolers. Jonathan just really liked looking at the pictures! The book includes animals from all over the world, so if you are looking to focus on animals of a particular regions, then this one may not be the best choice for your classroom.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ntoekqzmL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ntoekqzmL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rainforest-Grew-All-Around/dp/0976882361/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318553424&sr=1-1">The Rainforest Grew All Around</a> by Susan Mitchell<br />
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This is another rainforest book based on a song. This book adapts the song <i>The Green Grass Grew All Around. </i>As you go through the verses of the song, you learn about the different animals and plants of the rainforest. The illustrations feature lush scenes of the Amazon and the sidebars include additional facts. There's also a cookie recipe using ingredients that we import from the Rain Forest-- it would make a wonderful baking project to share with your little ones!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Rainforest-Kristin-Joy-Pratt/dp/1878265997/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318553771&sr=1-1">A Walk in the Rainforest </a>by Kristin Joy Pratt<br />
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This is another alphabet book that was written and illustrated by a fifteen year old girl. It follows a little ant named XYZ on its walk through a rainforest. The any meets different animals such as "an intriguing iguana" and "an observant ocelot". Some of the letters seem a little forced such as "a natural Native who knows nature well", but all in all it's a cute book.<br />
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All of these were fun reads for our week in the <a href="http://nurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com/search/label/rainforest">rainforest</a>. Thanks for visiting!<br />
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I'm linking up to these wonderful blogs:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=fd22a682fa8d619e3c651d713eea02b6&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2Fp%2Flinky-parties.html&v=1&libid=1318555128128&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hopeisthewordblog.com%2Fcategory%2Fbooks%2Fread-aloud-thursday%2F&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2F&title=Nursery%20Rhymes%20and%20Fun%20Times%3A%20Linky%20Parties&txt=%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv225%2Flrumom%2FRATbutton.jpg%22%3E&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13185554982451">Read Aloud Thursday</a> @ Hope is the Word</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://debrakb.blogspot.com/search/label/reading%20aloud">Reading Aloud Challenge</a> @ Footprints in the Butter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=fd22a682fa8d619e3c651d713eea02b6&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2Fp%2Flinky-parties.html&v=1&libid=1318555128128&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.littlesproutbooks.com%2F&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2F&title=Nursery%20Rhymes%20and%20Fun%20Times%3A%20Linky%20Parties&txt=%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F_YHrNoqsyfsA%2FTFigMiG21yI%2FAAAAAAAAAXw%2FaGvM_P7lmHc%2Fs800%2Ffeed-me-books-friday%2520009-1.jpg%22%3E&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13185555276242">Feed Me Books Friday</a> @ Little Sprout Books</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=fd22a682fa8d619e3c651d713eea02b6&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2Fp%2Flinky-parties.html&v=1&libid=1318555128128&out=http%3A%2F%2Flearningwithmouse.blogspot.com%2Fsearch%2Flabel%2Fweekly%2520reading&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2F&title=Nursery%20Rhymes%20and%20Fun%20Times%3A%20Linky%20Parties&txt=%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F_wKQtyTbjoT4%2FSq-KaGVjfpI%2FAAAAAAAABrE%2Fn85piwgCaE8%2FPicture%25206%255B6%255D.png%22%3E&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13185555742343">What My Child is Reading</a> @ Mouse Grows, Mouse Learns</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=fd22a682fa8d619e3c651d713eea02b6&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2Fp%2Flinky-parties.html&v=1&libid=1318555128128&out=http%3A%2F%2Fonehookwonder.blogspot.com%2F&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseryrhymesandfuntimes.blogspot.com%2F&title=Nursery%20Rhymes%20and%20Fun%20Times%3A%20Linky%20Parties&txt=%3Cimg%20border%3D%220%22%20src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fi275.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj305%2Fspaceopera2%2FMondayButton150.jpg%22%3E&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13185556193434">Book Sharing Monday</a> @ Smiling Like Sunshine</span></div>
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<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4904075669621951344.post-32838835113681773352011-10-12T15:00:00.000-05:002011-10-12T15:08:07.233-05:00The Blessing {Book Review}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41cPEoXfGwL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41cPEoXfGwL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
I'll be honest up front-- I tend to shy away from books by Christian psychologists or psychiatrists. There's just so much (in my opinion) garbage included in many of the Christian self-help offerings. The more books an author puts out, the more skeptical I am about what they have to offer.<br />
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But I was given a chance to read the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Giving-Gift-Unconditional-Acceptance/dp/0849946379/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1318446688&sr=8-2">The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance</a> by John Trent and Gary Smalley thanks to the folks at BookSneeze. I typically don't pick up books like <i>The Blessing, </i>but I thought it could provide a helpful perspective on parenting. And,overall, it did.<br />
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First the positive, Trent and Smalley emphasize the importance of offering our children unconditional love and acceptance. We <i>should </i>be making our children feel loved, appreciated, and wanted. The authors consider this giving our children "the blessing". They emphasize five different aspects of the blessing:<br />
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<li>Meaningful Touch- affirming our children with appropriate physical contact</li>
<li>A Spoken Message- speaking words of praise and affirmation</li>
<li>Attaching high value- using word pictures to communicate the value you place in your child</li>
<li>Picturing a Special Future- affirming the character qualities and potential you see in your child</li>
<li>An Active Commitment- a continued commitment to actively demonstrate your care for your child</li>
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These are very good categories for any parent (Christian or non-Christian) to think through. The authors provided many illustrations from Scripture and real-life to illustrate their point. </div>
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However, while I agree with the importance of the points they made, I disliked the way they used Scripture. I thought they were using Scripture to support their points instead of using Scripture to argue their points. It isn't that blessing and affirming our children is unimportant, it's just that I think they offered a poor biblical argument. </div>
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Secondly, they had an over abundance of real life "sob stories" of people who failed to experience the blessing from their parents. This really killed the book for me. I honestly stopped reading after getting through the first two sections of the book, because I felt that they already got the point across. </div>
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So, would I recommend this book? It depends on the level of discernment of the reader. I think there are better Christian parenting books out there. However, it's worth reading simply for the second section which goes through the five essential elements of blessing your children. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."</span></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14421476904131498050noreply@blogger.com2