Thursday, September 29, 2011

Peppa Pig

Today Little Man and I discovered Peppa.  So adorable!  I've always had a liking for pigs- don't ask me why?  Anyways, he seemed to really like this ABC video, so I'll have to be sure to share the other Peppa videos with him.  Have you met Peppa?


Enjoy your day,
Jen

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Vocabulary Dictionary

Hello!  Just wanted to share a great resource that my 7 year old is using for school.  I thought that this would be great for homeschoolers or for kids who need enrichment in vocabulary development. 

Vocabulary Dictionary

Things have been crazy lately, so pardon my lack of posts!  Lots of learning and fun, but not much time for blogging these days.

Jen

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: My Favorite Boys!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Pillow Fight!

A couple of weeks ago, we had a guest for a slumber party to kick-off the end of summer and to greet the start of the school year.  We had a fire, smores, watched a movie, and while I was trying to get the baby to bed the kids decided to have a loud pillow fight.  How silly did I feel for disciplining them about having a pillow fight at a slumber party!  - but things change when there is a baby in the house. 

The next morning after fruit and cinnamon buns, I decided that it would be fun to bring on the pillow fight!  After a couple of swats in the face, I changed the rules.  You got a point every time you swatted someone in the buns- and not our cinnamon buns.  So our battle began- and so was created bum pillow fighting!  No one got hurt and we had a good laugh at our new game! 



And for our next slumber party adventure, I might just have to check out this book.  It looks adorable!
Enjoy your day,
Jen

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Guest Post: Choosing a Child Care Center

Today, I am happy to welcome Emily Patterson who is offering great advice for parents who are looking for quality preschools or childcare centers for their children.  I've been so fortunate to find a wonderful, nurturing school at my childrens' church, but maybe you are in the process of researching schools for your children.  If so, this article is for you!



Choosing a Child Care Center

For parents who are unable to provide full time child care for their children because of career commitments or other factors, finding a substitute to provide parental love and nurturing can be a truly daunting task. While no person can totally replace a parent’s significant role in helping their children develop in a positive and nurturing fashion, parents should actively seek the best possible alternatives for their young preschool children under the age of five.

The options in most cases do not include leaving the children with family and friends. Economics may force that issue, but for the best overall results, a staff of professionals at an accredited school or children’s care center may be the better option.

Before any decision is made, a thorough investigation of possibilities should be undertaken. Recommendations from family and friends should be investigated, but parents should seek out exactly what they feel is best for their children. Much background on schools can be garnered on the web. The list should be concentrated only on those facilities with which parents feel most comfortable.

The next step is to make appointments at all qualifying schools and begin the interview process. Parents have an uncanny ability to instinctively know which of the potential schools will work best. These instincts and first reactions are often the best factors for finding the right placement. Parents know that children have instincts too; if something doesn’t seem right to the child, go on to the next school on your list.

Before your child is enrolled, your responsibilities are beginning. It is particularly essential that you familiarize yourself with the school’s staff. That means administrators and teachers, as well. Get to know school policies and the strengths and perceived weaknesses of the staff. They are you partners in your child’s future. It is important that open communication be established and maintained with all your partners at the school.

Before the final decision is made, consider the five areas of concern listed in the statements and questions below to help you with your final decision.

1. Do your goals and educational philosophies match those of the school? Is the school’s curriculum up to date and in keeping with advances in education? Do you think that the school offers your child the best advancement opportunities to the next level of his schooling? Finally, does your child seem to be a good fit for the school and fellow students?


2. Is the school accredited by a reputable accrediting agency? What are their standards? Is there a list of these available, and does the school set their agenda to make certain that their standards are adhered to?


3. Teachers should have high standards, as well. What are their credentials? Do they strive to keep abreast of new methods? Are the teachers versed in first-aid techniques and CPR in case of an emergency? Do you feel confident in their abilities to guide your children and protect them? Would you want them as grandparents for your kids?


4. How does the school seem to you? Is it inviting? Do classrooms look like a great environment for learning? Is there interaction between teachers and students, and are there enough programs to keep your child engaged and interested? How about field trips and outside exposure? These are all vital considerations.


5. School Policies should not be overlooked: Do teachers communicate with parents? What is the school safety record? What are the costs and payment options? How does the school handle emergencies?

Your child is your life. It is important that you get him or her on the right track early on during his developmental years. Whatever choice of schools you make, do your best to ensure that you have picked the right one. The rewards will be many.


Submitted on behalf of Primrose Schools: innovative, high-quality early education and day care services by Emily Patterson (epatt1062)


Thank you, Emily!
Jen


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Cave Paintings

For a recent art lesson, Sunshine learned about primitive art.  I don't think she realized that art started so long ago! One of the caves that she toured online was the Lascaux from France. The above photo is from this cave.  If you are interested in learning more, tour the cave below!


Next, Sunshine collected items in nature to create her own art.  Using flowers, dirt, leaves, and rocks, she experimented with these earthly items to make art.  The dandelions and the dirt worked the best out of all of the items she collected.  She mixed the dirt with water to make paint. 
I think a variety of berries would have worked out well for prettier colors- blues and pinks. This concept can also be combined with using natural elements to die eggs.  We did this at Easter one year, but I think for an experiment, it could be done anytime of year!

Enjoy,
Jen


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Monday, September 12, 2011

Heelys- Not Just for Kids!

Momma got a new pair of shoes!

"So what?"  you may be thinking.  Well, these aren't just any shoes.  These shoes just might put me in the "cool" Mom category.  These shoes are on wheels!  

Yes, Momma got a new pair of Heelys!  I was excited to be chosen for this promotion and decided that the purple and black model was right up my alley.  My kids have had Heelys, but I never imagined that I'd get back on shoes with wheels in a million years.  (had an 80's version of wheeled shoes during my youth)

But being from a curious household, I was just that- curious.  Could I- at the (very young) age of almost 40, actually skate around in these hip shoes? 




 
When the package came in the mail, the girls were a wee bit envious of my new wheels!
I didn't put them on right away, because I needed to learn about my new Heelys. On their website, there is an informative How To video for newbies like myself.  And now for my own home movie.... (embrace yourself for laughter and try not to make too much fun of me!)
Review:
I thought the shoes were quite stylish with a sporty and durable design.   You can't go wrong with black and purple. The wheels popped into the shoe easily. I have the option of wearing them with wheels or as stand alone tennis shoes. This style is the Wave.


The wheels are fun, but I'm honestly not sure how often I would use them or be allowed to use them without safety gear.  You can't see my husband's face as he was filming, but what he was thinking was....."oh no, a trip to the emergency room!"

My shoe size is an 8 1/2 , but I only had an option of a size 8 or 9.  I chose 8, which are a bit snug. If I choose to purchase Heelys in the future, I would select a larger size.
Are you a Momma ready for a pair of wheels?  If so, be sure to check out all of the cool styles at http://www.heelys.com/.  Possibly a new way for us to get in a little workout and pretend that we are kids again!

I hope you enjoyed the review,
Jen

Disclosure:  I was not compensated monetarily, but was given a pair of Heelys to test for the above review.  The opinions are my own and may differ from opinion of others. I was chosen for this review from Business2Blogger.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Remembering and Praying

Thinking about 10 years ago, about our many heroes, and praying for those who lost loved ones today. 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Nature Around the Neighborhood

For Peanut's Science assignment yesterday, she had to take a nature hike around the neighborhood. With bag in hand and her siblings, she trekked around looking for rocks, bark, grass, leaves, flowers, nuts, etc. 
 
Oh no, little brother found a stick!
 Here are some suggestion for taking your own Science Hike....
-encourage your child to talk about what they see and hear in their surroundings
-give time for observations and questions
-set everything on a table and discuss discoveries
-set out art tools and let your child make a collage or add drawings to a nature journal


Enjoy your weekend!
Jen

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: First Day of School






The first day of Cyberschool went very well!  We celebrated with a banana cake baked by Mom and Dad! 

Hope your kids' first day went well- whether it be at home or at school!

Happy WW!  For more WW, be sure to visit 5 Minutes for Mom and Pinke Post!
Jen

Monday, September 5, 2011

Little Red School Chairs


Oh, I'm so excited!  I love how these red chairs turned out.  A few people questioned as to whether I really wanted to paint the chairs red when I shared my idea.  I'm so glad that I did.  I think they are perfect for our little school room.  The girls helped momma out a bit, too. 
BEFORE

 

Isn't it amazing what  a little love can do to a crappy old chair? 

Let me know what you think!

Jen

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