Final days of school

We are winding down the school year here... yay!!

 I have been a bit busy lately getting ready for our final school review with the State, among many other family activities. So, I snapped a few pictures of some of the things we had been working on the last few weeks to give you a quick update before we take a break for the summer. Don't worry, I will still be updating through the summer (or so I plan to) we have a lot of fun activities planned between now and October so stay tuned! ;)

Here are the books we used for History and Science. We had a great year learning how the United States came to be plus all of the other world events going on at the same time:

This is our wall map filled for the year. All of the states filled in are the members of the Union up to1850. (The time period we have stopped at for the year. We will pick up from there next year)

The boys (Elizabeth too) have loved filling in this map and learning about these states.

Here's a quick timeline snapshot of what we have studied about this year:

 

 

Both boys kept up notebooks for History and Science. 

Each day, after a lesson they had to write or draw a picture of the events.

(maybe we have to take a drawing class next year and try to get past the stick figure stage LOL)

In Science we learned all about Botany for the 2nd semester.

Each boy did a lapbook like below as we worked through each lesson and experiments

Some samples of Sean's art work

And Ryan's art work

Next year we are learning from 1850 until modern times.

Here are some of the books we'll be using 

(minus the Narnia series to the right, Sean is reading through those now and finishing them over the summer)

This is our new wall map for next year. 

It's huge, I just finished laminating each little section.

Happy Summer everyone!!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Elizabeth LOVES this book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. She asks for it to be read to her every night. She knows it so well, that she can "read" the book herself! LOL Good thing out of it, she has learned her ABC's haha!!

Ladies Tea

This weekend the girls and I attended a tea party at church...

...no not the political 'Tea Party', a real, live, girly tea party with tea and cookies and little sandwiches...

and girly prizes...

we had a great time!!

Resurection Cookies

We finally got around to making those neat Resurrection cookies for Easter Sunday.

The night before Easter, we made these cookies while reading from the Bible of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.

I managed to snap a few pictures while we were making the cookies.

Elizabeth, beating the nuts symbolizing just as Jesus was beaten.

The boys watching the batter being whipped up (they're basically meringues)

The white is for purity.

Placing the cookies onto the cookie sheet...

...and into the oven.

We then sealed the oven - just as the tomb was sealed - and went to bed.
In the morning we woke up, unsealed the oven and took a bite of our cookies. Unfortunately, I dont have any pictures of this because we were busy in the morning getting ready for church too. The cookies, though, were hollow in the center like an empty tomb. Unfortunatly, our cookies didnt turn out so well, I think I need to tweek some oven temperatures or cookie sizes when we try it next year. :)

Here is the recipe and Bible Verses that were read along as we made the cookies... it's a great lesson to do anytime of the year, not just Easter.

Ingredients:

• 1C whole pecans (we used almonds)
  
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• pinch salt
• 1C sugar
• zipper baggie
• wooden spoon
• tape
• Bible

Instructions:

Preheat Oven to 300 F. (Note: Do this first, don’t wait until you are half way done with the recipe!) Place pecans in Ziploc bag and let your children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.

• Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

• Read John 19:1-3.

1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, 3 And said , Hail , King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.

• Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.

• Read John 19:28-30.

28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished , that the scripture might be fulfilled , saith , I thirst . 29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said , It is finished : and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life.

• Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

• Read John 10:10-11.

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal , and to kill , and to destroy : I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.

• Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

• Read Luke 23:27.

27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 c. sugar.

• Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us, He wants us to know that and He wants us to love Him as well.

• Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

John3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.

• Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

• Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Isaiah 1:18 Come now , and let us reason together , saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

John3:1-3 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest , except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.

• Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid.

• Read Matthew 27:57-60.

When the even was come , there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple : 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered . 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.

• Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed.

• Read Matthew 27:65-66.

Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way , make it as sure as ye can . 66 So they went , and made the sepulchre sure , sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

GO TO BED!

• Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

• Read John 16:20- 22

20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament , but the world shall rejoice : and ye shall be sorrowful , but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come : but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice , and your joy no man taketh from you.

On Sunday morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On Resurrection morning, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

• Read Matthew 28:1-9.

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold , there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake , and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified . 6 He is not here: for he is risen , as he said . Come , see the place where the Lord lay . 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold , he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo , I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word . 9 And as they went to tell his disciples , behold , Jesus met them, saying , All hail . And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

American Inventions

This week in history, we learned all about some famous American inventors for this time period and how they advanced growth for our country.

We also added Virginia, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Vermont to our state studies.

For science, we continued our study on Botany. This week we learned all about the roots, leaves and how important they are to the plant. Did you know, when the leaves change color in the fall, that is the real color of the leaves? The green color is just the overabundance of chlorophyll. When the plant stops making food in the fall, its true colors can be see.

We started making a lapbook for the rest of the year in science, since our Revolutionary War lapbook was such a big hit.

For Art we did some spring/Easter themed projects.

Ryan made a chalk painting. He wet the paper and used chalk to color it to give it a neat color and texture.

Sean made a pyramid that tells the story of the Resurrection.

Elizabeth made an angel. She wasn't thrilled with coloring the whole thing so I gave her a bunch of stickers to decorate it with.

We also did some inside PE this week. I planned on taking them out for basketball at the park but it has been a bit windy and brisk for Abigail to be out in that weather.

It cracks me up that Smokey has decided to make an appearance in each of these pictures - he's such a ham!

Elizabeth doing some leg lifts.

Ryan working those arms with pushups.
I think Smokey is checking his form.

Sean being tortured with leg lifts!

I had to add this picture too! hahah! He's not so happy doing these arm circles... I made him work for that lunch behind him! ;)

Abby Mae working out her little face with smiles.

" this post is linked to Homeschool Highlights in MFW
at Discover Their Gifts or 2 ladybugs and a lizard "

Back to school

Actually, we've never technically stopped doing school since Abigail was born. Some days were just "doing the basics" kind of days, while others we were able to fill in other activities. Finally, though our schedule is starting to look more like our "normal" day.... normal being used very loosely here.
I am going to try and get back into my regular blog updates.

For History:
We finished up our study on the Revolutionary War. Both boys did a lapbook project and they turned out great. I think they really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Sean actually asked if we were going to do another one. haha! Unfortunately, the plan is not in the works for this year. ;)

We've started now studying the Constitution and forming our government. We are also studying each state in order as they joined the Union and the Presidents in order up til 1850. We will pick up the states and presidents that came after 1850 next year in our continued study on US History.

So this week, we learned about Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Our President was George Washington.

Ryan's Lapbook

Ryan's Washington:

Sean's Lapbook

Sean's Washington:

Notebook pages they both made:

Science:
We are looking at flowers and seeds.
We took a close look at the flower's anatomy and pollinated a couple flowers to watch them change. Pretty interesting stuff! We also learned about the different kinds of fruit... more than just apples and oranges. ;)




Art:
Most of our art lately has been combined with our History work in the lapbook. This week we looked at how people in colonial days took "pictures" by doing silhouettes. Each boy made a silhouette.

Sorry for the bad pictures; the silhouettes:

Math:
Ryan is learning fractions and Sean is working on geometry

Language:
Sean is working with adjectives and Ryan is learning about different verbs

" this post is linked to Homeschool Highlights in MFW
at Discover Their Gifts or 2 ladybugs and a lizard "

Abigail Mae's Birth Story

Baby Abigail arrived on Feb 2, 2012 at 3:16pm; 9lbs 3oz and 21 in long!!

On Feb 1st, I had my 39week doctor's appointment. The past few days before, I hadn't been feeling "right". It was a strange feeling like the way your head feels when you have the flu. I also noticed that my blood pressure readings were starting to creep up a bit at home. I told the doctor all of this, she didnt seem too concerned because my at home readings weren't in a danger zone yet. Because the readings were creeping up she wanted to set me up with an induction for the next week and then take my blood pressure again before I left. Well they took my blood pressure again, it was still elevated, and then told me I could go. As I was walking out, the doctor called me back and asked if I was still feeling bad and I said that I was. She decided it was best that I be sent to Labor and Delivery for monitoring for a couple hours.

Dennis and I hemmed and hawed over what to do with the kids. We originally thought, well we will just bring them with us and if something happens we'll bring them over to our Pastor's house. We just werent sure how fast things would change so, in the end, we decided to bring them to our Pastor's house first and then head to the hospital. At least that way they could play with their friends and not be bored to death in the hospital. Good thing we did!! We got to the hospital, I got hooked up to the machines, and the doctor came in and said "ready to have your baby?!" HAHA I think my jaw hit the ground! She wanted to start pitocin right away because with my blood pressure rising, she didnt want to wait and put the baby in any danger. I was 39 weeks, dialated, baby was ready to come out - her words, not mine. ;)

At first, it seemed like my body was responding well to the pitocin. I started contracting right away, but then the contractions would drop off. Every time they turned up the dose, I would contract for a little while and then drop off. After about 6 hours, nothing had changed - very demoralizing! I hadnt had anything but a bagel to eat all day, I was tired and exhausted! They kept offering to give me an epidural and break my water but I would decline, I could tell though the contractions were uncomfortable, they just weren't "there" yet pain wise. Around midnight, the doctor decided to stop the pitocin and try doing a cervix ripening medicine instead. So they gave me the meds and Dennis and I went to sleep.

At one point during the night, I got woken up by the doctor and 2 nurses running in the room and scrambling trying to wake me up and turn me over on the other side. I was still half asleep and had no idea what was going on except they were acting panicked and I had an oxygen mask over my face. After a few minutes they told me that the baby's heart rate dropped and they were trying to get it back up. Thankfully the baby responded, but it was REAL hard to get back to sleep after that big scare.

Morning came, the cervix meds did their job, I was ready to start the pitocin again. This time, I could tell, these were the "good" contractions. After a few hours doctor came in and said she wanted to break my water. I told her, and the nurse, that things usually happen very fast after that so I wanted my epidural now. LOL That epidural was the strongest epi I had ever had. I couldnt move my legs at all - usually I still have some sort of feeling. I was actually pretty concerned with how strong it was, that I wouldnt feel it when the baby was ready to push. The nurse wasnt very helpful but said I would be fine *rolling eyes*. The doctor came in to break my water - I was about 4cm dialated at this time. Maybe about 45mins later, I started feeling INCREDIBLE pressure. I told the nurse, she kind of blew me off and told me to push the button for more pain meds. I didnt want to because I knew this pain meant the baby was almost there but I did anyway (or Dennis did for me). They never believe me when I say how fast the baby comes after my water breaks. The nurse started giving me a hard time because I didnt push the button right away - I wanted to slap her. LOL She called for the doctor to come and check me and I was already at 8cm, almost ready to push. A few mins later, I got a new nurse (thank God for her), she came and checked me because the doc wasnt there yet. Baby was THERE, ready to join the world!! She had me start pushing and doc came running in. Doc didnt even have a chance to get her robe on and cover the bed, baby Abigail had arrived!

She was a bit blue but they gave her some oxygen and she pink'ed up right away. What a great day!

Elizabeth was soooo excited to meet her baby Abigail. The boys too!! I got to go home 24hours later and the boys and Elizabeth have been great big brother and sister to our newest addition to the family.