The youngest four

We had to go to aimee's colleg to sign her up for classes since her paper work was all**** up by the local branch we had to drive to the main offices. This was after SEVEN trips to the local branch of her community college! in the grassy field was a giant oak tree surounded by rocks so we played on the rocks and studied the oak tree all five of us couldn't put our arms around the big tree. I love this picture of Cam holding little-man, Tippy-toe and Pitty-pat.

Faux American girl Doll mania

I found 2 18-inch dolls, 2 horses and three Ziploc bags of clothes for 10 dollars at a garage sale this weekend. We are finding patterns for clothes to make with recycled cloth. The girls spent some bonding time in their room playing with them which is why they were worth every penny! My two older girls each had a real AG Doll but rarely played with them because they knew they cost so much. I had hoped they would be prompted to play together for some much needed sister bonding time. It worked like a charm. Now I am being prompted to sew some clothes. I think sewing lessons are in the future.

Reading Lists

I am hunting garage sales and book sales for our 2010-2011 homeschool year Curriculum. So far here is my current list. I am including only books we own already.

First Grade:
Reading list:
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (B4FIAR) (homeschoolshare.com has activities to go along with this one.)$0.50

Ready..Set..Read by J.Cole and S. Calmenson $0.50

Curious George Rides A Bike by H.A. Rey $0.25

Third Grade:
Reading List:
Little House in the Big Woods Laura Engalls Wilder (I found a lapbook to go along with this at homeschoolhelper)

Sarah Plain and Tall (We have the hallmark Movie on VHS)

Misty of Chinoteague

Fog Magic

Magic Tree House Books by Mary Pope Osborne $0.50

Music Life Lessons

Each year I buy one of the kids a mystery instrument for Christmas and challenge them to learn both what it is and how to play it. Some we have had in the past are an all-metal clarinet,a mystery harp that remains mysterious, a marching xylophone, a violin, and a guitar. At the flea market today I found a Kalimba (African thumb piano) for $10.00, who would like this for Christmas this year???? Aaron can play several instruments, Jessi plays at viola and clarinet, Aimee plays 7 kinds -- Saxophones, flutes, piano, and the guitar(but some are variations of the same), Taylor plays clarinet, Camryn plays piano and guitar, Pitty-pat and Tippy-toe not enough time yet but like to make noise, and my 2 year old Little-man plays his toy xylophone rather well every morning at 6 am. I also have several rythym instruments for the little ones which we get out from time to time. They love to make a joyful noise. I am tone deaf so I play piano badly. I don't know where my kids get the musical talents. I think they should all be encouraged to try as many as I can afford and find. Tippy-toe can make it work so I think he will get the instrument. We brought it in and showed it to them so no surprise this time. I love this holiday tradition.

garage sale finds

300x microscope $1.00
pocket chart resource book $1.00
brownie try-its book $1.00
nice size conch shell with ocean inside $1.00
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(not too bad for a days entertainment)Total $4.00