We have pretty much decided on homeschooling. Well, we've sorta unofficailly started. Since Alex is only 3 it's not very structured yet,we just get non-fiction books on whatever subject Alex is interested in at the moment and the lessons are short. We also are using Hooked on Phonics, Kumon workbooks, Joyful Life (Abeka's Sunday School department), Leap Pad, DVD's, the internet, read a lot,and field trips to museums, the zoo... We are also teaching Alex to tell time.
Marie-Anne
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Hooked on Phonics
I am so excited about what I got the other day at Big Lots. I got the complete Kindergarten through 2nd grade Hooked on Phonics set for only $40! We have checked out the kindergarten set from the library several times while I was teaching Alex the ABC’s. Alex and I started using it to learn letter sounds. He loves books and wants to learn to read. Once he learns the letter sounds I don’t think it will take him long.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Monday, February 18, 2008
Phoenix Part 1
Sun Feb 10th
Happy b-day to me! We left for Phoenix from church. We arrived shortly before their night service. It was a good service and Alex enjoyed Sunday School. After church we stayed for fellowship.
Alex had friends to play with; the kids raided the church’s costumes for Sunday School. Alex dressed as a knight, a soldier, a gangster, and a clown. It was very cute.
Mon. Feb 11th
We (Alex and I) drove 30 minutes to the Katydid Insect Museum to find out it no longer exists. I was upset. We found it on a website of area attractions. I learned the hard way to call first to be sure.
Alex and I ended up going to the Hall of Flame. http://www.hallofflame.org/ While it is geared for older folks Alex loved the kids section and the fire truck he could climb on. He actually fell out of the fire truck, but thankfully they had a thick rubber mat and he wasn’t hurt. We both wore Alex’s fire fighter helmets and we tried on turnout gear.
Afterwards we stopped at a park. When Frank got out of class we all went back to the park and walked on the trails. It was a beautiful day. That night we were invited to visit the Ashmore’s and some friends were there. It was a great day.
Tues. Feb 12th
Alex and I went to the Arizona Heritage Museum. http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/default.asp It had a lot of stuff for kids. We had plans to meet the ladies from the local church so we didn’t stay long, but it was fun. Alex was having so much fun climbing in and out of the old car and playing with the toys that he threw a fit when it was time to go.
We met up with the ladies and went to Value Village, a thrift store. I got several books, a very nice children’s Bible, a Boggle Jr., and a leap pad to replace the one Alex broke. Then we all went to a sandwich shop next door. It was good and I really enjoyed being with the ladies.
After I got back to the hotel we went to get Frank something to eat. Boston Market is my favorite place and there isn’t one in Las Vegas nor was there one in Washington; so even though I had just eaten I HAD to get a side of their spinach.
We went to Bible Study, and I was happy that they had children’s church during the Bible Study. So I was able to pay attention. The Bible Study was on prayer.
Marie-Anne
Happy b-day to me! We left for Phoenix from church. We arrived shortly before their night service. It was a good service and Alex enjoyed Sunday School. After church we stayed for fellowship.
Alex had friends to play with; the kids raided the church’s costumes for Sunday School. Alex dressed as a knight, a soldier, a gangster, and a clown. It was very cute.
Mon. Feb 11th
We (Alex and I) drove 30 minutes to the Katydid Insect Museum to find out it no longer exists. I was upset. We found it on a website of area attractions. I learned the hard way to call first to be sure.
Alex and I ended up going to the Hall of Flame. http://www.hallofflame.org/ While it is geared for older folks Alex loved the kids section and the fire truck he could climb on. He actually fell out of the fire truck, but thankfully they had a thick rubber mat and he wasn’t hurt. We both wore Alex’s fire fighter helmets and we tried on turnout gear.
Afterwards we stopped at a park. When Frank got out of class we all went back to the park and walked on the trails. It was a beautiful day. That night we were invited to visit the Ashmore’s and some friends were there. It was a great day.
Tues. Feb 12th
Alex and I went to the Arizona Heritage Museum. http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/default.asp It had a lot of stuff for kids. We had plans to meet the ladies from the local church so we didn’t stay long, but it was fun. Alex was having so much fun climbing in and out of the old car and playing with the toys that he threw a fit when it was time to go.
We met up with the ladies and went to Value Village, a thrift store. I got several books, a very nice children’s Bible, a Boggle Jr., and a leap pad to replace the one Alex broke. Then we all went to a sandwich shop next door. It was good and I really enjoyed being with the ladies.
After I got back to the hotel we went to get Frank something to eat. Boston Market is my favorite place and there isn’t one in Las Vegas nor was there one in Washington; so even though I had just eaten I HAD to get a side of their spinach.
We went to Bible Study, and I was happy that they had children’s church during the Bible Study. So I was able to pay attention. The Bible Study was on prayer.
Marie-Anne
Phoenix part 2
Wed. Feb. 13th
Alex and I went to the Arizona Science Center. http://www.azscience.org/ Some people made it sound like the greatest thing in the world and it was- for older kids. Alex had a blast though, but I was a bit disappointed because of expectations set. The dinosaur section cost extra and it was only a little bit bigger than the exhibit at the Natural History museum, (which is much cheaper).
After we left there we walked to the Phoenix Police Museum. www.phoenixpolicemuseum.com/ I loved it! It was small, but great. I got some brochures to give to the ladies from the local church and to give to our hotel to pass out. Alex got to wear a real police shirt and had a lot of fun in a police car and on a police motorcycle. I got a little teary eyed seeing the pictures of policemen fallen in the line of duty. When the tour guide pointed out the fallen police dogs Alex said, “Dogs don’t die.” She said that always got to the kids. The lady there was so sweet. It is a free museum so I didn’t expect them to give us anything, but she gave us candy, a police badge, and a coloring book. As we were walking out she also gave us each a little teddy bear.
We also walked to Wells Fargo Museum. http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/ It too was free and small. We only stayed a few minutes because 2 classes were there on a field trip. Alex loved the stagecoach that kids could climb in and the toy stagecoach. I would have liked to stay a little bit longer and enjoy it, but it was just too crowded.
We picked up Frank and went to Jeepers http://www.jeepers.com/ an indoor amusement park much like Chuck E. Cheese. We didn’t eat there we just let Alex play in the play area, play some games, and ride 2 rides. I rode the roller coaster with him. It was Alex’s first time to ever be at anything like this and he loved it. He kept calling it a museum. Alex got a party horn with the tickets he won, but only because the guy gave it to him, he didn’t have enough.
Thurs. Feb. 14th
Happy Valentines Day! Today we went with ladies from the local church to a community college’s “art museum.” It was False Advertising because it was really their library. The art was on the walls and in shelves throughout the library. We were disappointed; it was hard to enjoy it while trying to keep Alex quiet because everyone there was studying. You should’ve seen the looks on the students’ faces as four women in long dresses with three kids walked by. That was FUNNY! Then we went to a park and the kids chased chickens and pigeons and played with an exercise ball.
We had a very good service. The title was Patching Holes- people try to fill their lives with everything, but Jesus.
Frank, Alex, and I got each other a Valentines Day gift from the dollar store. Frank and I got candy and Alex got toy tanks.
Fri. Feb. 15th
Alex and I went to the Scottsdale Historical Museum. http://www.scottsdalemuseum.com/index2.html It was tiny! We looked at everything in only a few minutes. Alex enjoyed ringing the bell. Scottsdale is a tourist area so we went into several of the shops. Then we took a free trolley ride. Alex kept calling it the trolley museum, (everything’s a museum to him now).
After we dropped off Frank’s lunch we went to the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park. www.pueblogrande.org/ We played in the kids’ area for a while then I tried to look at the other exhibits, but Alex was hyper. It was sprinkling so I took an umbrella and pulled Alex’s hood up and went out to the trail. We bought corn to grind on the grinding stones. Pigeons were waiting and flew down while we were still grinding. Alex loves to chase pigeons. I let Alex run ahead of me on the trail. As I said he had lots of energy. We went into some huts and I had to remind Alex not to break stuff. Then we went back to the kids’ area for a while. I bought Alex a few things from the store also.
We stopped for food to go and picked up Frank. It had been a good trip, but we were ready to go home.
Marie-Anne
Alex and I went to the Arizona Science Center. http://www.azscience.org/ Some people made it sound like the greatest thing in the world and it was- for older kids. Alex had a blast though, but I was a bit disappointed because of expectations set. The dinosaur section cost extra and it was only a little bit bigger than the exhibit at the Natural History museum, (which is much cheaper).
After we left there we walked to the Phoenix Police Museum. www.phoenixpolicemuseum.com/ I loved it! It was small, but great. I got some brochures to give to the ladies from the local church and to give to our hotel to pass out. Alex got to wear a real police shirt and had a lot of fun in a police car and on a police motorcycle. I got a little teary eyed seeing the pictures of policemen fallen in the line of duty. When the tour guide pointed out the fallen police dogs Alex said, “Dogs don’t die.” She said that always got to the kids. The lady there was so sweet. It is a free museum so I didn’t expect them to give us anything, but she gave us candy, a police badge, and a coloring book. As we were walking out she also gave us each a little teddy bear.
We also walked to Wells Fargo Museum. http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/ It too was free and small. We only stayed a few minutes because 2 classes were there on a field trip. Alex loved the stagecoach that kids could climb in and the toy stagecoach. I would have liked to stay a little bit longer and enjoy it, but it was just too crowded.
We picked up Frank and went to Jeepers http://www.jeepers.com/ an indoor amusement park much like Chuck E. Cheese. We didn’t eat there we just let Alex play in the play area, play some games, and ride 2 rides. I rode the roller coaster with him. It was Alex’s first time to ever be at anything like this and he loved it. He kept calling it a museum. Alex got a party horn with the tickets he won, but only because the guy gave it to him, he didn’t have enough.
Thurs. Feb. 14th
Happy Valentines Day! Today we went with ladies from the local church to a community college’s “art museum.” It was False Advertising because it was really their library. The art was on the walls and in shelves throughout the library. We were disappointed; it was hard to enjoy it while trying to keep Alex quiet because everyone there was studying. You should’ve seen the looks on the students’ faces as four women in long dresses with three kids walked by. That was FUNNY! Then we went to a park and the kids chased chickens and pigeons and played with an exercise ball.
We had a very good service. The title was Patching Holes- people try to fill their lives with everything, but Jesus.
Frank, Alex, and I got each other a Valentines Day gift from the dollar store. Frank and I got candy and Alex got toy tanks.
Fri. Feb. 15th
Alex and I went to the Scottsdale Historical Museum. http://www.scottsdalemuseum.com/index2.html It was tiny! We looked at everything in only a few minutes. Alex enjoyed ringing the bell. Scottsdale is a tourist area so we went into several of the shops. Then we took a free trolley ride. Alex kept calling it the trolley museum, (everything’s a museum to him now).
After we dropped off Frank’s lunch we went to the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park. www.pueblogrande.org/ We played in the kids’ area for a while then I tried to look at the other exhibits, but Alex was hyper. It was sprinkling so I took an umbrella and pulled Alex’s hood up and went out to the trail. We bought corn to grind on the grinding stones. Pigeons were waiting and flew down while we were still grinding. Alex loves to chase pigeons. I let Alex run ahead of me on the trail. As I said he had lots of energy. We went into some huts and I had to remind Alex not to break stuff. Then we went back to the kids’ area for a while. I bought Alex a few things from the store also.
We stopped for food to go and picked up Frank. It had been a good trip, but we were ready to go home.
Marie-Anne
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Arizona
We are going to Arizona next week. I am looking forward to it! My husband will be taking care of business during the day so I searched online for some things for Alex and me to do. We are planning to visit as many of the following as we can: the Hall of Flame (fire fighters’ museum), Phoenix Police Museum, Wells Fargo History Museum, Pioneer Living History Village, and the Arizona Science Center. In the evenings we are planning on visiting friends, but one evening we are planning to go to Jeepers, (indoor mini golf and amusement park).
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Blessed are the meek
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
The meek, those with a calm temper of mind, those of quiet strength will be as royal heirs of the entire world. The meek are not the weak or without courage. Christ claimed himself to be meek, endured the shame of the cross with quiet strength. To know the torture and pain that He would suffer ahead of time, yet to willingly submit to it for our salvation hardly speaks of weakness. Isaiah wrote about this example of strength under pressure: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth
We, as believers, have been enjoined by Christ to follow His example of meekness in Matthew 11: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.
In following Christ’s example, we too are to have the calm temper of mind as He showed us.
Would following Jesus’ example of meekness enable us be co-heirs with Him in ruling the earth and enjoy the goodness of this His presence? The Psalm 37 confirms this: “…the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
The meek, those with a calm temper of mind, those of quiet strength will be as royal heirs of the entire world. The meek are not the weak or without courage. Christ claimed himself to be meek, endured the shame of the cross with quiet strength. To know the torture and pain that He would suffer ahead of time, yet to willingly submit to it for our salvation hardly speaks of weakness. Isaiah wrote about this example of strength under pressure: He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth
We, as believers, have been enjoined by Christ to follow His example of meekness in Matthew 11: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.
In following Christ’s example, we too are to have the calm temper of mind as He showed us.
Would following Jesus’ example of meekness enable us be co-heirs with Him in ruling the earth and enjoy the goodness of this His presence? The Psalm 37 confirms this: “…the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
Greater Love No Man Hath
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Sacrifice for another, for a friend…
Liviu Librescu, well-known-scientist, professor and hero, sacrificed his life to save others. He is the college professor who used his body to stop entrance of a killer into his classroom in Virginia. He blocked the door so; his pupils could jump out of the second-story windows to safety. He gave his life so that others may live.
Death and sin stalk mankind, breaking down our barricades, brutalizing lives and killing our souls. Jesus died, for us, His friends, throwing Himself in the way of sin, even becoming sin for us. We can hear the plea of our true Friend, “Jump for your life! I will stop this monster with my life. Jump and live! I will die for you!” You may only have a moment to decide. If you don’t listen, Jesus would die in vain for you, and you would still perish. Allow His sacrifice, His gift of His Life for yours, to take hold in your soul. Jump to safety...
Sacrifice for another, for a friend…
Liviu Librescu, well-known-scientist, professor and hero, sacrificed his life to save others. He is the college professor who used his body to stop entrance of a killer into his classroom in Virginia. He blocked the door so; his pupils could jump out of the second-story windows to safety. He gave his life so that others may live.
Death and sin stalk mankind, breaking down our barricades, brutalizing lives and killing our souls. Jesus died, for us, His friends, throwing Himself in the way of sin, even becoming sin for us. We can hear the plea of our true Friend, “Jump for your life! I will stop this monster with my life. Jump and live! I will die for you!” You may only have a moment to decide. If you don’t listen, Jesus would die in vain for you, and you would still perish. Allow His sacrifice, His gift of His Life for yours, to take hold in your soul. Jump to safety...
Monday, February 4, 2008
Bill Nye the Science Guy
Have you ever heard of Bill Nye the Science Guy? I hadn’t until I checked out a dinosaur DVD by him. It’s geared for 4th grade and up, but Alex loves him! We checked out the one on fish and the one on lakes and ponds, Alex has watched them both three times since yesterday. He’s even chosen Bill Nye over Blue’s Clues and that’s saying a lot. My three year old is telling me about lakes and ponds! I searched online hoping to be able to buy some of the DVD’s used, but they are only sold to educators as a very expensive set. (This is yet another reason to be thankful for public libraries.) I did find some Bill Nye Science Guy books for real cheap. I’m going to order all I can and hope that the DVD’s will be made available for families soon.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Early Education doesn't have to cost a fortune
Take advantage of free programs in your area: Sunday School, state parks have a Jr. Ranger program, the library has story hours and summer reading programs, Your Story Hour has a kid’s bible study, free or cheap museums, parks, and many government agencies have websites for kids. Don’t forget to check out your local recreation center- ours has a free playgroup and many programs that are under $20.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Reflection
Psalm 39:3 …while I was musing the fire burned…
In this modern, fast-paced era, we must, it seems, hurry about to keep up. From cell phones and emails, to the grind of daily chores we must move, without time to rest. Yet, the Psalmist describes to us a time of waiting, thinking for a period. The rest of the verse and the next: then spake I with my tongue, LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Do we have time to reflect on our life, eternity and our frailty? Sure, we have hobbies and interests and families, but what about God? Do we pray, allowing the LORD to show us our end or the measure of our days?
In this modern, fast-paced era, we must, it seems, hurry about to keep up. From cell phones and emails, to the grind of daily chores we must move, without time to rest. Yet, the Psalmist describes to us a time of waiting, thinking for a period. The rest of the verse and the next: then spake I with my tongue, LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Do we have time to reflect on our life, eternity and our frailty? Sure, we have hobbies and interests and families, but what about God? Do we pray, allowing the LORD to show us our end or the measure of our days?
Not Long Remembered or Never Forgotten
Hebrews 11:33-38 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
These verses are extracted from the “Hall of Faith”, Hebrews 11, describing the trials and challenges the Old Testament Saints encountered and who “obtained a good report through faith.” These men and women were examples to their contemporaries, but also to those who followed after them millennia later. They were a people of action, “doers of the word”, and not just of empty words.
Living By Faith
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
From the Gettysburg Address: “But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”
Will the things we have done be not be long remembered? Could a chapter of Holy Scripture be dedicated to our steadfastness in the faith? To our devotion? To our actions?
These verses are extracted from the “Hall of Faith”, Hebrews 11, describing the trials and challenges the Old Testament Saints encountered and who “obtained a good report through faith.” These men and women were examples to their contemporaries, but also to those who followed after them millennia later. They were a people of action, “doers of the word”, and not just of empty words.
Living By Faith
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
From the Gettysburg Address: “But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.”
Will the things we have done be not be long remembered? Could a chapter of Holy Scripture be dedicated to our steadfastness in the faith? To our devotion? To our actions?
Being poor in spirit?
Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This verse could be translated as: “Happy are the destitute in spirit”. The paradox of the Gospel is that the great of this world shall be humbled and the humble shall be made great. Likewise the poor in spirit, the ones who know they need the grace of God will exceed the proud and self-righteous.
We can read later in Matthew of a Gentile woman who wanted Jesus to heal her child. Knowing Jesus was sent only to the Jews, God’s chosen people, desiring any small gift from Him she said of herself, “…yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.” How poor in spirit she was! Christ answered her, “O woman, great is thy faith…” She did not think more highly of herself than she should have, but was simply enriched with faith, from which her child was healed.
Will appropriating the grace of God, through His Son, put you in the company of the lowliest and poorest among us? Can we afford to be spiritually poor? Will it cost us to gain everything? If we join the poor spirit, could we not then say: “for ours is the kingdom of heaven?” We can certainly say, “Yes!” They, or if you prefer, we would definitely be blessed to be so poor.
This verse could be translated as: “Happy are the destitute in spirit”. The paradox of the Gospel is that the great of this world shall be humbled and the humble shall be made great. Likewise the poor in spirit, the ones who know they need the grace of God will exceed the proud and self-righteous.
We can read later in Matthew of a Gentile woman who wanted Jesus to heal her child. Knowing Jesus was sent only to the Jews, God’s chosen people, desiring any small gift from Him she said of herself, “…yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.” How poor in spirit she was! Christ answered her, “O woman, great is thy faith…” She did not think more highly of herself than she should have, but was simply enriched with faith, from which her child was healed.
Will appropriating the grace of God, through His Son, put you in the company of the lowliest and poorest among us? Can we afford to be spiritually poor? Will it cost us to gain everything? If we join the poor spirit, could we not then say: “for ours is the kingdom of heaven?” We can certainly say, “Yes!” They, or if you prefer, we would definitely be blessed to be so poor.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
What's weird is normal...to us
Alex loves looking at the toy aisle, (what kid doesn’t?). So of course we headed over there before checking out yesterday. We had time so I grabbed a book off the rack and read it to Alex. Then he asked for another and another… I ended up reading 10 books, (mostly Thomas and Curious George that I haven’t seen in the library). What’s weird about reading to a kid you ask? Apparently a lot. Almost everyone who walked by, most with young children, looked at me like I was crazy. Only later did I realize that I’d never seen anyone read to their kid in Wal-Mart. I wonder why not.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Friday, February 1, 2008
Clean sinks
If you’ve heard of flylady you know she stresses a clean sink. I have found a much easier way to keep a porcelain sink clean. I buy the magic erasers from the dollar store (they work just as well as name brand) and cut them in half. I keep them by our sink. After using the sink I wet the magic eraser and wipe the sink which keeps the sink sparkly clean. (It doesn’t work for facets though.)
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Keeper at home
I have had some people pity me for not being on a job, but more have said that they wished that they could be at home with their children. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who works hard to provide for us. I am blessed to be able to be home with Alex and home school.
Being a keeper at home does not mean I am Always at home or a slave. It means that in our marriage it is my husband’s job to provide an income and mine is to be the manager of our home. A home is more than just the chores, cooking, and grocery shopping. It also means planning most of our outings, teaching Alex, decorating, scrapbooking our family times, and making our lives better.
Marie-Anne
Being a keeper at home does not mean I am Always at home or a slave. It means that in our marriage it is my husband’s job to provide an income and mine is to be the manager of our home. A home is more than just the chores, cooking, and grocery shopping. It also means planning most of our outings, teaching Alex, decorating, scrapbooking our family times, and making our lives better.
Marie-Anne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)