Dust Storm

Our perfect weather for the gold mine tour and the Colorado River did not last. As we were leaving the Colorado River the wind picked up. It got so bad that I was scared as we drove down the windy road with steep sides and no shoulder. I was fighting the wind to stay in my lane and on the road. I was so thankful when we finally made it back to the smooth, flat highway.

And then we entered the worst dust storm I have ever seen. Not even the ones I saw in Saudi Arabia compared to this. So glad we were on the highway and for the white lines. Normally, we can see for miles where Alex took these pictures. It is perfectly flat with mountains in the distance.

It got so bad at one point that I could not see the truck in front of me. Thankfully I knew it was there. Once I was able to see the truck again I kept my hazards on and stayed right behind him. I felt sorry for the group of motorcyclists who headed into the worst of the storm as I came out of it.

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Club- Colorado River

After the mine tour, some of us met at the Colorado River for a picnic and to let the kids play. It was absolutely beautiful!

Sabrina and her buddy spent a long time fishing. The girls were going to catch a salmon and share it with the rest of us.

Alex and his friends explored the whole area. They spent a lot of time halfway up the mountain. We had a wonderful time!

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Club- Techatticup Mine Tour

We got the opportunity to tour an actual gold mine. The Techatticup Mine tour was wonderful. The guide taught us a whole lot about the history of the area.

This plane was a prop in a movie, part of which was filmed at the mine.

Touring the actual mine was fascinating. I did not realize how elaborate the tunnel system was and it was all dug by hand and explosives in candlelight. Again our tour guide was wonderful and taught us a whole lot about how a mine operated as well as some of the history of this particular mine.

Marie-Anne

Malasky Park

After leaving Sea Quest we joined our friends at a nearby park for a picnic and to let the kids play. It was a great day!

Marie-Anne

Sabrina style

After leaving Sea Quest, Sabrina had fun trying on masks at a store in the mall. She bought the purple one, which now resides on a shelf in her room.

Marie-Anne

Sea Quest

We met some very good friends at Sea Quest. The kids had as much fun with their friends as I did with mine.

Marie-Anne

Flowers

Once again Sabrina got to give away flowers to other customers. She loves doing this! It brightens everyone's day. (In the background of the picture you can see a flower she gave away.)

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Group- Prestige Assisted Living Facility

We invited members of our homeschool group to join us at Prestige Assisted Living Facility. We brought photo albums to share with the residents. We also played one of the games they had. Sabrina had a lot of fun with the bunny too.

We absolutely love going to the nursing homes. I am amazed at how special going to the nursing homes is to both Alex and to Sabrina.

Marie-Anne

Friend's Birthday Party

Alex and Sabrina were invited to a friend's birthday party. It was so nice that they knew almost all of the kids there, and are friends with many of them. Also I knew all of the parents and am friends with them as well. Frank got to spend time with birthday boy's dad.

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Group- Hidden Falls Park

We met our friends from the homeschool group at Hidden Falls Park. The kids had so much fun with their friends that they did not want to leave.

Marie-Anne

Bagging Lunches for homeless

From time to time we meet homeless people. We want to help them, but in a way that we feel comfortable with. We can't give money to everyone who asks, nor do I think we should.

However, We can buy enough food to fill a gallon Ziploc bag for a limited number. Having a limited number and a limited size also helps to set a budget. I chose six mainly because most of the items I bought, (applesauce, fruit cups, freeze dried apples, granola bars, goldfish crackers) came in packages that had at least 6. We also included snack packs of tuna with crackers and ham (non-refrigerated) with crackers. We recently started a small food pantry with the same type of items at church.

Be the change that  you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Club- Acacia Park

We met the homeschool club at Acacia Park so the kids could play while moms talked. This time we brought some of the homeschool curriculum we use to discuss what works for us.

Marie-Anne

Spread the Word Nevada

On Thursday we spent about an hour cleaning books.

Marie-Anne

Hospitality

It has been a while since we had somebody over. Tonight we invited a pastor's family that is new to the area for dinner.

I almost always make something in the crockpot when we have guests. I also get a veggie tray, fruit salad, and individual bags of chips.

I kept my kids' Imaginext toys, even though they have pretty much outgrown it. So when we have guests with young children, I get it out of the garage. It is "new" to both the guests and to my kids because that is the only time we use it. Every single kid, (under 13) that has come over has enjoyed playing with the Imaginext.

Marie-Anne

Send Kids the World- postcards for sick kids

We have been participating in Send Kids the World for a while. The site has a list of kids' bios, first names, and addresses. We choose a family from the list and then send postcards to the sick child and their siblings. You do not have to give any personal info or sign up to do it. 

http://sendkidstheworld.com/ 

It is a simple and quick way to brighten someone's day.

Marie-Anne

Boulder City Park

As usual, we met others families from co-op at the park across the street. It is nice to relax with the other parents, and grandparents this time, while the kids play.

Marie-Anne

Game Night

We had a short game night with only one very fun game; Carcassonne.

Marie-Anne

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Improves your community

• Helps others

• Meets needs

• Saves resources so more can be done

• Encourages civic responsibility

• Personal growth

• Gain experience

• Learn new skills

• Strengthens resume for job/college

• Meet people

• Gain confidence

• Explore your interests

• Networking

• Promotes teamwork

• Lowers stress

• Lowers risk of depression

• Develop a sense of purpose

• Increases happiness

• Improved health and quality of life

• Sense of accomplishment

• And so much more...

Marie-Anne

 

A Million Thanks- Thank you cards for Military Members

We have a lot of veterans, one Active Duty, and one full-time National Guard member in our family. Sandy, Paul, and Frank were all in the Army.  I was Air Force. Michael was Navy. Chris is in the Navy. Barron is full time National Guard. That only includes us, our siblings, and their spouses.

Therefore, I want for my kids to learn to show appreciation to members of the military. They have been taught to thank veterans, (they look for those wearing military hats or shirts) and active duty service members, (in uniform).

 

The kids are writing a few thank you letters for service members at a time to send to A Million Thanks. Armed Forces Day is May 20th this year; we want to have as many letters written as we can by then. Our goal is a bit ambitious; 100 letters written.

You do not have to sign up or give out any personal information to write letters.

http://www.amillionthanks.org/

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Group- Paeso Vista Park

We met our friends from the homeschool group at Paeso Vista Park. I really enjoy spending time relaxing with the other homeschooling moms. I have made a lot of very good friends in this group.

Sabrina had fun with her two buddies. Alex was with his own group of green shirted friends, (which made it really hard to spot our kids at a distance).

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Marie-Anne

Lake Mead Visitor's Center

We stopped at Lake Mead's Visitor's Center on the way home from the fish hatchery. The kids talked me into taking the short hike around the Visitor's Center.

They visited the museum part while I bought postcards.

Marie-Anne

Homeschool Club- Fish Hatchery Tour

We took a tour of the Willow Beach Fish Hatchery with the homeschool club. They raise several types of fish and release them when they are grown.

We also enjoyed a picnic and playing in the very cold water.

Marie-Anne