Thursday, January 31, 2008

Rat Dissection Class

Today the kids had a biology class. They discussed rats and dissected rats. I was happy to see Faith roll up her sleeves and get dirty too. I snuck in at the end of class to snap some pictures. WARNING: Do not go into a biology class when pregnant! Normally I have a tuff stomach but the smells made me about lose it! After class was over the teacher said the kids are welcome to take the rat home if they want....No Thank you! I was the only (mean) mom that wouldn't let the kids take the rat home.
Here are some pictures, and yes, the kids skinned it and all GROSS!
I would of rather taken an "F" than do what they did in class...but don't tell my kids I said that:)

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Play and feed hungry people


Go to Freerice.com and learn vocabulary as you help end world hunger. My kids are learning the meaning of new words as they donate grains of rice. What a great site!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Valentine Exchange around the U.S.

Thank God for the internet. It makes home schooling so much easier and their are such awesome support groups. I belong to a group called happy homeschoolers. These mom's have such good ideas. I am so happy to be apart of it. A group of us got together and are doing a Valentine exchange. There is 50 of us in my group and one family is from each state. We are to send a Valentine along with a post card of our state. This way we will receive a Valentine and post card from each state. We have already received some and the kids love seeing what state it came from. We have a map that they color the state when they receive the Valentine from that family. The kids look forward to getting the mail everyday!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

"Put your John Hancock here"

We started with bible as usual. This week the name is Jesus the Giver of living water. The kids put their bible verse on a water bottle that they will use all week. This should help them remember about Jesus and His living water everytime they are to take a drink.




In science we are learning about water. We will be spending most of our science time in the bathroom this week. Since that's where we will be for most of the science lessons and experiments. Water forces, hard water, steam, and waves etc.





In history we are studing The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, and the Revolutionary War. It's amazing to look back and study who our Founding Fathers were. They were such Godly men. Many textbooks today don't tell the stories that use to be in history textbooks hundreds of years ago. I am excited to be teaching my children and read them stories they would not be hearing in regular school. For example a story we read last week about George Washington that you've probably never heard before. About how his life was spared only by the direct intervention of God. He was shot at several times and was not shot down. He had many bullet holes in his jacket but survived. The next day after battle he wrote a letter to his family,
By the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation.
Washington openly acknowledged that God's hand was upon him, that God had protected him and kept him through battle. The story goes on and is amazing. My children enjoy learning about history when stories like this are added.
A book I recommend: America's Godly Heritage by David Barton
Our Founding Fathers would be rolling over in their graves if they knew what was going on in America today!

We ended the day with an Activity.
We made a Quill Pen and Berry Ink.

Berry Ink: 1cup of berries, put mush through strainer collect all juice. Add 1tsp of salt and 1t of vinegar.

Quill Pen: Cut the end of the feather to a point dip and write

The kids added their own John Hancock to the Declaration of Independence.



Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Calling for a Sub!

If you can't complain on your own blog where else can you? School is cancelled today due to having no sub. I have been at the dentist all morning getting a root canal! No fun especially while you are experiencing morning sickness while getting drilled on! Whew...it's over till monday when I have to go back and get more work done. As for my wallet well that is empty! Why is it that one little tooth can cost so much? I could of had some major cosmetic surgery for the pain and money it cost me. School will be back in session tomorrow. I am going to enjoy a day of rest...kind of!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Recess

Instead of taking the kids to just the normal park with swings I thought I would be a "cool mom" and take them to the skate park. We had fun and left with no broken bones or stitches needed.




Austin playing George



One of the stories we read yesterday while learning about George Washington.

by Horace E. Scudder

There is a story told of George Washington's boyhood - unfortunately there are not many stories - which is to the point. His father had taken a great deal of pride in his blooded horses, and his mother afterward took pains to keep the stock pure. She had several young horses that had not yet been broken, and one of them in particular, a sorrel, was extremely spirited. No one had been able to do anything with it, and it was pronounced thoroughly vicious as people are apt to pronounce horses which they have not learned to master. George was determined to ride this colt, and told his companions that if they would help him catch it, he would ride and tame it. Early in the morning they set out for the pasture, where the boys managed to surround the sorrel, and then to put a bit into its mouth. Washington sprang upon its back, the boys dropped the bridle, and away flew the angry animal. Its rider at once began to command. The horse resisted, backing about the field, rearing and plunging. The boys became thoroughly alarmed, but Washington kept his seat, never once losing his self-control or his mastery of the colt. The struggle was a sharp one; when suddenly, as if determined to rid itself of its rider, the creature leaped into the air with a tremendous bound. It was its last. The violence burst a blood-vessel, and the noble horse fell dead. Before the boys could sufficiently recover to consider how they should extricate themselves from the scrape, they were called to breakfast; and the mistress of the house, knowing that they had been in the fields, began to ask after her stock. "Pray, young gentlemen,'' said she, "have you seen my blooded colts in your rambles? I hope they are well taken care of. My favorite, I am told, is as large as his sire.'' The boys looked at one another, and no one liked to speak. Of course the mother repeated her question. "The sorrel is dead, madam,'' said her son, "I killed him.'' And then he told the whole story. They say that his mother flushed with anger, as her son often used to, and then, like him, controlled herself, and presently said, quietly: "It is well; but while I regret the loss of my favorite, I rejoice in my son who always speaks the truth.''

Austin is going through a "cowboy phase" he wants to wear cowboy boots and a cowboy hat all the time. He also wanted to started taking horse lessons along with Faith. It was his first time on the horse yesterday when the teacher was using the whip to help the horse know what to do. The horse got scared and took off running in circles. Poor Austin was trying to hold on but I could tell by his voice "whooo" "whoooo".....he was scared to death and so was I. The horse finally stopped and the teacher said, "Wow, Austin you sure did good hanging on and riding him." Austin quietly said, " I was pretending I was George Washington riding that wild colt!"

Monday, January 14, 2008

History Lesson

Today in class (well at the park) we learned about George Washington made tricorn hats and danced around to Yankee Doodle. I can see why some home schoolers get a bad name LOL.. if you would of seen us at the park today you would of thought we were a little wierd!


Landen was mad I didn't bring enough construction paper to make him a hat... so I gave him the sleeve to my coffee and told him that could be his hat. As you can tell he isn't to thrilled.



Some weekend family fun!

We woke up Saturday and headed out to Riverside to the Jurupa Mountains Cultural Center. It was such a pretty day. When we got there we took a walk through the dinosaur grounds and they even let the kids collect rocks. They gave a little lesson on rocks and it was perfect with what we have been studying. Everything was going so smoothly since Dad was there. Until......Landen ran into the cactus bush!













I EVEN LEARNED SOMETHING FROM THIS TRIP...... NOTE TO SELF: IF YOUR CHILD EVER FALLS INTO A CACTUS BUSH JUST SPREAD ELMERS GLUE ALL OVER AND PEEL IT OFF WHEN IT DRYS THIS WILL TAKE OUT ALL THE TINY THORNS THAT ARE HARD TO SEE.









Then on Sunday afternoon we took the kids to the Upland Air Show. After looking at old cars and planes we watched the Air planes do tricks in the sky. Before leaving we stopped by and let the kids meet with a World War II pilot named Roy Test. The kids asked questions and got to see alot of collectibles from the war.



Friday, January 11, 2008

Confessions of a home school mom

This blog may seem like I have it all together, but in all reality I am just learning as I go and making many mistakes along the way on my journey through motherhood.




Confession #1 Homeschooling is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Some days I dream of being able to put my kids on that yellow school bus and send them on there merry way. Then I would come inside and scrapbook, keep my house spotlessly clean and cook amazing meals. I would have lunches with girlfriends, take naps everyday and work out all the time. In reality I know I am blessed to have the privilege of educating my children; it's just sometimes it doesn't feel much like a privilege.


Confession #2: I am a people-pleaser...big-time. I worry too much about what others think.


Confession#3: I took up a new sport at the club (tennis) and I am jealous of all the skinny girls in cute little skirts. I tear up sometimes as i waddle around and try and hit the ball.

Confession#4: I get cravings late at night and beg my husband to go get whatever it is i want and he does but when he gets back im already asleep(what a mean wife) This has happened more than once and he still goes out and gets whatever I want:)

Confession#5: We went morman van shopping a couple weeks ago but i couldn't bring myself to get out of the car. I like my car to much to trade it in just yet

Confession#6: My husband and I often talk about adopting more children in the future


Confession#7:I never changed a diaper before Austin was born and I look back and am surprised he made it through his first year of life considering i was a teen mom

Confession#8:I bribe my kids (alot)

Confession#9:My husband and I make bets with eachother the last bet he lost and had to take a month of ballroom dancing lessons with me (which he was actually really good at..don't tell him i told you)


Confession#10:Sometimes when teaching my kids I have to stop and tell them I will be right back so I can read it over and make sure I know what I'm talking about.

Confession#11:I am only one day smarter than my kids. I look over the lesson the night before and pretend I know all about the subject when teaching them the next day


Confession#12:I am happy my sister is pregnant with me so I won't be the only fat one at the family bbq's this summer


Confession#13:I got stuck in an underground parking lot and have ran over many carts curbs and cars..yes cars with my hummer

Confession#14: My kids go to school one day a week and I can't get them there on time

Confession#15:Some nights I don't sleep at all I stay up all night. (to many things on my mind)

Confession#16:I have scary nightmares I won't be able to take care of 5 kids

Confession#17:I think my kids pediatrician looks like Dr. Mc Dreamy and my kids call him that (so embarassing) they don't even know his real name. He's very quiet and just smiles at me know. Now I feel weird around him.

Confession#18:My husband and I have been married 8 years and have moved 10 times

Confession#19:Im actually excited to go to the Hannah Montana concert

Confession#20:I almost cried when no one wished me a happy birhtday on my myspace page I really thought no one liked me... but then realized i never posted my birthday to show. LOL im such a dork.

Confession#21:I throw away too much Tupperware. I open the fridge, see something green and icky in some Tupperware, and thank God for the odor-containing-stay-fresh-seal while I chuck it in the trash.

Confession#22:Before someone comes to visit I do a major "crap sweep" — which involves chucking everything that's been bugging me lately into the hall closet.


Confession#23: We moved into a smaller house and I swore I could keep it clean. Monday I begged my house cleaner to come over and clean so my husband thought I spent all day cleaning.

Confession#24:I saw a mouse in our house today ewwwwww. I screamed so loud I scared the kids.

Confession#25:I dream of being friends with Britney Spears I took her to church and shared Jesus with her. (preg dreams taleah?)

Confession#26:I ran out of diapers while out shopping the other day and just dropped the log in the toliet and put the diaper right back on Landen.

Confession#27:I go to the gym and put all the kids in daycare and sit by the pool and read. Somedays I don't even work out!

Confession#28:I cooked for the family but couldn't eat it myself so I ordered takeout

Confession#29: The last few weeks my husband has done everything because I am so lazy!

Confession#30:My husband is making dinner while I sit on my butt and type this.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen

I had my first doctors appointment the other day (what a quack) whole other blog story. I don't have time for... Let's just say I'm in search for another doctor, a doctor that is ok with women having more than two children.
While walking into the doctors office there was a young man walking in front of me he opened the door walked in a let the door shut right on my face...Where's the gentlemen anymore?????
This goes hand in hand with an article I just read.

After reading "The Duties of Parents" by J.C. Ryle I was reminded of what we are doing and working towards with our children. It is always good to be reminded of the big picture to keep you consistent in the day to day discipline/training of the little minds.
I am trying my best to raise Ladies and Gentlemen. How to treat the opposite sex as they grow and mature and how they are to be treated. I have started teaching both my boys, ladies first etc.. Now we are starting to help the boys understand how to treat girls and eventually women. If I start them out at 2 and 8 with their sister a few things will happen I hope will happen. It will become second nature to them and Faith will understand how she should be treated as she grows into women hood.
We are training the boys in opening doors for their sister and other ladies and also helping ladies carry items. If they see a women carrying something they are learning to immediately stop what they are doing and help. That is the goal anyway. I want them to be aware of their surroundings, and what others are doing and how they may be of service to others. I'm sure I will be reminding them over and over, I just hope I have the strength and courage to stay consistent.

Extreme Parenting

I like this mom's style of parenting!


DES MOINES, Iowa - Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom on the planet."

After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone — by placing an ad in the local newspaper.

The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet."

Monday, January 7, 2008

Helpful Homeschool Sites

A friend of mine is thinking of homeschooling :) She asked for some information so I gathered some helpful sites I use and thought I'd post them on here for you. If you know of some that I don't have listed please share in the comment area. As you know I am new to this homeschooling thing too.


WWW.SITESFORTEACHERS.COM
WWW.ABCTEACH.COM
WWW.ATOZTEACHERSTUFF.COM
WWW.PERPETUALPRESCHOOL.COM
WWW.PRESCHOOLRAINBOW.COM
WWW.TEACHERSFIRST.COM/MATRIX.HTM
WWW.PRESCHOOLEDUCATION.COM
WWW.HOMESCHOOLLINKS.COM
WWW.BOOKADVENTURE.COM
WWW.CREATEDBYTEACHERS.COM
WWW.KKAFE.NET/MENU.HTML#1997
WWW.PRESCHOOLCOLORINGBOOK.COM
WWW.TEACHINGHEART.NET
WWW.FUNMATHS.COM/WORKSHEETS/WS06.HTM
WWW.WORKSHEETS.TEACH-NOLOGY.COM
WWW.LESSONPLANCENTREAL.COM
WWW.PROTEACHER.COM
WWW.AWESOMELIBRARY.ORG
WWW.123CHILD.COM/ACT
WWW.AKIDSHEART.COM/BIBLE/BIBLE.HTM
WWW.ALLGODSKIDS.COM
WWW.TLSBOOKS.COM
WWW.BROBSTSYSTEMS.COM/KIDS
WWW.GREENWICHSCHOOLS.ORG/CUR...DE4_5_MATH.HTML
WWW.LEARNING.CALIBERINC.COM
WWW.HOMEWORKSPOT.COM
WWW.HOMESCHOOLINGADVENTURES.COM/WORKSHEETS.HTML
WWW.RHLSCHOOL.COM/COMPUNTATION
WWW.DOSITEY.COM
WWW.LEARNINGPAGE.COM
WWW.HOMESCHOOLFREESTUFF.COM
WWW.ED.UIUC.EDU/YLP/97-98/97-98
WWW.2.SJSU.EDU/DEPTS/IT/OO7/

Back to School

Today was our first day back to school after our Christmas break. It feels good to be back into routine again. My kids need structure and so do I. We are still studying the names of Jesus. This week the name is Jesus the Rock. We will be doing many activites to do with rocks. We all just threw on a hat and started the day with a drive up to mt. baldy and had some breakfast then went to a park with big rocks to do our bible study we were having alot of fun and we just ended up doing all of our school work at the park!











My teaching started something like this, "Did you know that the Bible calls Jesus a Rock?" Of course He isn't a real rock , like the ones we are sitting on and looking at, but how is he similar to a huge rock?"
They awnsered back with : Strong, can't be pushed around, isn't going to be bothered by the wind or (distractions)etc.
We read Matt. 7:24-27 about a man who built his house upon a rock.
I finished by making sure they understood that Jesus is the Rock. If you listen to Him and obey Him, you are building your house (your life) on the Rock. If you are silly and build you life upon sand (your life, your way) When storms or (problems) come, their house (life) falls apart.
In Science we are studying Compositions of the Earth and talking more about rocks!
In history we are studying Benjamin Franklin and making Poor Richard's Almanack. We will finish our week with a trip to the local newspaper.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Tempted!

Ok, I admit it, today was a nice calm peaceful day. My grandparents had the other three kids for the night and I only had Farrah. I slept in till around 9a.m. and woke up to a quiet house. Watched a little t.v. then went to Barnes and Noble and walked around with only one child (asleep in the stroller) browsing the books and sipping my latte. Just letting my mind wonder and enjoying my time. I even had a couple of people come up and say what a cute precious sleeping baby. No rude comments today! I looked like I had it all under control. If they only knew how our past visits to the bookstore went. It was nice to shop without playing referee to the other kids..... Thank you grandma and grandpa!
For a slight moment I thought this would be nice. I could put the kids in school and Landen could start preschool and I could have more times like this. Time to myself.........But wait..how selfish could I be??? I quickly reminded myself home schooling is just for a season that will pass very fast and oh how I will miss these days with my little ones when they are gone. Don't get me wrong home schooling can be difficult and I can be tempted with days like today but I wouldn't trade our time together for anything in the world. I love home schooling them and watching them learn and grow. That's why we have kids right??? To spend time with them??? And when I need a break I know grandma and grandpa are only about 5 minutes away!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

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Road Schooling Ryan's is a personal blog written and edited by Bridget the blog owner. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, or other forms of compensation.







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We hope you enjoy traveling along with us on the Adventure....... Hang on, it's a wild ride!