FALL FUN

Today was our first trip for the fall... We went to Echo Valley Farms with our church youth group (the CIA's, Children in Action) and had a fantastic time... We did the corn maze, (which was so neat) and the we took a hayride, and each child picked out a pumpkin...(even the big kids, like my DH and myself )...

We divided up into groups and of course DS wanted to go with his friends in a group, so DD, DH, and myself went with our friends on the adventure through the maze...When we got to the pumpkin patch, DS had to have a big pumpkin while DD picked out a cute lil' pumpkin that she has named "Jack"...
After all the fun we went to a local campground and had a weinie roast... The kids had a great time and it was certainly a great way to kick off the Fall Harvest Season!!!

Greek Fest

Greek Fest... What a way to celebrate!! OOPA!!!

We spent today learning about Greece... We talked a little about Grecian Gods (my kidlets thought it was crazy to think there was more than one God) and I didn't go into it too much as I didn't want to confuse them (they are only 4 & 7)... and then we looked into their dress... where Greece is located in the Mediterrenean and it's neighbors Cyprus and Italy... We talked about the wildfire that they had there recently and then onto the best part (at least for the kidlets) talking about the miscellaneous sea creatures and animals in that region..

We did math problems using octopus and squid... Worked on the letter "G" with my DD... did some colring of the map and labeled the capital  and talked about the Parthenon with DS.. (he thought it was just like the one in Nashville *L* ) I told him the one in Nashville was a "recreation"  that I was glad he'd had the opportunity to see it and remember it..  

And to cap off our evening, DH and I took them to Greek Fest in Knoxville... This is an annual event and was wonderful... We took a tour of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church. The Byzantine icons and stained glass windows were only a background to the beautiful mosaics found there... The ceiling was one huge mosaic of Christ... and it was incredible...

 

We feasted on Souvlaki and "greek fries" (for the DC) and then drank a special brewed Greek Coffee... We bought a box of miscellaneous pastry (Baklava, Finikia, Kourambie, and Koulourakia). The kids loved the Loukoumades, which are Greek Puff Pastry deep fried and then covered in honey and cinnamon... DS described them as being "better then doughnuts " and asked if we could move to Greece... *L*

To finish the evening off, the kids (my DH and I included) danced to traditional and modern Greek music (performed by George Karras) and watched as dancers performed traditional dances and taught audience members and "willing" children the steps...

All I can say we had a wonderful time and are definitely looking forward to going again next year!!

OOPA!!

I've been tagged...

Ok..I've been tagged... My mission (which I chose to accept) is to find 3 events, 2 births, and 1 holiday that occured on my birthday...So here goes nothing...

On April 15th in history the following has occurred:

Events: 

1865 - Abraham Lincoln dies after being shot the previous evening by John Wilkes Booth.

1912 - The British passenger liner RMS Titanic sinks after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic, causing the deaths of about 1,503 people.

1945 - The Bergen-Belsen concentration camp is liberated

Births:

1452 - Leonardo da Vinci

1933 - Elizabeth Montgomery, American actress (d. 1995)   of "Bewitched" fame of course..

As for holidays, it was slim pickings... *L*   So here goes:

Holidays:

United States - April 15 is the official deadline for filing tax return in most areas of the country.

Happy Learning!!!

Dixie Stampede

Tonight we went to the Dixie Stampede..My employer  (St. Mary's Hospital) had employee appreciation day and purchased tickets fo employees and their dependants.. 

It was a great show... DS and DD both had a great time watching the animals and the trick riding and eating with their fingers.. (no silverware for this wild west meal)... It was a enactment of   " the Blue vs. the Gray " all over again.. DS actually put the symbolism together with the Civil War...    The kids enjoyed the "piglet" races and the wagon train and the singing... Especially the "Buffalo Stampede"...

They came home asking to go again sometime... We'll see about that...

Happy Learning!!!

Our "Menu" for the coming week...

Here is what is on the menu at our house this week...

Monday: Tacos with toppings... (scallions, sour cream, lettuce and tomato), Corn, Iced Tea

Tuesday: Turkey Breast with gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Yeast Rolls, Iced Tea

Wednesday: Left-over Turkey on kaiser rolls, French Fries, Iceburg lettuce salad, Kool-Aid

Thursday: "Crock-pot meal" Chili, Corn muffins, milk

Friday: Stuffed Baked Potatoes (with left-over Chili), Sour Cream and Cheese, Iced Tea, Ice Cream with chocolate sauce for dessert

Little Hands Art Group for September : God, The Great Artist

We had our September meeting for our art group today... We read "The World God Made" and discussed how he is the "Great Artist ", having made the whole universe and all the beauty in it... Then we looked at the artist, Richard Long and one of his works using mud handprints.

... Then we went and made our own "handprint artwork" on T-shirts... The kids had a great time and really enjoyed making the T-shirts... Here is there finished masterpieces... 

 

Nice Matters!!!

I have just been given the "Nice Matters" award by my friend Michelle... I am very surprised and pleased... She has become a great friend to me, as well as, an excellent support person for my family's homeschool journey...Without her, I wouldn't be enjoying some great times with my kids with the Five in A Row series... I thank her for her nice words about me and hope to pass on the award soon to others...

Thank you Michelle, you have made my day!!

Roller Skating...

This week we are not doing too much "schoolwork"... We are working on "D" and "2"and "3" with DD... She is doing very well with her writing of the letter and numbers... She did some simple addition today with some shells.. she likes using different manipulatives.. then we played with ABC cards... and a matching game...

DS worked in a math book this morning.. He loves doing timed tests... He also had a verbal speeling quiz and did a couple pages of language arts...He read 20 minutes... (his choice which happened to be a book on dolphins) and then we all 3 piled up on the couch in the playroom and read "Make Way for Ducklings" (which my DD dearly loves) DD had to count the ducklings on every page...and then we went to the book shelves to study some more on "Ducks"... 

After finishing our schoolwork for the day, my friend Michelle and I took our kids to the first "homeschool skating day" of the year... It is an activity hosted by the North Knoxville HS group and is on the 2nd Wednesday of every month... It was great... there was a big turnout and for 2 hours the kids got skate and have fun with other HS students...

DS is really improving on skating... He did really well, increasing his speed and his ability to not fall in turns... and he competed again in a race this year... I was pleased with his interest in becoming better at skating... and really having fun doing it...

This was DD second time on wheels and she did well also... We took her Fisher Price skates and she wheeled around, only falling a couple of times and actually asking if she could help me...

As for myself, I had fun... My feet were a little sore, but I at least stayed upright...*L*

Take care and Happy Learning!!!

America - Never forget

I remember exactly where I was that day... I was working a 12hr. shift at UT in the NICU and our unit secretary came rushing in and said a plane had crashed into the first tower... It was a shock as we all thought that it had been an accident and we turned on the TV that was positioned on the wall and gathered around our 50+ bed unit... We watched in horror as the tower smoked and then as the second plane went crashing into the 2nd tower...and then as a 3rd plane crashed into the Pentagon.  It was horrible picture and all I could think about was wanting to go home and hug my little boy who was 16 months old at the time and being kept by my mom...These graphic images are a part of my memory as if I was physically there... I was witnessing history and horror at the same time... My heart and tears go out to each one who lost someone that day.. The "innocent" lives that were taken... And I can only think to myself how thankful I am to have the "FREEDOM" to live here in this beautiful country of ours and that my children and I don't have to live in the fear that others in so many places today do.. I pray for people in countries that live every day with terrorism and the worry if your family will be safe today...

I thank each and every soldier who has unselfishly given of himor herself both past and present calls of duty and those out there now protecting my life and the life of my family and for the sacrifice they and their families have made for this great country of ours... I pray that God will keep you safe and that your journey will end in victory...

And it is because of this fight that they deserve all our gratitude and appreciation for all they have done to keep us free...

Today, I took the day to talk to my kids about what happened that day and why... I used this opportunity to show them the pictures of the towers and the devastation that occured and how we should be thankful that  we have the freedoms that we do.. We read "the Pledge of Allegiance" book and said the pledge and then prayed for the families of those who had lost someone and those that had family fighting for our safety now...

I hope that my children are able to take away that "FREEDOM" comes at a cost and we should all be glad to pay for it... and that most of all that we should be thankful for the blessing of this great country...

Down on the Farm at the Fair

Today we had a field trip to the TVA&I fair... They host a special couple of days every year where students can take field trips and learn about agriculture, animals, and farm products... So this year my family and some other HS families took the trip...The tour was great... There were several different animals and we learned about each and their role in our environment including what each contributes to our lives...  The had some sheep and showed the shearings and had a girl using a spinning wheel..and we learned that the lanolin found in most lotions is from them also... (which I was completely unaware of)...

There were chickens that the children got to touch and a young heifer that the kids learned about and a pretend cow that they got to "milk"... There was a station with corn, soybeans and wheat... The gentleman at this station discussed the effects of the drought that we have had this year on the production...There was a lady with some bees (perfect for a leap into the "Bee Tree") and she showed the kids the queen and talked about how they produce their honey and that they remove larvae that is sicl or dying... and their was also bunnies (ny DD's favorite) and the final exhibit of our tour was a bull (which no one touched) and the kids were told all about beef and the leather products that came from this animal.

From here we ventured to the East TN Children's Discovery Center...(which was free admission with the fair entrance) .

Here the kids had a blast pretending to be astronauts on the space shuttle and playing with the Lego table and doing all the "kid friendly" science activities they had and the highlight was seeing a show in the planetarium... My DS was fascinated by learning about what other countries and cultures call the "Big Dipper"...

Then we hung out for awile just taking in the sights and scenes, as the rest of our party had left... We waited on DH to get there to spend the evening with us.. The kids go to ride a couple of rides... We tasted different flavors of honey... (everything from peppermint to blackberry)... and then watched the Anastatini Circus... (which to be small and part of the fair was excellent)...

and the highlight of my evening (not including the wonderful corn dogs or the funnel cake I ate) was the concert with "Night Ranger".. a flashback to my teenage years and the hairbands of the 80's...

My DD played air guitar (where she learned to do it at 4yo, I will never know) while my DS just wanted to play video games... It was great!! DH and I were pleased we had stayed the day and took advantage of all the fair had to offer in way of fun and the kids are already planning our trip there next year!!!  

Saturday Family Night

Tonight we had family night... We went to another Smokies game... We just love going there...There is always excitement at a ballgame and just plain fun!!

This was a play-off game and it was the Smokies against the Huntsville Stars (a farm team from AL) and the Smokies came back to win 11-6.. It was a fantastic game...

But the highlight of the evening was watching my DH (who cannot carry a tune) and my DD (who didn't know all the words) sing "Take me out to the Ballgame" in front of 1300 people for 2 free tickets to next years game... I must say I was so proud...My DH tries to get me to, but I was so hoarse from a cold/cough that it was impossible (need I say that I am a worse singer than my DH when feeling good)...

And to top off the evening, my children got to race across the field after the "Chicken" ... DS is quite a sprinter and DD was the only lil' girl but tried her best to catch up...  

So, after a great dinner at Cracker Barrel, we headed home and off to bed...

 

Contender's For the Faith Field Trip

My DS co-op class had a field trip today to Ijam's... it was a great time...Several of his friends came and they explored the museum and the ground together.. We had a picnic lunch and then went for another hike around the property and down around the river... DS was happy to be with his friends and exploring and taking in more than I ever thought... (maybe there is something to the whole "unschooling" concept for us)... He walked the whole way carrying a "walking stick" with the other boys... I walked behind with some of the moms and the little girls... The only drawback to the day other than the heat was that DD hates hiking... I guess most 4yos. hate the heat and walking long distances... Half way through it, she asked why we couldn't just  "cancel it "...

Well, I think as she gets older, she will *hopefully* like it more... I'll keep my fingers crossed...

Happy Learning!!!

Lunch!!

Today we are trying a new recipe for lunch!! I have been getting Tawra Kellum's newsletter for some time and love her fugal hints and this was one of the recipes that came with the latest newsletter...

Pizza Pie Grilled Sandwiches

Margarine  (I am using butter, since I prefer it)
Pepperoni, sliced ham, or cooked hamburger (I;m using sliced ham since I have it on hand)
Mozzarella cheese slices ( I am using shredded cheese)
Pizza sauce

Spread one side of bread with margarine and place in hot skillet with buttered side down. Top with cheese and then add pepperoni or any other meat topping. Top with other slice of bread, butter side up. Cook as you would regular grilled cheese sandwich. Place pizza sauce on the side to dip the sandwich or spread it on the sandwich before cooking.

(I'm gonna use my sandwich maker since it heats up really quick and clean up is a minimum)...

I will let you guys know how they taste!!

Wednesday!!

Mid-week!!! Yeah!!!

so far, our week is going fairly well.. we have discussed alot... we've talked about all we learned on our trip and the new things this week...

We are reading the Salamander Room this week... (a suggestion from a friend of mine)... and the kids love it... we watched the Reading Rainbow movie and then we've been working on different habitats... we are also making "clay" salamanders... (a wonderful idea I borrowed from HSS)...DD is working on the letter "D" and DS is doing some word problems and more with fractions... also we are going over prefixes and suffixes again this week... and the rules with each... (It helps refresh my memory as well..*L* )

 Tonight we are having homemade corn dogs with a recipe from the "Hillbilly Housewife" (except I am using beef sausages) and some over fries and a spinach salad...

Well, off to fix dinner and then to church..

Have a great evening!!

 

Labor Day...

Where to begin...  Well, for starters, we had a leak!! Oh yes, when you think everything is going smoothly and life is grand, BOOM!! it hits you!!! Out of the blue, right between the eyes...

We came home from our fantastic mini-vacation to a leak... The air conditioning unit somehow didn't drain properly and leaked all over the basment carpet...(note to self, NEVER PUT CARPET IN THE BASEMENT AGAIN!!)

So after most of the day vacuuming with a shop-vac and drying with towels and using a dehumidifier, we are having our Labor Day Cookout!!! I am making Oriental Burgers (with a touch of soy sauce and some purple onions and spinach) and home-cut fries with just a little sea-salt and beer-batter onion rings...

So off to eat our wonderful meal and have a great holiday!!

p.s. think of me trying to get the rest of the dampness up, will ya'???

Labor Day Weekend

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!!

Labor Day Weekend Part Deux: We came home Friday afternoon after a field trip and DH was at the computer... He was making reservations for an impromptu trip to Chattanooga!!!

What a SURPRISE for us!! The kids were thrilled with the thought of another trip and I was thinking YEAH!! A MINI VACATION!!!

So in an hour, I had thrown together clothes, swimsuits, and snacks for travel and we were off...

We spent the weekend at a Holiday Inn Express.. Great because we can eat breakfast there... Which makes it very convenient and inexpensive... *S*   Plus they have an indoor pool which made entertaining the kids in the evenings easier...

So on Saturday morning, we got up, had breakfast and took off to our first destination.. "Downtown Chattanooga" ... Lots of stuff to do.. The Tennessee Aquarium is there, the Chattanooga ChooChoo, and lots of historical things to see and do... We chose to spend our morning at the Children's Discovery Museum... So for the next 4.5 hours, we played, had story time, and even took in an art class... We will definitely be going back to this museum.!!!

 Then we were off to a restaurant called Cheeburger! Cheeburger!... where you can get a cheeburger any way, (and I mean anyway) you like it!! DD decided to have her 1st "cheeburger" and LOVED IT!!! THey also mix different flavored sodas right at your table and 78 different milkshake flavors... YUM!!!  
After walking around downtown, (we've been to the aquarium there several times) we took in some ice cream at Ben and Jerry's.... another YUM!!  and proceeded to let the kids play in the water / sprinklers at the aquarium... then we watched as they danced in the impromptu rain shower we had... (which thankfully cooled the afternoon off!!)

We ate that evening at a place called the Acropolis... and then we proceeded to have a little lesson on Greece and Greek foods.. DS was on a "tasting" mission... (actually, I think he was trying to compete with DH)...*L*

Sunday came as another beautiful day and we decided to take in some more views... LOOKOUT MTN (1200 ft. above the valley)... Absolutely beautiful, but the area attractions are definitely really busy on Labor Day weekend, so we took in something a little less populated and more educational in the long run.. We learned about the battle fought there (The Battle above the Clouds) and watched some "volunteer" Confederate soldiers re-enact the battle... We also did learned about a piece of art that was commisioned about the battle by a onlooking artist (James Walker)at the time of the war... It is 30ft.x 13ft and is on display at the Point Park Visitor's Center...

We were then getting hungry and decided to take in an open market... I love those... they had all kinds of things to see and do...from rock climbing (for DS), to eating kettle corn (for DD) to music and authentic Mexican food (for DH and me)...

We decided to do one more thing before calling it a trip and that was to do a DUCK!!! We took the kids on a ride on one of those WW11 era amphibious vehicles... They loved it... We never told them they would go in the water and when the driver turned off the road onto the ramp to head in to the Tennessee river, my DS eyes were the size of saucers... So we proceeded to tell him all about his great-grandfather and D-Day and the use of these vehicles at that time... The driver was a former Coast Guard man and told him all about the particular age and use of the vehicle and how it actually floats.. It was wonderful and competely worth the expense.. Plus we got to tour a military museum with items from WW1 to Iraqi Freedom...

Well, I think I have covered our vacation... Couldn't have asked for a better one!!

We'll be visiting Chattanooga again soon!!!

Happy Learning!!