Halloween - by Princess

Halloween

By Princess

I lay in bed on Halloween night,

Shaking and shivering all in a fright.

Thinking of goblins, ghosts and ghouls,

Of swashbuckling pirates, who’d kill just for jewels.

Thinking of monsters and spooky black cats,

But then I remembered, God’s bigger than that!

He’s not even scared of rats or bats,

So then...I relaxed!

No longer scared of mummies or Frankenstein,

Now that I’m trusting God, I feel just fine.

I feel so wonderful when before God I kneel,

Oh yeah!  One more thing...all that stuff isn’t real!

Lobster Tales

Lobster Tales

by Princess

I am Lenny the lobster.  This is the story of how I, a lobster in a tank at the grocery store, made it back to the ocean.  My story begins with me swimming in the ocean, free as can be.  All of a sudden, I found myself in a cage.  I had scuttled right into a lobster trap.  

The next thing I knew, I was loaded onto a boat.  There were lobsters of all sizes in cages next to me.  We called out for help, but we were too far away from our friends to be heard.  Soon, a group of us were loaded and shipped to a grocery store in the United States.  All was in confusion as we were dumped into a little tank.  After a kind old lobster that was already there calmed us down, we found that our claws had been clamped shut with rubber bands.  

Soon, I realized that one of my friends was in the tank with me.  We cried, but the humans couldn't tell because we were in the water.  Over the next few weeks, we became more and more hopeless.  Every time someone reached into the tank, we quivered in fear.  Many lobsters were taken and eaten.  

Then, one day, it happened.  My friend and I were taken from the tank.  We were more scared than ever before.  To our surprise, we were dropped into a little tank full of fresh, clean water and we were taken out of the store.  A little girl grabbed onto the tank, and we drove and rove for a long time.  We were confused.  Then, we were dropped out of the tank.  We thought it would be onto a chopping block, but no - into the ocean!  The water had never felt so good.  The little girl cut the rubber band off my claws.  I yelled out, "thank you!"  The little girl didn't hear.  "Oh well," I said.  Soon, I found my old friends.  

So, all you lobsters still stuck in that tank, have hope.  I got back home, and so can you!

Math Monday - Lesson 3

Real Life Math - Lesson 3

Balance a Checkbook

Objective:  To learn how to manage a check register and balance a checkbook.  

Using a beginning balance of $500.00, enter the appropriate information onto the check register using the checks and deposit slips provided with this lesson.  Calculate the new balance after each transaction has been recorded, and be sure to enter the items in date order.  Upon completion of filling out the check register, balance the checkbook using the provided Bank Statement.  Not all items will show up as cleared on the Bank Statement, so it will be necessary to learn how to reconcile the account to verify that the balance on the check register is correct.

Lesson 3 Printables (available below)

1 - copies of 10 checks & 2 deposit slips

2 - blank check register

3 - "Bank Statement"

The attached printables that I created for Princess make this a complete lesson.  All you need to do is print and it is ready to go!  You may want to cut the checks and deposit slips out, and have your student put them in date order prior to completing the check register.  

Princess had a very fun time with this lesson.  She said it was her favorite Real Life Math lesson so far!  As I was explaining the lesson to her, we discussed that although we were using checks, the same principle would apply with debit or check card purchases, as well as online bill pay.  We also talked about the necessity of knowing how to apply this skill, even though there are many computer programs available that track your spending for you.  Money management skills are a necessity in life, and I am happy that Princess is beginning to learn them now.

She was very happy when she reconciled her "account" and her checkbook balanced!

Linking to:

No Time for Flashcards

Hip Homeschool Hop

Our Country Road

ABC & 123

Sun Scholars

Princess's First Quilt!

Princess just finished sewing her first quilt, and I think it is BEAUTIFUL!

 She did a fantastic job, and it was a project we enjoyed doing together.  She did most of the sewing herself, with a little help from me.  I assisted her with the logistics as well, but she did most of the actual work.  I am so proud of her!

This is a great Real Life Math project, in addition to Home Economics.  Sewing is a fantastic skill and I am so happy that she was excited about learning.  It looks like she loves it as much as I do!

Princess saves the day!!!!!!

I am SOOOOO proud of "SUPER" Princess!

Last evening, we were on our way to the grocery store and she spotted a lot of smoke coming from a neighbor's backyard.  No one else seemed to notice.  We turned the car around and drove to the house where the smoke was, and there was a huge fire in the backyard.  We got a neighbor to call 911 (I somehow managed to leave home without my cellphone), and with the help of several neighbors, we were able to get the fire out before the house caught fire.  

It turns out that the homeowner had accidentally left a gas BBQ grill on and left his home.  The grill was completely engulfed in huge flames, and the fence had started to catch fire.  It was dangerously close to the house and was spreading quickly.  In a matter of minutes, the fire would have been completely out of control.  

I am praising God that Princess had such a keen eye to spot the smoke and recognize that it was thick and black - not just BBQ smoke from cooking.  She usually has her nose buried in a book while we are in the car, so her seeing it at all was nothing short of a miracle!  I am also thankful that no one was injured, and that we were able to contain the fire so quickly.  Super Daddy pointed out last night that he is thankful that the propane tank didn't explode.  I hadn't thought of that at the time, but it was right in the middle of the flames and could have easily exploded at any time.  Praise God that didn't happen!  

Turns out the "Super" goes to Princess this time!  

First Time: The Movie Theater

Princess is so sweet and such a good big sister.  When we made our plans for the holiday weekend, we decided we would go see Cars 2.  This was Super Tot's first "big" movie, so Princess thought he might need to be prepared for what to expect.  She remembered being a little scared the first time she went to a movie at the theater and decided to make him a book about what it would be like.  She threw it together in about 20 minutes, but it is just precious.  It worked, too, as Super Tot talked beforehand about what to expect, and he did GREAT throughout the whole movie!

Here's her book:

The "Modern" Good Samaritan

The "Modern" Good Samaritan
by Princess

Part 1:

     Grace's heart was pounding.  It was recess for all of the 5th graders, and just like every day since school started last week, the girl with the coolest hair, clothes, backpack and everything, was picking on her.  "Hey Nerdy, what are you reading today?  Some philosophy book by 'Play Clay'?"  Just then, Grace's best friend walked by.  "Phew," Grace said under her breath.  "She'll help me."  But she walked right by and said to Lydia, Tammy's friend, "don't want her to pick on me, instead."  But was that look that Grace saw in Lydia's eye sympathetic?  Grace's thoughts were cut off when she heard the bell calling the kids to lunch.  She reached into her pocket to get her lunch money.  It was empty.  "That Tammy!"

Part 2:

     It was a bright, sunny day.  Grace's mom surprised her by making pumpkin muffins for breakfast - her favorite!  Now, it was lunch time.  She was just about to bite into her sandwich when she heard a familiar voice behind her.  "I'll take that Fig Newton you packed."  "Uh oh," thought Grace, "Tammy."  Grace's brother walked by Tammy just close enough to grab the treat back, but instead, he just shrugged and walked off.  "Why won't anyone help me?" said Grace.  

Part 3.

     Beep!  Grace's alarm clock went off.  She wished she had slept through it.  She didn't want to go to school today.  Was learning worth being bullied daily?  But she had no choice.  She got ready and hopped on the bus.  All morning, Tammy kept giving Grace dirty looks.  When recess began, Tammy was about to begin her insults when Lydia stepped between Grace and Tammy and said, "don't you dare!"  Those three words were the beginning of Grace and Lydia's friendship, and (almost) the end of Tammy's bullying.

Peony & Halle (Short Story by Princess)

Princess is 10 years old.

Peony and Halle

by Princess

Once upon a time, there was a fairy princess names Halle.  Her best friend was Peony, a pink kitty fairy.  They had been friends since they were both 2 years old.  They lived in a lovely pine tree palace.  They slept nestled in pine needles on their favorite branch.  Halle ate pine seeds, while Peony sucked the sweet sap from the pine needles.  

One day, Peony heard a shout, "TIMBER!!!"--then a loud thunk.  She looked out of the tree to see a man chopping down trees.  She gulped.  Then, she flew to Halle as fast as her wings could carry her. 

After being told the story, Halle made up her mind.  They had to save the forest.  "Let's rescue our tree!" she exclaimed.  "But the man is so much bigger than us, "argued Peony.  "Bigger?  I've got a plan," replied Halle. 

And so she told Peony her plan.  Then, they flew through the forest gathering sticks, leaves, etc.  They flew to the safety of their tree and worked as fast as they could.  When they finished, they had a 3-foot tall scarecrow.  Then, they dragged it away.

Later, they watched as the man got closer to the tree.  He raised his axe..."Who goes there?"  The man turned and got the scare of his life.  For there was a child, made of leaves, walking toward him.  The man ran so fast he could have outrun a gazelle.

Halle and Peony dropped the scarecrow and cheered!  "We did it!" cried Halle.  "He won't be bothering us again," Peony said.  And so, they lived happily ever after.

The End.

Valentine Sensory Bin

Super Tot is 24 months old.  

I have been wanting to put together a Sensory Bin for awhile now, and finally got one done for February.  I plan to use this as part of Tot School 3 days/week, and to change the Sensory Bin theme once a month.  

Super Tot LOVED the bin and explored the contents for almost an hour.  He was not happy when we finally put it away!  This is a good sign!  Super Tot usually has a very short attention span, so he must have truly loved it.  

Princess took a break from her school work to explore with him.  She even had fun with it!

My only regret is that I waited so long to do this.  I have done "Color Boxes" in the past, but this is way more fun, and provides so many wonderful learning and exploring opportunities.  From sorting, patterning and math to just plain sensory play, these boxes have it all!  

Here are a few other Sensory Bins I found that other Tot Moms have blogged about:

1plus1plus1equals1

No Time for Flashcards

The Picky Apple

Lessons from the Boys

Shining Our Lights

To see what other moms are doing for Tot School, click here or on the button below:

"Crystal" Wreath Tutorial

I came across this wreath awhile back online and thought it would be perfect for Princess to make for her room.   We made it together during Super Tot's nap.  It took about 40 minutes to make and only cost $2 ($1 for the bags and $1 for the ribbon - we had the rest of the supplies on hand).  We love the finished product and it looks just beautiful on her door!

Supply List:

1 metal hanger (white is recommended)

1-2 boxes of fold top sandwich bags (not zipper bags)

Ribbon for a bow

Stuffed animal or other accent item (optional)

I failed to take a photograph of the hanger, but I simply used my hands to bend it into a circle.  It wasn't perfect, but it was easy.  You could use pliers, but we did not find that to be necessary.  You can also use wire cutters to make the wreath smaller, but we liked the size we ended up with (approx. 12" diameter).

Once you have the hanger bent into a circle, lay out your first bag and fold it in half lengthwise.

Next, pinch the bag in the center and tie it around the hanger in a single overhand knot.

GENTLY pull it tight.  Don't pull too hard or you will rip the bag.

As you tie the knots, push/slide the bags to the top of the hanger.  

Princess and I worked together on her wreath.  It was fun to do the project together, and it cut the work in half.  

Princess twisted her bags a little to make it easier for her to tie the knots.  

Once she tied each knot, she would use her hands to fluff any of the ends that were still twisted.  

We used an entire box (120) of bags.  We purchased our box at the Dollar Store and it was the last box they had.  The photo below shows how much of the hanger we still had left after using all 120 bags.  

We didn't have any more bags and really wanted to finish the project during Super Tot's nap, so we spaced the bags out a little thinner and decided it would be fine.  You could use additional bags if you wanted a fuller wreath.  

Once we put on the bow, it made a huge difference and looked great.   I decided to add the little stuffed animal to match the tree in her room.  The wreath is hanging on her door and it is just adorable!!  

Princess has this tree in her room.  It was a gift from one of her grandmothers several years ago.  The wreath is a perfect compliment to the tree!

This was a super fun and easy craft that could be done together, or by a child alone.  I don't think you can beat $2.00 for a sweet Christmas decoration, either!!  Princess has already gotten so many comments on the wreath and people think we purchased it already made!  

Thankful Turkeys

Let me start by saying that I LOVE Christmas.  It is my favorite holiday and I love everything about it.  We take December off of school and spend the entire month focused on celebrating Christ and living out His example to love others.  We are intentional about doing that all year, but it is distinctly special as we celebrate Advent.

That being said, I try to be very deliberate about not skipping over Thanksgiving.  Not only do we spend November talking about what we are thankful for and the many incredible blessings the Lord has granted us, but we also do specific Thanksgiving or thankful crafts as a concrete way of remembering those blessings.  Yesterday, we made our Thankful Turkeys.  It was a fun project that both children loved, and I think the finished products are adorable.  Princess named them "Petunia" and "Picasso."  I'll bet you can figure out why!  

Let's start with Super Tot's "Picasso."  I had everything laid out for him and sat with him to complete his craft.  First, I put a dab of glue on each foot and pointed to where he should place them.  I think he did a fantastic job!  Next, he picked out his turkey's eyes from a sheet of adhesive eyes I picked up over the summer.    

Although he put them both on sideways, I was impressed at his placement.   

I put the glue on the beak and waddle for him, and he placed them on his turkey.

Next, we moved on to the feathers.  We were writing one thing on each feather that he was thankful for. I would ask him if he wanted me to write a specific item and he would say yes or no.  He ended up saying yes to:

1 - Mommy

2 - Daddy

3 - Sissy

4 - Zeppy (one of our cats)

5 - Minky (our other cat)

6 - Trains

I wrote one on each feather and gave him markers and stickers to decorate them.  He loves to use both of these, so he was thrilled.

Once he was done decorating each feather, I put some glue on a small piece of poster board and let him place the feathers on.

After each feather was in place, I pointed to the "middle" and asked him to glue the turkey's body there.  He did a pretty good job!

It's a little cubist in style, but I love it!

Princess was also excited to do her Thankful Turkey.  I had her supplies ready in one of her snack workboxes.

She put red glitter glue "toenail polish" on her turkey's feet.

Then she made a red bow for her head.

She even used a little gold to make a ring for her turkey.  

This was a very simple, yet super fun craft for both Princess and Super Tot.  Here are the finished products!

For more fun fall craft ideas, click here.  

For more Tot School ideas, click here.

Tink's Balloon - a short story by Princess

Tink's Balloon

by Princess

One day, Tinker Bell was very excited.  She had just gotten a new balloon.  She had been flying around Pixie Hollow all day.  She was showing it to her friends Silver Mist and Fawn when a big gust of wind came.  Tink, not expecting this, lost her grip on the balloon.  "Oh no!" said Silver Mist.  "I w-w-was so excited about my b-b-balloon," said poor Tink.  "It's okay Tinker Bell," replied Fawn.  For the rest of the day, Tink sat on a tree branch searching the sky for her balloon.  That night, Tink was just about to lie down when a shine caught her eye.  She looked out of her window, to see her balloon in the sky.  And every night you can see it up there, too...The Moon.

A Poem by Princess

'Forest of Magic' by Princess
'Twas a crisp and lovely night, 
with magic floating round.
First came a host of flower fairies
a'holding roses in their miniature hands.
Then arrived a party of elves fair.
They danced and sang in a circle, 
their golden hair streaming behind.
Out of the stream came a naiad, 
draped in beautiful silk.
Then, melting out of the trees came hundreds of mischief-making dryads, dancing round the clearing.
Fairies tossing flowers, 
The voices of elves,
The naiads giggling & the dryads dancing.
There was a forest of magic that night.

Save the Rainforest, an article by Princess

Princess is 9 years old

Princess has a passion for writing and a heart for caring for the Earth.  She is learning to type this year on an old-fashioned type writer, which she just loves.  She enjoys practicing in her spare time and has been typing up articles about "Going Green" and "Saving the Rainforest."  Below is one she wrote on Friday.  She is a gifted writer, but I continue to be amazed at her writing style and always love reading what she writes.  Whether it is a story, news article, or essay, her passion for writing is evident in everything she writes.  Enjoy!

Save the Rainforest!! by Princess

Did you know that animals’ homes are being cut down every day?  That is actually happening.  You may find the rest of this article hard to read.  But, don’t worry.  With your help, this may very well have a happy ending.  Well, take a deep breath and here we go!  I will start with saying that areas of the rainforest the size of baseball fields are cut down every second.  Can you imagine?  What if someone came to your house, tearing it down and taking all the materials used to make it?  Don’t worry, though.  Because you can help!  You!  Yes, that was not an error!  Y-O-U!  Here’s what to do:

DONATE MONEY

You can donate money in lots of ways.   You can have a special jar called a “Giving Jar.”  In it, you can put spare change, or just money that you want to donate.  When the jar is full, you can donate the money to an organization that helps the rainforest.  You can also adopt a rainforest animal at www.wwf.org.  

SHARE INFORMATION

Tell you friends all about everything you read in this document.  Tell them about the cutting down of the forests.  But mostly, tell them what they can do to help.

Remember, with a little money and lots of love, we can give this story a happy ending!!!

I will be posting more of her articles in the future and hope you enjoy them as much as I do!