Seems I was a bit overzealous in what I thought we would accomplish last month. We never made it to a full out study of the Pilgrims, mainly just a discussion on who they were and why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Our focus was mostly on the Native Americans and reading books about them. We also never accomplished any extra inventors, but that's ok. Jakob had a blast with his inventions class and I am sure we will revisit this in the future. Everything else we hit.
So here are this month's Goals
Science: Weather- how to read a thermometer, tracking weather, names of clouds, reading weather on a forecast, climate vs weather, any other boyscout requirements. I am also hoping to get to Stars and Constellations, but it is the Christmas season....
Language Arts: Reading various storybooks on the birth of Christ, Where Saint Nick comes into play, the story of the Candy Cane, The Christmas tree, and so on. I also want him to focus on point of view and rewrite the Birth Story from the eyes of a random character. This we will work on all month, but I have a skit that I want to read to him from Joseph's view that I think he will find interesting.
We have also been talking about parts of speech and I want to fine tune that knowledge by creating posters for nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc. I plan to hang them up and we can add to them as we learn new words. (This will also help with spelling so I don't have to spell out loud every word)
Reading- We will continue with Progressive Phonics and begin focusing a lot more on reading cues with punctuation.
Spelling- Will be taken from the words learned in Progressive Phonics and any vocab learned
Social Studies- Being that it is Christmas, Language Arts and Social Studies will mingle. This means I want to look at how Christmas is celebrated in various parts of the world. We will also explore the meaning of the Winter solstice and how that is celebrated. (If you can't tell I like to party :-> ) These are also personal interests of mine and may totally flop when presented but we will see.
Geography- He will Continue with his 50 states discovery at the Library.
Math- We will continue going through Marilyn Burns' suggestions for math as well as officially begin putting those multiplication tables to memorization. There will also be loads of exploration with measuring as we make our holiday goodies.
Bible- We will be following Hubbards Cupboard and their suggested activities as well as our own family traditions. Did I tell you this will be the first year we celebrate at home? SOOOO very excited. Some of these "traditions" will be new to the kids but they are a mixture of memories from my husband and myself.
Art-This will be sufficiently satisfied with Hubbards Cupboard Christmas suggestions
Now looking at all of this is really a lot. Especially since we leave Wednesday to go visit family in North Carolina for a week for an early Christmas. Oh well, it will keep up busy as I am sure the weather will not cooperate for being outside. I mean its 37 degrees right now. BRRRRR!!!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Confessions... Not so Fat Tuesday
Yes its a day late again but just ignore that. That's what happens when you plan to get something accomplished in the evening and then have unexpected guests.
So, I have no weight to report since I'm taking a break from the scales. I ran 11.8 miles last week! So excited about that. I have run a total of 34 miles so far this month. I was hoping to break 41 like I did last month but my leg is hurting pretty bad from I think a pulled muscle so I am giving it a rest for the rest of the week. I plan to supplement with beating up my Wavemaster and some Yoga.
The Big news comes in what I have learned this week. I have begun tracking my food. Just writing it down at first to see what it is that I am eating. Then I go to Sparkspeople.com and input the food to see where I am caloric wise. Man has this been an eye opener! I am consuming a load of calories! The first day I tracked was Sunday when I went to a friend's house and had a tea party. Man oh man snacking on those goodies and the French Bread and dipping oil REALLY added up. It put into perspective for me what my eating unawares is costing me.
The next day I wanted to focus on doing better and I did. Eating that is. I found out what people mean by drinking their calories. I hardly ever have anything in the house other than water and coffee and on the weekend we have Diet Drinks but calorie wise those are all extremely low or free. Enter the Egg Nog. I love Egg Nog. As a family we drink as much of it as we can because its only in the stores for such a short period of time. Until I logged it. A serving of Egg Nog has approximately 180 calories. Ok fine, not great but fine. Do you know what a serving is? 1/2 cup or 4oz Do you know what that looks like in your glass? I didn't. Here let me show you...
That's a juice glass. The short ones that come in the box of glasses see?
When I saw that my jaw dropped. That's it? That's a serving? My glasses look more like this...
I had two of MY servings on Monday so that's actually 4 servings of Egg Nog. In case you don't feel like doing the math that's 720 calories! 2 glasses of Egg Nog in a one day period!!! Crazy!
So do I go nutso and restrict myself to a ridiculously low calorie goal? No. I also found this week a site that tells you how much calories you much ingest to maintain your current weight. Go Here. On the site it tells you that to lose a pound a week you must burn 3500 calories less than what you're body requires. That's 500 calories a day. And if you are doing exercise even less. Totally a doable situation. Sparks people doesn't recommend you lose more than 2 lbs per week so I am going to try and be continuously aware of eliminating the necessary calories. That means I can still eat. I'm a big girl so going from what I eat to stay this weight (well over 2,000) to say 1200-1500 calories was difficult. Just cutting 500 seems more doable. I know that I am still learning so I am not going to punish myself if I go over. But I am enjoying all the new information. Makes me feel like this is really achievable. :-)
The Big news comes in what I have learned this week. I have begun tracking my food. Just writing it down at first to see what it is that I am eating. Then I go to Sparkspeople.com and input the food to see where I am caloric wise. Man has this been an eye opener! I am consuming a load of calories! The first day I tracked was Sunday when I went to a friend's house and had a tea party. Man oh man snacking on those goodies and the French Bread and dipping oil REALLY added up. It put into perspective for me what my eating unawares is costing me.
The next day I wanted to focus on doing better and I did. Eating that is. I found out what people mean by drinking their calories. I hardly ever have anything in the house other than water and coffee and on the weekend we have Diet Drinks but calorie wise those are all extremely low or free. Enter the Egg Nog. I love Egg Nog. As a family we drink as much of it as we can because its only in the stores for such a short period of time. Until I logged it. A serving of Egg Nog has approximately 180 calories. Ok fine, not great but fine. Do you know what a serving is? 1/2 cup or 4oz Do you know what that looks like in your glass? I didn't. Here let me show you...
That's a juice glass. The short ones that come in the box of glasses see?
When I saw that my jaw dropped. That's it? That's a serving? My glasses look more like this...
I had two of MY servings on Monday so that's actually 4 servings of Egg Nog. In case you don't feel like doing the math that's 720 calories! 2 glasses of Egg Nog in a one day period!!! Crazy!So do I go nutso and restrict myself to a ridiculously low calorie goal? No. I also found this week a site that tells you how much calories you much ingest to maintain your current weight. Go Here. On the site it tells you that to lose a pound a week you must burn 3500 calories less than what you're body requires. That's 500 calories a day. And if you are doing exercise even less. Totally a doable situation. Sparks people doesn't recommend you lose more than 2 lbs per week so I am going to try and be continuously aware of eliminating the necessary calories. That means I can still eat. I'm a big girl so going from what I eat to stay this weight (well over 2,000) to say 1200-1500 calories was difficult. Just cutting 500 seems more doable. I know that I am still learning so I am not going to punish myself if I go over. But I am enjoying all the new information. Makes me feel like this is really achievable. :-)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Weekly Wrapup- Nov 15-19
Ok This week has been fun for us and rewarding for me as a mom. Sometimes you just need weeks like that to reaffirm that you are doing the right thing.
Calendar time- We actually got to this a whopping three times this week. Kids still love it. I'm bored. I have to find something fun to add in there. Plus side Jakob is really starting to understand and appreciate the value of learning to skip count and has told me how it has helped him in his math multiple times this week.
Math- Marilyn Burns is a flippin Genius! We read One Gorilla and How Big is a Foot this week and worked out group adding of more than 4 numbers (like 15+12+13+16+18) and how to break those numbers down and make them more manageable. We also worked on converting measurements by measuring things with our own feet and then measuring our feet, and then figuring out how many ACTUAL feet that is. Super fun, especially since he got to make Mom lay down on the cold cold floor.
Science- We attempted to make recycled paper. It was fun while it lasted but in the end it stuck to the pan and tore. I was bummed, Jakob says we should try again next week. Love that kid.
Step 2: Pour in water and make mush
Step 3: Figure out the best way to dry paper so it doesn't stick and rip (you're on your own there)
Social Studies- Lots of reading and discussions about the Native Americans. Reading traditional Poems, looking at their Calendar System in comparison to ours, and beginning discussions on Longhouses. We also talked about how some tribes communicated with drums as signals as well as using them for ceremonial music. Then we made drums out of a salt box and an Oatmeal Box and jammed up the day with our own beats. Jakob also experimented making his own drum signals (meaning he tapped out the syllables and made me try to guess what he was saying)
She dances to the beat of her own drum... with crayons.
Beginning his picture story for his drum. "An arrow pierces through Day and Night"
Writing- We have had discussions about whether he feels ready to take a stab at cursive again. I am worried since last year he would cry and scream everytime he brought home writing practice from school because he couldn't make it look just right. We agreed we will wait until the New Year. So instead he wrote a letter to his oldest friend (whom he still thinks that he will marry someday) in Guam. We edited it and rewrote it. I was thoroughly impressed with the length of the letter (a full page) as this is usually a toughie for him.
Hazel discovered a couple of weeks ago that she knows how to write her name and is writing it on everything. Sometimes are more legible than others but still. Today she called me downstairs frantically and wanted to show me what else she figured out. How to write a lowercase "e" she was super proud. So was Momma.
See the "e"? And of course the "H"
Scouts- They had a visit from a Police officer who talked with them about his really cool job, how much he LOVES coffee, and fingerprinting. Jakob loved it!
Inventions Class- This week they learned about flying and what makes things fly and did various experiments with paper planes, cylinders, and twirlys. From what I can gather there was a "BOOM" of some sort with one of the experiments but he was so excited he couldn't find the words and just ran off flying his papers.
Miscellaneous- You could call this Art, but art is more of a inspired part of our day. We do things was we see the need there. This week there was a need to keep the kids at the table while I took a phone call concerning an accident my Dad had been in (Thank goodness he is fine). I sometimes pick up books at the library to leave around for Jakob in case he might be interested an this week's winner was a how-to draw sea creatures and forest animals. Kept BOTH kids at the table for a good 30 min. I actually had to put a limit on the paper, they were just so excited by the ability to draw these things!
Jakob- Angler Fish
Hazel- Deer... I think :)
Well, that's our week how has yours been? Don't forget to head on over and check out what everyone else is up to at...
Calendar time- We actually got to this a whopping three times this week. Kids still love it. I'm bored. I have to find something fun to add in there. Plus side Jakob is really starting to understand and appreciate the value of learning to skip count and has told me how it has helped him in his math multiple times this week.
Math- Marilyn Burns is a flippin Genius! We read One Gorilla and How Big is a Foot this week and worked out group adding of more than 4 numbers (like 15+12+13+16+18) and how to break those numbers down and make them more manageable. We also worked on converting measurements by measuring things with our own feet and then measuring our feet, and then figuring out how many ACTUAL feet that is. Super fun, especially since he got to make Mom lay down on the cold cold floor.
Science- We attempted to make recycled paper. It was fun while it lasted but in the end it stuck to the pan and tore. I was bummed, Jakob says we should try again next week. Love that kid.
Step 1: Tear up Paper
Step 2: Pour in water and make mush
Step 3: Figure out the best way to dry paper so it doesn't stick and rip (you're on your own there)
Social Studies- Lots of reading and discussions about the Native Americans. Reading traditional Poems, looking at their Calendar System in comparison to ours, and beginning discussions on Longhouses. We also talked about how some tribes communicated with drums as signals as well as using them for ceremonial music. Then we made drums out of a salt box and an Oatmeal Box and jammed up the day with our own beats. Jakob also experimented making his own drum signals (meaning he tapped out the syllables and made me try to guess what he was saying)
She dances to the beat of her own drum... with crayons.
Beginning his picture story for his drum. "An arrow pierces through Day and Night"Writing- We have had discussions about whether he feels ready to take a stab at cursive again. I am worried since last year he would cry and scream everytime he brought home writing practice from school because he couldn't make it look just right. We agreed we will wait until the New Year. So instead he wrote a letter to his oldest friend (whom he still thinks that he will marry someday) in Guam. We edited it and rewrote it. I was thoroughly impressed with the length of the letter (a full page) as this is usually a toughie for him.
Hazel discovered a couple of weeks ago that she knows how to write her name and is writing it on everything. Sometimes are more legible than others but still. Today she called me downstairs frantically and wanted to show me what else she figured out. How to write a lowercase "e" she was super proud. So was Momma.
See the "e"? And of course the "H"
Scouts- They had a visit from a Police officer who talked with them about his really cool job, how much he LOVES coffee, and fingerprinting. Jakob loved it!
Inventions Class- This week they learned about flying and what makes things fly and did various experiments with paper planes, cylinders, and twirlys. From what I can gather there was a "BOOM" of some sort with one of the experiments but he was so excited he couldn't find the words and just ran off flying his papers.
Miscellaneous- You could call this Art, but art is more of a inspired part of our day. We do things was we see the need there. This week there was a need to keep the kids at the table while I took a phone call concerning an accident my Dad had been in (Thank goodness he is fine). I sometimes pick up books at the library to leave around for Jakob in case he might be interested an this week's winner was a how-to draw sea creatures and forest animals. Kept BOTH kids at the table for a good 30 min. I actually had to put a limit on the paper, they were just so excited by the ability to draw these things!
Jakob- Angler Fish
Hazel- Deer... I think :)
Well, that's our week how has yours been? Don't forget to head on over and check out what everyone else is up to at...
Confessions.... Sometimes she knows more about this than I do
This week brought with it a peace of sorts. Probably a storm calmed in my own soul that allowed me to appreciate all that has been happening around me. And my children have utterly amazed me this week.
Case in point Hazel:
The week began with her earnest requests that I teach her to read.
Um ok you sure?
Yes I need to read Mommy. Learn me now please.
While most people I have talked to have been all excited for me that my not yet 4 year old is asking to read, I was terrified. I had decided a while back that I wanted her to really focus on the job of being a kid and that there was plenty of time for formal instruction. So I dropped any planning for her. She could participate or not no biggie. I just knew this would be the best for her. Of course she countered with requests for work pages and specific things for her to do (amid all the playing and having fun of course).
And then she asked me to teach her to read. I was so scared not because I have any doubts of her ability, or her readiness, but my own. I fear that I will get caught up in the process and end up teaching it out of her. Why I'm not sure but this is my fear.
So I asked her if she wanted a reading book like Jakob. She replied, "Yes Mommy, that's how I learn to read!" So I went to Progressive Phonics and looked to see what they had and printed her the first Alphabettii book. She immediately wanted to get started. So that night we read a little. She got that letters made sounds but not too much that they all make a word. I was becoming frustrated, she kept telling me to read it again. Finally we decided to go to bed.
Today she wanted to "learn from her Reading Book" again. Really? Didn't you have enough last night? In all honesty I put her off most of the morning having her help with chores and cleaning up around the house. She was happy with that but each time would say, "Now can we learn?" I felt horrible. Here my daughter was begging me to teach her how to read and I was putting her off.
So we set down, book in hand on the couch and began again. I went through the first few pages and same ole' same ole. She really wasn't getting it. I asked her if she was done (since she was playing with her "knitting") and in the calmest and wisest of tones she said, "No I need you to read it again. Read it again so I can learn. Start from the beginning."
So I did. And then she looked at me and said, "That's good! We will read it again tomorrow so I can learn. I want to go play in my room now."
Wow.
Case in point Hazel:
The week began with her earnest requests that I teach her to read.
Um ok you sure?
Yes I need to read Mommy. Learn me now please.
While most people I have talked to have been all excited for me that my not yet 4 year old is asking to read, I was terrified. I had decided a while back that I wanted her to really focus on the job of being a kid and that there was plenty of time for formal instruction. So I dropped any planning for her. She could participate or not no biggie. I just knew this would be the best for her. Of course she countered with requests for work pages and specific things for her to do (amid all the playing and having fun of course).
And then she asked me to teach her to read. I was so scared not because I have any doubts of her ability, or her readiness, but my own. I fear that I will get caught up in the process and end up teaching it out of her. Why I'm not sure but this is my fear.
So I asked her if she wanted a reading book like Jakob. She replied, "Yes Mommy, that's how I learn to read!" So I went to Progressive Phonics and looked to see what they had and printed her the first Alphabettii book. She immediately wanted to get started. So that night we read a little. She got that letters made sounds but not too much that they all make a word. I was becoming frustrated, she kept telling me to read it again. Finally we decided to go to bed.
Today she wanted to "learn from her Reading Book" again. Really? Didn't you have enough last night? In all honesty I put her off most of the morning having her help with chores and cleaning up around the house. She was happy with that but each time would say, "Now can we learn?" I felt horrible. Here my daughter was begging me to teach her how to read and I was putting her off.
So we set down, book in hand on the couch and began again. I went through the first few pages and same ole' same ole. She really wasn't getting it. I asked her if she was done (since she was playing with her "knitting") and in the calmest and wisest of tones she said, "No I need you to read it again. Read it again so I can learn. Start from the beginning."
So I did. And then she looked at me and said, "That's good! We will read it again tomorrow so I can learn. I want to go play in my room now."
Wow.
This Moment- Preparing for the feast
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Inspired by Soule Mama
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Confessions... Focus (Not so Fat Tuesday a Day late)
Ok I didn't write this post yesterday. Honestly I wasn't going to write it at all. I was so angry and frustrated with myself
I gained 3lbs.
And I'm not even going to try to make excuses. I KNOW EXACTLY why I gained the weight. Bloomin' Onion, Snacks, Pumpkin Cream cheese Dip, and a Smore's Cake Dessert. Oh and don't forget the Family Deluxe Pizza that is suppose to feed 6 which fed our family of 4.
Hubby was home so we ATE.
My problem is I give up after one stumble. When I snacked too much at a night out I figured, "What the Hay? I will just have some ginger snaps and dip with the kids, they are making it look soo good." Which turned into, "I'm too tired and behind in my work to cook let's order out." which led to, "Let's just go out to eat after church that way I can make something for dinner."
Pathetic.
Anyways that's how I felt all day yesterday when I jumped on the scales. Which led to more poor choices. But today is a new day. At the suggestion of my friend Angela (did you ever think you would have so much advice Ang? lol) I will not be weighing myself for the rest of the month. Actually I will not weigh myself again until I come back from my trip to North Carolina the first week in Dec. Although this makes me nervous not having evidence of success or failure I think the focus on the failure is too much right now. I was happier celebrating my fitness achievements than my weight.
For instance. Did you know that I have run 68 miles since October 1st? I ran 2.7 miles TODAY! In 33.3 minutes!! And finished it up with some yoga.
Also almost every pair of jeans I have clearly shows in the legs and the butt that there is a bit missing. Most pants I have to hold up. Which is a total shocker for me, the spokeswoman for "Baby Got Back" (hehehe)
I know I need to keep track of my food intake so I am going to spend this time really educating myself on the whole Calorie and Serving subject. I think that information and its implication is tangible enough for me to be satisfied.
I may not lose a tremendous amount of weight but I think I will create a firm foundation and without the pressure of the scales each week. I need to not be under anymore pressure right now.
Or I could be totally off base. In the end I will have learned something which is awesome either way.
And because I am a total nerd here is what I am giddy about right now... :-)
And I'm not even going to try to make excuses. I KNOW EXACTLY why I gained the weight. Bloomin' Onion, Snacks, Pumpkin Cream cheese Dip, and a Smore's Cake Dessert. Oh and don't forget the Family Deluxe Pizza that is suppose to feed 6 which fed our family of 4.
Hubby was home so we ATE.
My problem is I give up after one stumble. When I snacked too much at a night out I figured, "What the Hay? I will just have some ginger snaps and dip with the kids, they are making it look soo good." Which turned into, "I'm too tired and behind in my work to cook let's order out." which led to, "Let's just go out to eat after church that way I can make something for dinner."
Pathetic.
Anyways that's how I felt all day yesterday when I jumped on the scales. Which led to more poor choices. But today is a new day. At the suggestion of my friend Angela (did you ever think you would have so much advice Ang? lol) I will not be weighing myself for the rest of the month. Actually I will not weigh myself again until I come back from my trip to North Carolina the first week in Dec. Although this makes me nervous not having evidence of success or failure I think the focus on the failure is too much right now. I was happier celebrating my fitness achievements than my weight.
For instance. Did you know that I have run 68 miles since October 1st? I ran 2.7 miles TODAY! In 33.3 minutes!! And finished it up with some yoga.
Also almost every pair of jeans I have clearly shows in the legs and the butt that there is a bit missing. Most pants I have to hold up. Which is a total shocker for me, the spokeswoman for "Baby Got Back" (hehehe)
I know I need to keep track of my food intake so I am going to spend this time really educating myself on the whole Calorie and Serving subject. I think that information and its implication is tangible enough for me to be satisfied.
I may not lose a tremendous amount of weight but I think I will create a firm foundation and without the pressure of the scales each week. I need to not be under anymore pressure right now.
Or I could be totally off base. In the end I will have learned something which is awesome either way.
And because I am a total nerd here is what I am giddy about right now... :-)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Confessions... I want to remember today forever
Today was a wonderful day here for us. Things went right, nice tones were used, explosions of understanding were happening everywhere. Little hands helped all day preparing pumpkin, bread, and tea. The veil lifts a little more everyday on those most difficult words, definitions, math concepts. And momma got a full workout in. No pictures to prove it all because we were fully engrossed in the moment all day long. But I just want to leave it here... today was a great day.
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