homeschooling with background music

Today we started homeshooling for the 2009 school year. We still haven't recieved our ebay purchase curriculum *gulp* so I ended up having to pick up a few workbooks from Barnes and Nobles to fill in the gaps. They are inexpensive, child-size and bright colored. o they'll do in a pinch.



"Flash Skills are colorful mini-workbooks designed to focus on specific skills necessary to master math and reading. Eye-catching artwork and full-color stickers motivate, reward, and reinforce learning." - Barnes and Nobles

The boys were restless today so I went to switch on my old standby. - light classical. But since we do not have tv channels anymore we didn't have background music! So I did an Internet search and came up with this nifty site.:
Classical Webcast
Classical music stations from all over the world.

Because as we all know:


"Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak." William Congreve

"Music has charms to soothe a savage breast," spoken by Almeria in Act I, Scene 1. (The word "breast" is often misquoted as "beast".)

Thanks to WikiAnswers I won't be misquoting that anymore!

camera broke

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Photos from my life

A crochet plant hanger I designed to fit a cool-whip container



I thought these colors were so pretty. ( pickles in the making)




A 60 cent blessing for a boy in need.


A frugal birthday gift. ( all it cost was time)

Rice Bags ( bean bags) for a two-year olds birthday party.



The coffee-can (catcher) I spray-painted and permanent marker decorated



Then I wrapped in Sunday comics and topped with some ribbon I had around the house.

North to the Pole

That's right. When we went to Chena we also went to the city of North Pole. There is a Santa there year around. Now my kids don't believe that Santa is a real guy but they got a kick out of it anyhow.

First of all youngest on his own. ( He said "I'm a little shy.")


Then the whole trio.


My youngest posing with a life size stuffed (toy) polar bear



Then of course they have to try the sled!


Well that was our trip to North Pole's Santa House.

Headcovering Tute ( per request)

First of all why is this woman wearing this on her head? The answer to your question can be found here: Scroll Publishing

Here is my headcovering:

"say cheese"


First of all I fold the square into an UNEVEN triangle.


Then I place the triangle onto my head large triangle out.



Then I tuck triangle under the ties. ( which I double tie)


Then I take the two "wings" and I place together and secure with a clippie. ( I do mine upside-down )


And that is how you can turn any square into a "no wings" covering.

stop and smell the.. daisies.

Lord Jesus when I am having a "Martha" day please help me to remember this poem.


Daisies
If I had my life to live over, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax, I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles,
but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely, hour after hour,
day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again,
I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments, one after another, instead of living
so many years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle,
a raincoat and a parachute.
If I had it to do again, I would
travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier
in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

....by Nadine Stair, adapted from an essay by Don Herold

Life in Alaska - none can compare!

Here are some photos from our camping trip up to Chena to see Daddy. ( Daddy's building a bridge and we miss him so!)

First off my romantic DH surprised me with roses when we arrived ( after 8 hours in the car). It was a lovely surprise.




Then two photos of DH. First one is him standing by the campsite whistling for the dog but it looks like the caption should say "Man's quest for fire fulfilled!" and a bubble coming from his mouth "Ohhh pretty!" Hee hee.



and next is actually the last night we are there. My husband is cooking dinner on the campfire. There is a cast-iron pan somewhere in there! Suprisingly it turned out well.



Here is my lovely middle son. He is such a happy camper!



Then I saw this pic of my eldest son and I knew right away who he reminded me of. Now all the people can stop searching because Bigfoot has been found!

Old photo:


New photo (of course it would be a teenage boy!):


The very dangerous sleeping bag shark. AKA Teddy Bear.:


Then here I am on camping day 1.


The last night camping. Swollen from hives and stings. Haven't been near a bath or plumbing for days. Cooking meals for three kids, husband and dog... I earned my badge.






My youngest on the trip home. Shhhhh don't wake "the baby"!



Whew well that's enough for now. Next time I will post pics about the north pole. So you all come back now you hear-