Pumpkin Spice Muffins- 2 WW Points!

Still warm from the oven.

Can. Not. Stop. Stuffing. My. Mouth.

1 can of pumpkin

1 Spice Cake Mix

1 cup over water

Mix.

Fill muffin tins.

20 minutes at 350.

Moist and yummy!

Thanks, Pinterest.;)

(Only 2 Weight Watchers points for the big ones!)

Bright Ideas Press- Christian Kids Explore Chemistry- TOS Review

Bright Ideas Press offers a Christian based curriculum that is very user friendly- for both parents and children.  Hurrah!  My daughter and I were fortunate enough to review Christian Kids Explore Chemistry, which is designed for grades 4-8.  I am not a fan of Chemistry- nope.  But, Bright Ideas Press has designed their program to be a nice experience for all involved.  Vocabulary words are defined, a glossary is provided, and lesson plans are detailed but not overwhelming.  The lessons include memory work, review, reading, discussion, vocabulary, hands on activities, supplemental reading and coloring pages.  Perfect.

The 5 Units Covered Are:

-The Basics of Chemistry

-Atoms and Molecules

-The Nature of Chemistry

-States of Matter

-Organic Chemistry

I assigned the reading to my daughter and later we did the activities and discussion together.  Most of the items needed for the experiments were found in our kitchen or around the house.  I really liked not having to run around to find what we needed.  Although Chemistry is still not my favorite subject, I feel that my daughter and I are less intimidated with it now and that is a huge step in the right direction!  We will definitely be using Bright Ideas Press in the future and will also be finishing up this study of Chemistry. Bright Ideas Press offers many wonderful products including history (Mystery of History- one of my favorites!), science and geography.

Take a peek at the Table of Contents here.

Take a look at a sample page here.

You can purchase Christian Kids Explore Chemistry here for $39.95.

*Here is what other TOS members had to say about Bright Ideas Press.*
*Disclaimer: I was given a PDF copy of Christian Kids Explore Chemistry in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Cabin in the Woods, Titanic and Katy Perry

Date Night last night.

Swedish Fish, Junior Mints, and a scary, fun time with my Sweetie.:)

Took my girls to see this.

(Titanic, not the top movie!)

Leo now ranks way up there with Justin Bieber (according to K) and M said, "I could see that again."

High praise, very high.

Not liking the agenda with Katy Perry's new movie.

In the preview she states that she was raised a Christian, but it's just "not her"??

I like her music (won't buy it, though) but dislike the message she is sending with this movie.

What movies do you recommend?

or not?

AIMS From Head to Toe- TOS review

I really enjoy teaching Science and was excited to be able to review AIMS (stands for Activities Integrating Math and Science) From Head to Toe curriculum.  This course covers the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and musculoskeletal systems and how they work together to keep us alive.  It also explores the sensory organs and how they provide us information about our world.

Each activity includes Questions, Goals, Background Information, a Rubber Band Book (more on that in a minute), a Learning Activity (ex. experiment, game, etc.), observation sheets, lesson summaries, review questions, and more.  I loved how there was more than just dry reading.  The activities really reinforced the learning that was going on!  Rubber Band books are tiny books that you print out from the CD included with the textbook.  With the instructions provided you simply fold the pages into a book that your child can keep!  They Rubber Band books were great for answering questions and perfect for putting into my daughter's notebook for later review.

From Head to Toe had wonderful instructions, fun illustrations, creative activities and lots of clear, concise information.  In my opinion, it would be wonderful for large families to use, co-op classes, and well suited for classrooms.  I liked using it with my 8th grader but we were a bit limited on some of the activities as they were better suited for a larger group of students.  

Click here for a peek into From Head to Toe!

 From Head to Toe is created for grades 6-9 and includes a CD with printable student pages.  It sells  for $24.95.

Click here to see what other TOS members thought about AIMS.

*Disclaimer: I was given a copy of From Head to Toe from AIMS in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Nancy Drew Huddle and Decoupaged Clipboards

Shhhh.....

The Nancy Drew Huddle.

Used by true detectives, only.

Reserved for trivia challenges.

The Bungalow Mystery.

Sunglasses optional.

Every detective needs an attractive clipboard.

Fabric applied with Modge Podge.

Nancy would approve.

Time to unload the dishwasher.

The 5 Love Languages for Children book review and giveaway!

The winner is #11 Alicia!  Congratulations Alicia!  Please send me your information so I can get it mailed to you.:)

What does it take for you to feel really loved?  Is it coffee at Starbucks with a friend, a back rub from your husband, or perhaps a neighbor that drops by with freshly home baked cookies?  These are all wonderful and appreciated but what really fills your love tank and makes you feel appreciated?  Now think about your children.  Are you speaking their Love Language?  I discovered I was way off the mark with my sweeties, sad to say, and I want to make them feel loved in a way they understand.  I studied (devoured!) The 5 Love Languages for Children like I was preparing for a very, very important final exam.  Your child's emotional development, their behavior, their security, their feelings of love (or lack of) is of the utmost importance and you, as their parent, play a very important role in that.

Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell help you:

-Discover your child's love language

-Understand the link between successful learning and the love languages

-See how the love languages can help you discipline more effectively

-Build a foundation of unconditional love for your child

 I love gifts but, you know what, they are easy and don't require a lot of time.  I'm not knocking a lovely wrapped package, but after reading The 5 Love Languages of Children I have discovered that Quality Time is truly my Love Language.  I was looking for the easy way out (although many people's love language is Gifts) with my girls by giving gifts.  I love shopping and my girls do enjoy gifts, as we all do, but what they really want is more of me.  I am now working on providing Words of Affirmation (praise and encouragement) and Quality Time to my two most precious gifts- my girls.:)  I am beyond happy to say that we are all less stressed, less crabby, and feeling way more loved.  It's only been 2 days!  The 5 Love Languages of Children has blessed my whole family and I highly encourage you to read it.  Every newborn should come with a copy to take home from the hospital.:)

To be their best, children need to feel loved. But if you and your child speak different love languages, your affection might get lost in translation, affecting the child’s attitude, behavior, and development. Dr. Gary Chapman’s groundbreaking Five Love Languages series has helped millions of couples communicate love more clearly, and Dr. Ross Campbell M.D. has applied the innovative system to children as well. The 5 Love Languages of Children gives practical suggestions for learning how your children interpret love and creating a sense of security in which they can thrive.

5 Love Languages of Children: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/the-five-love-languages-of-children/

The 5 Love Languages: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/5LoveLanguages

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/drgarychapman

*Propellor has generously offered a copy of The 5 Love Languages for Children to one of my readers!  You absolutely must have this book in your personal library and I can't recommend it enough!*

Here is what you need to do to enter:

#1- Leave a comment on this post for 1 entry. (Separate comments for each entry, please.)

#2- Be a follower of my blog for 1 entry.

#3- Leave a comment telling me your Love Language for 1 entry.

#4- "Like" the 5 Love Languages on facebook and leave a comment telling me you did this for 1 entry. 

Good Luck!  Giveaway ends next Wednesday, April 18th.

Disclosure: I received The 5 Love Languages of Children for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally 

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tractor Driving City Girls

Co-op classes are back in session.

My girls are taking Art, Sign Language, Acting and a class on the book, Farmer Boy.

Lunchtime is a definite favorite.

We traveled this weekend to see Grandpa.

It was his birthday.

Ruby drove part of the way.

Dinner was at 5 Guys.

Yum.

The best part was the vinegar on the french fries.

Mmmmm....

Dessert was at Sylas and Maddy's.

Homemade Ice Cream.

Do you think anyone ever orders their Green Tea Ice Cream?

My sweet girl and I sat in the school chairs.

They were tiny.

I took a second too long to get out and got a bit panicky.

No wonder they were the only seats available.

The girls got to drive the tractor at Lucky Grandma's house!

Yep, that's her name.

My first cutie pie gave her that years ago.

The weather was just perfect.

It made someone want to jump...

for...

JOY!

But where is my other daughter?

Can you find her?

She was enjoying the lovely day while reading in a tree.

Can't think of anything finer.

It was easier than it looked!

Easter was full of family, flowers, and praise to the Lord for the gift of His Son.

Tractor Driving City Girls.

It all began years ago when my sweetie and I were dating.

He took a city girl and turned her country for the day.

It was fun.:)

Until I gave it a flat tire...

I keep thinking that I want a break.

But then I get bored and change my mind.:)