Memory Review

When passages are learned, you have established a good basis upon which to help build the rest of the memory structure. However, the remaining portion is just as important as the original learning foundation.

To assure proper and adequate review, make out a schedule of learning and review that will tell you, every time you have 'class,' just what will be learned and what portions will be reviewed.

Since forgetting sets in almost immediately after learning, the sooner a passage can be reviewed after the original learning of it, the better. Therefore, what has been learned should be reviewed once or more times each day for many days after originally learning it. After all, why memorize if you are just going to forget it in a month?

 

In planning your memory schedule, divide the class time into two or three sections, depending on the ability of the children. If you feel the children are capable, new material can be learned each day. This could be the first part of the class. The second part could be daily reviews - reviewing portions learned over the past several days. The third part could be reviewing material learned earlier in the year or in previous years. This time could also be used for testing.

 

If you only have time to split into two sections you do not need to learn new passages every day. In the first part of the class, you can alternate learning new material with the review of "older" passages. As the second part, have tour daily reviews.

 

Whatever plan you use, your overall emphasis should not be only learning new passages, but the solid retention of older ones.

Homeschooling and prepping for college - Part 1

Preparing for college is stressful for any parent. 

First of all, you are admitting that your baby is growing up. Second, you are admitting you are old enough to have a college age kid.

Third, there is SO much to think about!

 

If you have a child in elementary school, start looking.  If you are dealing with a jr high student - you're running out of time.  Get busy!  If you are like me and have a high schooler (freshman here) HURRY UP!  With my son being the oldest ad my 'guinea pig' I am learning a lot. I know that there is no reason to re-invent the wheel, and I don't want to.  I am not the first home school mom to send a child off to college.  There is so much more information available now than when I was in high school looking for college info.  That many years ago (not admitting how many!) we didn't even have internet at home!

 

Step 1:  What are you (your child) interested in?

Step 2: What scholarships are available?  Is there something you     should get your child interested in? 

Step 3: What obscure scholarships are available?  Is there something you and your child could become interested in?  (ie golf - do you know how many golf scholarships there are?!)

Step 4: apply apply apply

 

Since we homeschool, there are even more opportunities, I believe, to get involved and get qualified for scholarships.  In public school you are limited to what is offered, and what activities you can participate in outside of school.  Being homeschooled, your school day/year can revolve around those activities.  For instance; my son is a boy scout. Don't get me started on the changes to scouting - that's a whole other convo.  There are more than 100 merit badges he can work on.  As a freshman he took Literature, Biology, Geometry, and History/Geography.  His electives were art and chess.  Two possible merit badges he could earn are..... art and chess.  Next year he will take chemistry.  Again, there is a merit badge for that.  I could focus his entire h.s. curriculum around boy scout merit badges and he wouldn't miss a thing!  There are fun adventure badges too; camping, hiking, canoeing, engineering, entrepreneurship, life saving, shotgun shooting, archery....  The list is never ending. 

 

While we know LOTS of boys in public school who are scouts, I just fully believe that because we can make the time, my son has more opportunities to work on those merit badges - which lead to scholarships.

Along with scouts, there is CAP, canoeing classes, 4H, music lessons, art lessons, private lessons for baseball, college prep math, English and science.... Not just one or two, but all day everyday we do all these things. 

I know a lot of people who can argue home vs public school.  It is a personal choice.  The point is Apply now!

 

 

 

Hurricane Season

Living as close to the coast as I do, the beginning of hurricane season means that it is time to get my supply kit together again.  I unpack it at the end of the season (and I am positive that there is no threat) and use what was in it. 

In the last few weeks there have been several natural disasters and a lot of talk on cnn about disaster clean up from the last year.  I do not want to be on the news - ever because I was unprepared.  I have always lived in this area and hurricanes are part of the life.  I missed Ike, but got hit during Rita.  Besides being prepared, I know that with my babies, without a doubt, I would evacuate. 

We evacuated during Rita and I have no regrets.  I will do it again.  We know of a few places in Dallas and San Antonio that we could go.  Problem is, during Rita (as a city we all learned a lot during Rita) if you don't leave early enough there is a lot of traffic and hotels fill up quickly.  We know of a few other places to go that are either west or further north.  You have to have a back up plan.  We always have a plan B.  and a plan c,d,e,f,g..... for everything.  So, even though we plan to evacuate, you have to have a box of supplies ready to go in an instant.

At all times in my truck I keep:

• jumper cables
• first aid kits (always need to be kept re-supplied)
• toys (small tote, just in case)
• suit case with a spare full change of clothes for everyone (changes with each season)
• box with swim gear (swim suits, sunblock, towels, goggles, etc)
• Bottles of water
• Small box with car chargers for the game boy, kindle, cell phone, etc
• Picnic basket with plates, forks, spoons, cups
• Blankets

Obviously I drive a large suburban (with a cargo topper on top!)  Now that I need my hurricane kit as well, I will get a few totes and put the following supplies ready to grab in a hurry.  The key is to get the boxes ready, but not so heavy that I cannot pick them up by my self.

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities  - in the drawer.  Also, the knowledge to turn everything off!  You may be surprised at the number of people (women's especially) who do not know this.

Water, 8+ gallons

Food, granola bars, microwaveable meals (stuff that doesn't need to be refrigerated), cans of ravioli, cans of fruit etc

Flashlight and extra batteries

Whistle to signal for help

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Manual can opener for food

Local maps - you cannot guarantee that the gps will work

Inverter or solar charger for my cell phone, it won't ever hold a charge for long.  I have my car charger, but you can never be over prepared.

Dog food and bowls

leashes

$100 in cash (or more) for gas, hotel, and more food

I dread having to evacuate, but I would hate to have to evacuate and not be ready.  If I never need this stuff, it gives us some junk food for the pantry for the winter :)

Promises of God

In hard times we are told to remember all the things that God has promised us.  He will never leave us.  He will never forsake us.  If we haven't memorized His Word, or if we don't know it well, it is easy to be misled or just not know all of the many, many thing He has promised.  Here is a list of some of those promises - for when you have one of those days....

 

If this does not help, and you need, or just want to talk to someone here are a few links for you

 

http://sagemontchurch.org/pray/

 

https://www.facebook.com/GlobalMediaOutreach

 

• But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.2 Corinthians 12:9

But He was wounded for your transgressions, He was bruised for your iniquities: the chastisement of your peace was upon Him; and by His stripes you are healed. Isaiah 53:5

• If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 

I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. Proverbs 8:17

• Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3 

• Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. Proverbs 2:12

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

• For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

• I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. John 6:47 

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die."  John 11:25-26

• And you shall serve the LORD your God, and He shall bless your bread, and your water; and He will take sickness away from the midst of you. Exodus 23:25 

Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand." John 10:27-30

• Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. Proverbs 2:16

 

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding. Proverbs 3:13

• But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him: he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked. 1 John 2:5-6 

For he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6 

•  Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to your body, and marrow to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8                                          

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:22-23

• For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:15

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1

• Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33


Need more?  Try these: http://bible.org/article/selected-promises-god-each-book-bible

http://www.openbible.info/topics/promises_of_god

Effective Memorization

Effective Bible Memorization

Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.  Proverbs 7:2

 

Effectively teaching memorization commonly fails just because we want to know how to do it best.

• Is it best to give children the passage to learn as an assignment for the next class?
• Should the passage be memorized in class?
• Should repetition be used on a class level?
• How and how often should review be conducted?
• What is the best way to test the children’s memorization of the passage?

Short, Frequent classes

Psalm 1:1-2  Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,  but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

A lesson with memorization does not, and should not, be long and drawn out each and every time you do it.  Our memorization time should not become so big that we feel defeated and allow too much time between sessions.  For example, if classes are held at week-long intervals, many children (and adults) will procrastinate until the deadline (or after), because it is human nature to put off what we feel is too hard for us to do.

On the other hand, if classes are not held often enough you will tend to assign a longer passage to learn each time.  Again, this is frustrating the student, the teacher, and the parent.  We don’t want to discourage someone away from learning God’s Word.

Regular classes give the student little chance to procrastinate.  With frequent deadlines to be encountered the student will stay alert and keep God’s Word in the forefront of his mind.  Also, the constant review provided by frequent classes will help him to retain the material much better.

 

Some of the things we have incorporated into our daily lessons is

• study first thing in the morning - this not only starts your day off right, but gets you thinking about God first thing in the morning
• study last thing at night
• Write the verse on a notecard or two and put them in a place you look often (light switch, mirror, wallet)
• Use a dry erase marker on a mirror
• On the first day of the month spend 1 minute studying.  On the second day of the month, 2 minutes.  On the 5th day of the month, spend 5 minutes studying.  This goes on for the entire month.
• Have someone hold you accountable.  If no one knows you are even trying, no one can help and encourage you.

 

 

 

portions paraphrased from Teaching Bible Memory from Rod and Staff Publications, Inc.

 

Bad dog food

What do you do when you have 40 pounds of dry dog food that is infested with bugs?

First you call the store you bought it from and get a refund.  Then you contact the manufacturer and let them know.  Finally you use it as turtle food. 

We have 3 very large dogs in our house and we go through 20-30 pounds of dog food a week.  So, when I get a bag that is bad (this is only the second time this has ever happened), I really hate to waste it.  Although I don't feel comfortable giving it to my dogs, who probably eat bugs outside anyhow, I figured we would take a little trip on the way to baseball this week.  The kids had no idea what I was doing when I asked my son to load up the dog food into the back of the truck.  They knew it had to be trashed, but have learned to just go with it.  Don't over analyze what mom is doing.

 

In girl scouts we learned that turtles eat dollar store cat food.  In zoology we learned that turtles eat bugs and junk at the bottom of the water.  So, why won't they eat dog food?  These ones did!

 

Although it only lasted about 30 minutes, we saw dozens of turtles of all sizes and got to spend some fun time together.

Diaper cake

Last time I was at HEB, in the floral department, I saw this really cute diaper cake.  So unique, so practical, so darling.  It can't be that hard to make.  I consider myself pretty crafty, I must be able to figure it out.  After a few searches on you tube (links included) I bought 2 packs of size 2 diapers, 3 packs of wipes and a few bottles of smelly good baby bath products (shampoo, wash, powder, etc).  

 

 

 

 

 

 First, get 3 'cake pans' of graduated sizes.  Since I do not have these I made do with a steamer pot, double boiler (bottom) and spring form pan. 

 

 

Start putting the diapers in, in a circle with the open end being the end to be hidden. 
 
 



Start out loose, it is easier to add more toward the end.  Circle all the way around the pan, keeping the closed end of the diaper at the edge of the pan.  Some of the you tube tutorials put a tube or product in the middle - as a surprise for mom or baby.



When the pan is full, make sure the diapers are evenly spaces (for aesthetics)

This pan was a little deep, so I had to pull the diapers up a tad

Tie a string or use a rubber band around the diapers - this is just to hold them together.  I would use a white string, just to hide it better.

Then pull it out of the pan.  Trim the string and repeat with the other pans.

I only did 3 tiers, but that is was not a whole 2 packs of diapers.

Next, start to decorate.  I used a blue ribbon since this is for a boy.  Do not glue anything to the diapers - it could ruin the diaper and make it unusable.  So, to put the ribbon on, I tucked it in to the string.  Hot glue the ribbon tightly to itself (not to the diaper) to keep the diapers secured.

Now it is time to decorate!  The actual cake part was SOOO much easier than I thought it would be.
I wanted to work in the wipes in some way.  This was an idea.  I did not like it.

Since I had some diapers left over, I layered them around the wipes in a similar fashion to the other 3 tiers - this 'hid' the wipes and looks SO much better.

We used cake toppers and baby products to decorate.  All items are glued to the ribbon only.  The base is a piece of foam board covered in felt - homemade felt board.  I like everything to be multi-purposeful. 



This is the final product - just waiting for my friends baby shower on Saturday :)

 

Planter from a 2 liter bottle

 

 
In our house, we love science.  My youngest will spend all day planting, weeding, watering and doing anything except school work.  There are some fun science lessons with the garden.  This is one fun thing we did just recently.

 

Take an empty 2 liter bottle and wash it out.

 

 

 

 

 

Cut the bottle in half (roughly - does not have to be exact or even neat)  

Fill the bottom half about half way with dirt, put in your seeds (write on the bottle with sharpie what you are planting - I ALWAYS forget).  Then take the top half and use it as a lid.  The top will fit inside of the bottom.

 

 

 

Add water.

 

 

 

Stick it in a sunny spot on the window sill

 

 

 

Within 2 weeks we were using a magnifying glass to view the roots.  After the beans outgrew the bottle, we transplanted the plant into a pot outside and we are now eating snow peas every few days.

 

 

Family Health

My mom and I have helped to take care of my grandparents for several years now.  My grandfather passed 3 years ago this November.  During the process of adopting (still going through the process), hubby and I have learned a LOT about documenting everything.  Then, today, my grandmother had an eye appointment.  I know a bit about her health, but it's hard to remember everything.  A lot of her surgeries happened when I was little, I don't know enough about my family health history (not for a lack of trying!) but I could not answer a lot of the doctors questions in a way that satisfied me.  It didn't help that my grandmother was looking to me for the answers.

I have seen a lot of people in blogs talk about control journals and keeping up with important documents in case of an emergency.  I do this for my kids, but until today didn't think I would need to for my mom and grandma.  The info needed is so different.

I am not going to buy 2 control journals and keep up with their info that way.  The control journals are great, for my kids and hubby, too much info to give my mom.  I don't want to overwhelm her.  I did, however, get two folders with pockets and brads and put some forms in them.  These folders are to stay at her house, in a spot where all 3 of us can find them quickly and easily.

In my grandmothers folder I have a list of hospitalizations, doctor appointments, meds that are currently prescribed, family history and such. 

Mom's is similar.  She has to do the dirty work and fill out everything.  It's a one time thing (I hope!) and if anything ever happens to them, I will be prepared.

I know the doctors and hospitals can conjure up the information eventually - but what if......

So, as I was looking for what info was needed for these folders I came across these 2 websites.


http://www.freeprintablemedicalforms.com/click2.php

http://www.surprisefamilymedicine.com/HealthHistoryQuestionnaire.pdf

I am sure that in a few months I will find out that something important is missing, but at least at the next appointment I will have more info than I do now.

Other things that will go into the folders

• list of current meds
• photo copy of ssn
• photo copy of drivers license
• photo copy of insurance cards
• important phone numbers
• copy of living will or other similar papers
• copy of any records I can get from the doctor/hospitals