tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12227269230331688372024-02-07T23:50:20.264-05:00My Homeschool TaleRead our story as it unfolds.
Turn the pages of our adventure.
Laugh with us, cry with us, learn with us.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-11047673503435088712016-06-21T02:21:00.000-04:002016-06-21T02:21:19.815-04:00June READER Time - Something for the Whole Family to Enjoy<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Something For the Whole Family to Enjoy!</span></b></div>
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Summer is well underway here at My Homeschool Tale! We have completed all of our regular schoolwork for the year; we have set aside our workbooks and math cd's, we have shelved our history and science. We are turning our time and attention to the beautiful sunshine outside, picking sweet strawberries from our garden, and watching the butterflies hatching in our butterfly house, we are enjoying some leisure time and diving into some organizational projects. And we have already kicked-off our summer break with a road trip! <br />
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I love road trips! Whether it includes overnight stays, or is a one day kind of thing! I love going on little adventures with my family. Learning new things along the way, seeing some amazing sites, experiencing a variety of activities......I love it! <br />
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A little washed out, but everyone is smiling! </div>
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Our boat ride on one of the Great Lakes!</div>
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So what does any of this have to do with READER time? Well, when your all piled in the family car and your destination is a few (or several) hours away, you need something to do to pass the time. You see where I'm going with this, right?! We certainly can't waste all that time staring at electronic devises {<i>otherwise we end up with zombie-eyed children when we arrive at our destination</i>}. </div>
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So for our first summer road trip of the year, we planned ahead. We had been wanting to go through the whole Narnia series with our children, and we thought we might all enjoy them as audiobooks. <i><a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2016/04/april-reader-time-beauty-of-audio-books.html" target="_blank">Especially, after April's READER Time post about audiobooks!</a></i> So we purchased this collection:<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Complete-Box-Unabridged/dp/0694524751/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466487490&sr=8-3&keywords=chronicles+of+narnia+audiobook" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Complete-Box-Unabridged/dp/0694524751/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466487490&sr=8-3&keywords=chronicles+of+narnia+audiobook" class="image-stretch-vertical" height="200" id="igImage" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61X9%2BDSkUKL.jpg" style="max-height: 500px; max-width: 448px;" width="179" /></a></div>
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My husband is the only one of us that has read the entire series. We had read a book or two from the series to our oldest 2 children several years back. And we have all enjoyed the movies that are quite charming, but don't always follow the books. We felt that listening to the audio version would be a sure way to make sure we got through the whole set and would be a fun way for us all to enjoy these stories. </div>
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Well, we are already one book into the series as a result of that first road trip. I didn't think we would finish a whole book, but the kids couldn't get enough! I'm a little sorry that we didn't bring the cd's for the second book along!</div>
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We are also pairing this series with <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Family-Guide-Narnia-Biblical-Chronicles/dp/1581345151/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466487080&sr=8-1&keywords=family+guide+to+narnia" target="_blank">A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia</a></u> by Christin Ditchfield.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Family-Guide-Narnia-Biblical-Chronicles/dp/1581345151/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466487080&sr=8-1&keywords=family+guide+to+narnia" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Family-Guide-Narnia-Biblical-Chronicles/dp/1581345151/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466487080&sr=8-1&keywords=family+guide+to+narnia" class="image-stretch-vertical" height="200" id="igImage" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KqJ7Zs3DL.jpg" style="max-height: 500px; max-width: 310px;" width="123" /></a></div>
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I love the way this book is set up chapter by chapter of each book in the Narnia series. I am very excited to dive into it. And I am looking forward to the conversations that are sure to be sparked!</div>
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We've had some absolutely beautiful weather that I wouldn't want to wish away, but I have thought that a rainy day might find us lounging inside with our minds far away on an adventure in Narnia!</div>
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Hoping you can join us on our Narnia adventure this summer! Or maybe you have some other plans for reading that includes your whole family - I'd love to hear about them!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-66143742477290233172016-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:002016-05-01T07:00:11.079-04:00May READER Time - Get Ready for Summer Reading!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Summer is just around the corner!!!</span></strong></div>
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I am so excited to declare that! It has been a challenging year for us - and my children have shown just how hard working they can be. <em>{Proud Mama!}</em><br />
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This year they started off by finishing up the previous year's school work that fell behind due to a few life issues that needed our time and attention last year. But even with this carry-over work from the year before, my kiddos are on track to finish this current year's schoolwork by the end of May! <em>Wow! That was a lot of work!</em><br />
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Let me just say, we are all ready for a nice, relaxing summer! We look forward to play-dates and park-dates, trips to zoos, nature centers, and historical parks, camping, and simply having time to just play outside all-day-long! Doesn't it sound great?! Looser schedules, no schoolwork (at least not visible schoolwork), and plenty of time to READ! <br />
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I love Summer Reading! It's our chance to catch up on all the great reading that is set aside during the school year, when time is more limited. And with our ever-growing list of books we want to read, what's more fun then tracking our reading just to see how much we can do!!! <br />
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We love to take part in the summer reading games at our local libraries and bookstores. But we often set up our own reading games at home - because it's just so much fun!! I am very excited to share some of those summer reading game ideas and resources with you today! And with summer approaching - now's the time to get ready!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Summer Reading Kit</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WCHRTvM_gLmsj49tGVbAY2x_jkkU7ZarLGvdx8lHmxj7RcpUmIjEWDl1Z_PLF8IS0xTy_RxRVkCKPQwIbL_EyXsDZ7GDHszNVa9KoTnQ2KV9aOJ7GC2WZh2VdiiKkUmB7PVbufSV27B7/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WCHRTvM_gLmsj49tGVbAY2x_jkkU7ZarLGvdx8lHmxj7RcpUmIjEWDl1Z_PLF8IS0xTy_RxRVkCKPQwIbL_EyXsDZ7GDHszNVa9KoTnQ2KV9aOJ7GC2WZh2VdiiKkUmB7PVbufSV27B7/s200/IMG_0522.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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I put this cute reading kit together a few years back. I love the gummy worms - what a great way to kick off summer reading with a sweet treat while you read! You can check out the <a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-reading-kit.html" target="_blank">Summer Reading Kit post here</a>. Or you can just pick up an <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Ue5e8A5gBnVUZ6bkZTSFhVUnM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">updated version of the pdf's here to create your own</a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Summer Reading Bookmark</span><br />
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The next year I went with a simpler method for tracking our summer reading by using a bookmark - just color a book for every 20 minutes of reading. IF you color the whole bookmark and you have completed 10 hours of reading!!! <a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/06/summer-reading-bookmark.html" target="_blank">Check out the post here</a>. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Ue5e8A5gBneXJ6YUxKZmQtQlE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> Or pick up the pdf here</a>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Reading Punch Cards</span><br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_Ue5e8A5gBnRy1UVzgwOG01UlE/edit?usp=sharing" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZEchyVWgbTwoKkUM8Agk16GKZc0vuZ7Mg7vhh6ypkGL9T-04rS5E2JjOuaTYA4GyKE_XCvlE3-TYVUq-suXdGPstvd49APDVxdNgdFBNPyOQA5AVEyR1eObtuI7q8biVmU3cBJ8WJcfb/s200/Reading+Tracker+Punch+Cards.jpg" width="108" /></a><br />
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Another simple and fun way to track reading progress is with these cute punch cards! These are probably my favorite! I made them in 3 different formats to meet different needs - one tracks time read, one tracks books read, and one lets you set your own reading goal. Each of our children are at very different levels of reading, therefore we set different reading goals based on each child. Which is another reason I like these punch cards. You can view my post for the <a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/09/reading-punch-cards.html" target="_blank">Reading Punch Cards here</a>. Or you can <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Ue5e8A5gBnRy1UVzgwOG01UlE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">pick up a set of punch cards here</a>. <br />
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Now you can't have a summer reading game without prizes! While reading is definitely rewarding in itself, a little incentive to meet a challenging reading goal can be very encouraging! We have local libraries and bookstores that offer a range of prizes from books and book bags to dollar story type toys. We prefer to avoid the latter, which is why we offer our own prizes. We love the idea of earning a book for meeting a reading goal. Another favorite idea is to earn some Book Cash. It works like this - we establish smaller reading goals that can be meet several times throughout the summer. Each goal met = $1 Book Cash. We keep a running total and at the end of the summer they can cash out their Book Cash by going to the local bookstore or picking out a book on Amazon. The punch cards and bookmark work great for this - each completed card could be $1 Book Cash. The bookmark could be $2. Or you can set your own amounts. And because they help pick out their book prize, they are likely to continue reading! Win-Win!<br />
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I hope you find these resources and ideas helpful to you this summer. Or maybe this post helps spark some other summer reading ideas for you! Do you already have Summer Reading plans? I'd love to hear about them, or to hear how you are using my resources! <em><strong>Happy Reading!!!</strong></em>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-22546430854211168182016-04-01T06:00:00.000-04:002016-04-07T04:44:54.209-04:00April READER Time - The Beauty of Audio Books<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Beauty of Audio Books</span></div>
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<em><strong>Audio Books are amazing!!! They are something my entire family has grown to love! This month, I will share with you why we love using audio books, as well as the many benefits that come with them.</strong></em> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Audio books give the pleasure of enjoying a story without the struggle. </span></strong>Children are almost always ready for stories beyond their reading capabilities. It seems a shame to hold them back to "See Jane run!", when they are ready for a storyline with more substance, like Black Beauty. It has allowed my older children to enjoy books that would have otherwise been difficult to read. My son listened to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Tremain/dp/B00E004PL6/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1459391252&sr=8-1&keywords=johnny+tremain" target="_blank">Johnny Tremain</a> when he was in 5th grade. He might have been able to read it on his own, but he gained so much from listening and not struggling with names or language that he's not familiar with. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The use of Audio Books in homeschooling is indispensable!</span></strong> What a freedom it has given me. . . . . and my voice! Of course, I still read plenty to my children. I have just found that using Audio Books has sped us up a little. If I have to tend to my toddler while reading from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-World-Publisher-Peace-Press/dp/B004MT1MJS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459391413&sr=8-2&keywords=story+of+the+world+audio" target="_blank">Story of the World</a>, I would most likely have to pause my reading as my eyes are diverted from the page. But we can all comfortably sit and listen to Jim Weiss read our history lesson to us. Even if I need to quietly move across the room and scoop up my toddler for some snuggles, all the while the reading doesn't need to stop! <i>If only all our lessons could be interruption-free!!!</i></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes a book is just better presented as an audio - it gives it an element that may otherwise go missing.</span></strong> What could be a great story gets placed in the donate pile or put back in the library bag, sometimes even before it's finished! We have found this to be true for several books. We recently had Madeleine Takes Command on our living history reading list. I was feeling behind, so I thought I would grab it as an audio book - I am so glad I did! I could never have done that story the justice that the narrator gave it. The French accent was a delight to listen to, not too mention, I would have probably butchered several of those French words and stumbled over the language of the text. Yet each day, the kids were content to listen to more than just one chapter, often asking for more! And sure enough, we blazed through that story and got back on track with our read alouds. And my husband was delighted to hear the account each evening of what was happening in the story. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Door-in-the-Wall/dp/B001G8MAFS/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1459391176&sr=8-1&keywords=the+door+in+the+wall" target="_blank">The Door in the Wall</a> is another book that can be a difficult read - even difficult to listen to. I've heard of more than one family that did not like it at all. However, we enjoyed the book as an audio - thereby forgoing the distracting element of trying to read some of that old English language that may have come across as choppy and uninteresting, and instead listening to it being read smoothly giving the story the character that it was due. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Characters come to life listening to these stories over and again. </span></strong>Audio books get used so often by my kids in their free time or at bedtime, that I never have buyers remorse. I am so thrilled that my children are making trusted friends in the characters of good books. Winnie the Pooh and his pals, Heather and Picket (Green Ember), Encyclopedia Brown, Hank the Cowdog, and Black Beauty are just a few of the voices that I hear coming from their rooms on a regular basis. They dive into these stories over and over. And so far, it hasn't gotten "old" for them yet. I certainly haven't tired of hearing the kids play yet another audio while playing in their room or just before bed. What a great way to end the day - off on an adventure with some good old friends!</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">With all these audio books being played each day, those listening skills are certainly getting exercised!</span></strong> Which, I think, could never get too much exercise - Amen? And I have recently learned that kids who struggle with Dyslexia, often will do better with auditory learning. Now that I think about it, it seems logical to me that if you struggle to process things correctly from a visual aspect that you would prefer to learn audibly - lightbulb moment! Learning this reinforced my desire for using audio books. I especially like when the child is able to follow along with the book. To slide that finger under the words on the page as the audio speaks the words into our ears allows us to use multiple senses at the same time. This creates a connection in our brain that facilitates learning. So while many think that listening to an audio takes away the opportunity to practice reading, the truth is it is actually giving us practice - practice with success! Allowing those connections to be made <u><strong>correctly</strong></u> in the brain.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>And now for the "what" and "how" of Audio Books:</strong></span> One of our favorite ways to enjoy audio books is on a Kindle Fire. My children have all saved up their own money to buy one, and it's been a great asset to us. We have filled them with books and audio books, along with a few games and videos for fun. But the great thing is we can set up parental controls to limit the amount of time, and the appropriate time, for each child on games and videos. Sidenote: if you use Kindle FreeTime, it doesn't include audio books, but an Amazon representative recently told us that they were working to add audio books in that feature in a future update - Yeah! One thing I love is that our children all share an Amazon account, so what one buys can be shared by all! That makes shopping nice and simple for me - I can add amazon gift cards to stockings, Easter baskets, birthday cards, etc. </div>
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I wanted to share a quick list of our favorite audio books, so I enlisted the help of my kiddos in building that list. Well, it didn't really turn out to be a quick list. We just had too many favorites that had to be included! Some were downloads from Amazon's Audible, some were CD's that came with books, others were audio books from the library. We hope this list will add to your audio book enjoyment!</div>
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<strong>Chapter Books:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Green-Ember/dp/B00T6M1C0A/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1459385157&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Green Ember</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winnie-the-Pooh-Dramatised/dp/B003IR2AKK/ref=sr_1_2_twi_audd_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459385457&sr=1-2&keywords=winnie+the+pooh&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A1240885011" target="_blank">Winnie the Pooh</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Original-Adventures-Hank-Cowdog/dp/B0018ZF0Q0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459385561&sr=1-1&keywords=hank+the+cowdog&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A1240885011" target="_blank">Hank the Cowdog</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Beauty/dp/B000JCE3DO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459385647&sr=1-1&keywords=black+beauty&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A1240885011" target="_blank">Black Beauty</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Madeleine-Takes-Command-History-Library/dp/B00T3HAT0M/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459385721&sr=1-1&keywords=madeleine+takes+command" target="_blank">Madeleine Takes Command</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Brown-Boy-Detective/dp/B001G8MALW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459385772&sr=1-1&keywords=encyclopedia+brown&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A1240885011" target="_blank">Encyclopedia Brown</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Sign-of-the-Beaver/dp/B001VIJEP2/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459385814&sr=1-1&keywords=sign+of+the+beaver" target="_blank">Sign of the Beaver</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rascal/dp/B001U8T3KO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459385846&sr=1-1&keywords=rascal&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A1240885011" target="_blank">Rascal</a><span id="goog_1386546982"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1386546983"></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pollyanna/dp/B0009U6Y2Y/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459386477&sr=1-1&keywords=pollyanna+audiobook" target="_blank">Pollyanna</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Little-Princess/dp/B0032Z3LMO/ref=sr_1_1_twi_audd_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459386400&sr=1-1&keywords=little+princess+justine+eyre" target="_blank">A Little Princess</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Women/dp/B009KAZ2YA/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459386613&sr=1-2&keywords=little+women+audiobook&refinements=p_n_feature_browse-bin%3A1240885011" target="_blank">Little Women</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/William-Carey-Obliged-Christian-Heroes/dp/B00K6XLGZ4/ref=sr_1_1_twi_har_4_twi_audd_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459386650&sr=1-1&keywords=william+carey" target="_blank">William Carey</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Piggle-Wiggle/dp/B000133PZS/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1459386692&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Mrs. Piggle Wiggle</a></div>
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<strong>Picture Books:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skippyjon-Jones-Judy-Schachner/dp/0142408727/ref=sr_1_1_twi_aud_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387837&sr=8-1&keywords=skippyjon+jones+audio" target="_blank">Skippyjon Jones</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Row-Your-Boat/dp/1580891020/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387212&sr=1-2&keywords=row+row+row+your+boat+audio" target="_blank">Row Row Row Your Boat</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bitsy-Spider-Audio-Along-Friends/dp/B00Y7Y4MWC/ref=sr_1_3_twi_aud_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387607&sr=1-3&keywords=itsy+bitsy+spider+audio" target="_blank">Itsy Bitsy Spider</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Llama-Pack-Books-Misses-Pajama/dp/0545544424/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387400&sr=1-2&keywords=llama+llama+red+pajama+audio" target="_blank">Llama, Llama collection</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snores-Feels-Paperback-Books-Wilson/dp/B01ASFEKQ6/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387472&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=bear+feels+sick+audio" target="_blank">Bear Snores On / Bear Feels Sick</a></div>
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<strong>Audio Dramas:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Park-1-Adventure-Begins/dp/1941510086/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387650&sr=1-1&keywords=jonathan+park" target="_blank">Jonathan Park</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Cause-Extraordinary-Adventures-Henty/dp/B00PI7F5FU/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387698&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=in+freedoms+cause+audio+drama" target="_blank">In Freedom's Cause</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Under-Drakes-Flag-Extraordinary-Adventures/dp/B00GS6LMV6/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387728&sr=1-1&keywords=under+drakes+flag+audio" target="_blank">Under Drake's Flag</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Virginia-Extraordinary-Adventures-G/dp/B01187Q5RK/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1459387728&sr=1-3&keywords=under+drakes+flag+audio" target="_blank">With Lee in Virginia</a></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-9160299309784991482016-03-23T17:20:00.002-04:002016-03-23T22:31:49.762-04:00March READER Time - Changes<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ66KTNP6H_bBBPHOtEurqhKpIiTHEdVfHYhhwhT4KpEj0d4CXk0Wr2hQMRs7yHlsvWfgFRTlLlMcr9G_Vk5FqGmh9ZMnbbzTK2ODwU8-f_Ko6huSIZ6CX1CK810Lr06U6IU5iyBcBOqdo/s1600/Reader+time+logo.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ66KTNP6H_bBBPHOtEurqhKpIiTHEdVfHYhhwhT4KpEj0d4CXk0Wr2hQMRs7yHlsvWfgFRTlLlMcr9G_Vk5FqGmh9ZMnbbzTK2ODwU8-f_Ko6huSIZ6CX1CK810Lr06U6IU5iyBcBOqdo/s320/Reader+time+logo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">March 2016</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Changes are happening here at READER Time!!!</span> </strong>Before I go into those details, let me back up and explain why. . . . .</div>
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This is our 3rd month since establishing READER Time and making an intentional effort toward growing a family of READERs. We are continuing to make progress - but we've also had some set backs along the way. After sliding through winter with only a few sniffles, March met us with some nasty bugs. And, of course, my kiddos were so good about sharing. . . . .and taking turns! What's up with that?!?! </div>
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While I hoped I would write that we are all on the mend, sadly another victim is on the couch with a bucket beside them. Needless to say, all our routines have fallen to the wayside. Even my plan to post this month's reading list was set aside to tend to what's really important right now. </div>
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However, the delay of getting the READER Time post up for this month gave me a little more time to ponder what I've started here. I questioned the purpose of listing what my family is reading for the month. It's such a specific list of books that probably only fits my family - not a themed list by any means. How could this be helpful to anyone else? I love to Pin book lists, but I usually go for themed lists, or at least age categorized lists. I really was struggling with how our list was going to benefit anyone else. </div>
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Then I realized that I didn't want READER Time to be a book list! There are plenty of those already out there. <strong><span style="font-size: large;">I want READER Time to be encouragement!</span></strong> </div>
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So back to the beginning! <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Changes are happening here at READER Time!!!</span> </strong>And I am so excited about it!!! READER Time will now be a monthly post that offers tips, encouragement, helpful info, even some great resources, and occasionally a themed reading list. I am so excited for what is planned for the months ahead. The ideas just started lining themselves up faster than I could jot them down. I love those moments!</div>
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I am so excited for what is in store for READER Time! And I hope you'll join me on this journey, so that we can all grow into READER families!!!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-40534416442448282452016-02-25T20:25:00.000-05:002016-02-25T20:29:27.647-05:00Homeschool Purchase ListIt's getting to be that time of year again! It's time to start planning and shopping for next school year!<br />
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I <span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>love</u></strong></span> planning! The idea of a fresh start, whether it's in just the next level in a tried and true resource or you're choosing to part ways with something that just was working and venturing out to try something new. <br />
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One of my favorite parts of homeschooling (besides spending my days with my kiddos) is that I get to make a curriculum <strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">specifically</span></u></strong> for them. I can take the time to consider each of them individually - their strengths and weaknesses, what has worked for them in the past and what hasn't, how I would like to see them grow and stretch.<br />
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I love that I can choose what we use to help us learn. And there is so much out there to choose from! As I start to list out my plans or least some ideas for next year, I also need to consider the cost of it all. While I want to provide the best options for each of my children, I also want to bless my family by finding the best deals I can when shopping for our homeschooling choices. So I shop around.<br />
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My local homeschool association has an annual expo featuring guest speakers as well as many homeschool vendors. With that expo coming up in just about a week, it's time for me to start some of my research. I have made a chart where I can list my homeschooling wants, with 3 columns to compare prices. I can start going to some of my favorite sites (<a href="http://www.rainbowresource.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Resource</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/" target="_blank">Christian Book</a>, etc.) and note the prices (don't forget to include any shipping costs). Then I can take my list with me to the expo and look for more deals. I won't forget the prices and mistakenly pay much more for something, because I will have my list!<br />
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I hope this idea will help you bless your family by organizing your homeschool wants and finding the best prices available. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GmMbjWmUdw74nDyNPKMXgV_BRHMhugLqE_91C0vT-oI91eRnNToPg8nxF9O0eMYdbmRTulslJ06m13TiI-INJWGENV6ui8sFFISkKiGBiKm2Ha-M3aDDOanpWnU555NoFHkIWgMcMijN/s1600/homeschool+purchase+list.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GmMbjWmUdw74nDyNPKMXgV_BRHMhugLqE_91C0vT-oI91eRnNToPg8nxF9O0eMYdbmRTulslJ06m13TiI-INJWGENV6ui8sFFISkKiGBiKm2Ha-M3aDDOanpWnU555NoFHkIWgMcMijN/s320/homeschool+purchase+list.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Ue5e8A5gBnMURQZkVxX1k3VTg/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">You can download your copy here!</a></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-36325201737982898162016-02-05T22:58:00.003-05:002016-02-05T23:45:55.080-05:00February READER Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf04ejsRbrzAZP5TGyQBB1a3eb5wx0jhQjcgoLHeilXjJm1jzM_fecoWr6Wh2UBqCwV2uqJtrqisDM2tqiCR2mTkAicGAjjAmbVu_YlzYr6cAygCfctT61PU7DzyUbcfEUQKS24qDplYTA/s320/Reader+time+logo.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">February </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">2016</span></div>
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Follow along with us as we try to make reading more a part of our days; more a part of our lives. If you would like to learn more about what READER Time is for us, read my <a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2016/01/reader-time.html" target="_blank">original READER Time post</a>. You can also pick up some great bookmarks/reader lists there, too!</div>
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This year, I am determined to be more purposeful with our reading lists, as well making the time to read. So I will continue what I started in January and share my reading plans with you. Although, I set my plan in motion far enough into last month that we did not complete all that was on our list, which is the reason for several repeats listed this month. But I can see the progress that we are making in reading and I am very pleased. </div>
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Without further ado, here is a glimpse at our bookshelf for February:<br />
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<img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-csm-markers="af,cf" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iVEWKuJbL._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iVEWKuJbL._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iVEWKuJbL._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iVEWKuJbL._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iVEWKuJbL._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51iVEWKuJbL._AA480_QL65_.jpg 3x" /><img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-csm-markers="af,cf" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LYK+K7otL._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LYK+K7otL._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LYK+K7otL._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LYK+K7otL._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LYK+K7otL._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LYK+K7otL._AA480_QL65_.jpg 3x" width="160" /><img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-csm-markers="af,cf" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FNJOAWOAL._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FNJOAWOAL._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FNJOAWOAL._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FNJOAWOAL._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FNJOAWOAL._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FNJOAWOAL._AA480_QL65_.jpg 3x" width="160" /><img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-csm-markers="af,cf" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zytCJZjZL._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zytCJZjZL._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zytCJZjZL._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zytCJZjZL._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zytCJZjZL._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zytCJZjZL._AA480_QL65_.jpg 3x" width="160" /><img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/615V0T8KRGL._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/615V0T8KRGL._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/615V0T8KRGL._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/615V0T8KRGL._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/615V0T8KRGL._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/615V0T8KRGL._AA475_QL65_.jpg 2.9687x" width="160" /></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Read Alouds for the whole family to enjoy:</span></u></div>
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Madeleine Takes Command (Ethel Brill)</div>
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<span style="background-color: #93c47d; font-size: x-small;">We are half way through this book and on the edge of our seats with suspense! We are listening to the audio version and I love the French accent of the narrator, it really adds more to the book than I could give reading it aloud myself.</span></div>
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Buttons for General Washington (Peter and Connie Roop)</div>
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Paul Revere's Ride (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow / Illustrated by Ted Rand)<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="background-color: #93c47d;">Love this version!</span></span><br />
The Fourth of July Story (Alice Dalgliesh)<br />
Yankee Doodle (Gary Chalk)<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">7th Grader:</span></u> Ben and Me (Robert Lawson)<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">5th Grader:</span></u> Phoebe the Spy (Judith Griffin) <br />
The Robinson Crusoe Reader (Julia Darrow Cowles)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>2nd Grader</u>:</span> Sam the Minuteman (Nathaniel Benchley)<br />
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<img alt="Product Details" border="0" class="s-access-image cfMarker" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JNHVRQG8L._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JNHVRQG8L._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JNHVRQG8L._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JNHVRQG8L._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JNHVRQG8L._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JNHVRQG8L._AA475_QL65_.jpg 2.9687x" width="160" /><img alt="Product Details" border="0" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-csm-markers="af,cf" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vgwGd7C9L._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vgwGd7C9L._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vgwGd7C9L._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vgwGd7C9L._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vgwGd7C9L._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vgwGd7C9L._AA480_QL65_.jpg 3x" width="160" /><img alt="Product Details" border="0" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-csm-markers="af,cf" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618zlHIZktL._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618zlHIZktL._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618zlHIZktL._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618zlHIZktL._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618zlHIZktL._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/618zlHIZktL._AA480_QL65_.jpg 3x" width="160" /><img alt="Product Details" class="s-access-image cfMarker" data-csm-markers="af,cf" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aH8qHaxcL._AA160_.jpg" data-search-image-load="" height="160" srcset="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aH8qHaxcL._AA160_.jpg 1x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aH8qHaxcL._AA240_QL65_.jpg 1.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aH8qHaxcL._AA320_QL65_.jpg 2x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aH8qHaxcL._AA400_QL65_.jpg 2.5x, http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51aH8qHaxcL._AA480_QL65_.jpg 3x" width="160" /></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Toddler:</span></u> (various winter and valentine books including, but not limited to:)</div>
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Winnie the Pooh's Valentine (Bruce Talkington)<br />
Bear Hugs (Karma Wilson)<br />
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? (Jane Yolen)<br />
Time for a Hug (Phillis Gershator and Mim Green)</div>
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<u></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Mom</u>:</span> The Reading Promise (Alice Omza)</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Dad:</span></u> Wheel of Time, book 1 (Robert Jordan)</div>
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What are your reading plans? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-20858238990861777732016-01-19T20:59:00.000-05:002016-02-05T23:52:22.303-05:00January READER Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzXUIQEWH6qE7t2bYxnq8SziHoDIBIcak5R1M9PYkwBVLYCX8AP8RihW5zWfzcBiwXp8OQ55-ilNA0dWbOGSlBUItgQHCzVzLAn9T6q8bE_C7QcardhQFaTyA8WpLAJoHDQVJ8y5bmIC8/s1600/Reader+time+logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzXUIQEWH6qE7t2bYxnq8SziHoDIBIcak5R1M9PYkwBVLYCX8AP8RihW5zWfzcBiwXp8OQ55-ilNA0dWbOGSlBUItgQHCzVzLAn9T6q8bE_C7QcardhQFaTyA8WpLAJoHDQVJ8y5bmIC8/s320/Reader+time+logo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">January 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Follow along with us as we try to make reading more a part of our days; more a part of our lives. If you would like to learn more about what READER Time is for us, read my <a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2016/01/reader-time.html" target="_blank">original READER Time post</a>. And pick up some great bookmarks/reading lists there, too!</span></div>
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As we start this New Year, I am determined to be more purposeful with our reading lists, as well as making the time to do our reading. So this is our READER Time plans for the month (or, well.....the rest of the month).<br />
<br />
You'll find a lot of historical fiction on our lists this month to go along with the area of history that we are studying. I tried to choose books that would really draw the kids in. And I LOVE picture books! So it was very hard to narrow down my choices for my Toddler. I'm so very excited to start my year off with a great book that I'm hoping will encourage me in this new drive. And Dad is hoping to take some time to pick up an old fantasy series he read years ago - he is actually the most consistent reader in the house, but he's happy to jump in on our bandwagon to read more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBs8Bg0L28ez27JfuuR78HJVkU1ICJC4hq9MyBHjT10Vo0qVliWEblmh4Il0_QRR-v81oVi8pp2o0nL7A5JwQe_yjjDAKZw0XQACJPCjz46Qw3gHFJWQg1LH0Ihp0DI7HjUFpzlqrHcKf/s1600/january+books+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBs8Bg0L28ez27JfuuR78HJVkU1ICJC4hq9MyBHjT10Vo0qVliWEblmh4Il0_QRR-v81oVi8pp2o0nL7A5JwQe_yjjDAKZw0XQACJPCjz46Qw3gHFJWQg1LH0Ihp0DI7HjUFpzlqrHcKf/s320/january+books+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Read Alouds for the whole family:</u></span><br />
The Courage of Sarah Noble (Alice Dalgliesh)<br />
Madeleine Takes Command (Ethel Brill)<br />
Buttons for General Washington (Peter and Connie Roop)<br />
The Secret Garden (Francis Hodgson Burnett)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPpBVmfRBJZWaRYYk1QkHGMmyeqXCArOlW_uwKFiYhCFvSmc7o3JujVvmQA14dLo0tmOtZwpNZi4HOW6Nk_RaTqgnzshYrw5BU-5eDqqON1Hmt8tG_J-cZUXU16BJZlxgrCFlOkVarii6/s1600/january+books+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPpBVmfRBJZWaRYYk1QkHGMmyeqXCArOlW_uwKFiYhCFvSmc7o3JujVvmQA14dLo0tmOtZwpNZi4HOW6Nk_RaTqgnzshYrw5BU-5eDqqON1Hmt8tG_J-cZUXU16BJZlxgrCFlOkVarii6/s320/january+books+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">7th grader:</span></u> Ben and Me (Robert Lawson)<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">5th grader:</span></u> Phoebe the Spy (Judith Griffin)<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">2nd grader:</span></u> Sam the Minuteman (Nathaniel Benchley)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_2Y_IWyekYVE_YMecd-nYcMSQRdMgq-L3bkkGGeTEWNewrI4Hl_UY2L1gTZSqzZdXVTFRF5x3szzaIaAYVA151hlLhMv5wkD8YIxoSLyuinthsb7dTAmWFIssoBXhBHCKorP98iCyIdX/s1600/january+books+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_2Y_IWyekYVE_YMecd-nYcMSQRdMgq-L3bkkGGeTEWNewrI4Hl_UY2L1gTZSqzZdXVTFRF5x3szzaIaAYVA151hlLhMv5wkD8YIxoSLyuinthsb7dTAmWFIssoBXhBHCKorP98iCyIdX/s320/january+books+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Toddler:</span></u> (various winter picture books including, but not limited to)<br />
The Mitten (Jan Brett)<br />
The Hat (Jan Brett)<br />
Gingerbread Baby (Jan Brett)<br />
Blizzard (John Rocco)<br />
Bear Snores On (Karma Wilson)<br />
Skippyjon Jones Snow What (Judy Schachner)<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Mom:</span></u> The Reading Promise (Alice Ozma) <br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Dad:</span></u> Wheel of Time, book 1 (Robert Jordan)<br />
<span style="font-family: "kg dark side";"> </span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-31391004170485984052016-01-19T01:10:00.001-05:002016-01-19T01:10:12.576-05:00READER Time <div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Reading is amazing!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It can whisk you away to a new world, take you on exciting adventures,
and touch something deep within your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reading can also educate; it can provide you with info on any subject
you choose – fact or fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So whether
you’re seeking to learn about George Washington, or you need help keeping track
of the characters in Star Wars, reading is your answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reading is fundamental to all learning that takes place
beyond the days of deciphering those pesky letters into sounds, words, phrases,
and sentences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have long been an
advocate for reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It strengthens
your mind all while sitting back and relaxing with a good book!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My desire is to foster a love of reading in each of my
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have acquired a large
selection of books over the years through gifts, book sales, and my inability
to say “no” when it comes to these little treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, we have a wonderful local library that
we love to visit and leave with armfuls!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, putting this passion into action has been quite
another story (pun intended </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)
for us the last couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
we’ve been busy, but I think it’s more that we are making choices that are
using up our time that could be used reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know the benefits outweigh what we would be giving up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the idea of pushing aside the busyness
of life and snuggling up with some good books, can be benefit enough!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what’s better than sharing a story with
someone?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having that experience
together, or even being able to chat about the shared experience of reading the
same story separately can create a bond between people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had been feeling a desire to change this in our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want our home to be a READING ZONE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want our home to be filled with the
stories of really great books – from picture books to novels!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If our chores go undone, I want it to be
because we were snuggled up with some good books – not because we soaked up too
much screen-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So this is where READER Time comes in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>READER is my little acronym of
encouragement!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">t stands for:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Reading Everyday And Developing Excellence Reading!<span style="font-size: small;"></span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"></span><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></o:p></strong></span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKySu0V0nwer6CTVuWhMstclFDILw_DFVgAfj3DooxbO_yb9USmwFtd4ExoZW9jWCFDyi_HD9ngYwXE040qEtIGvqRjlG4CzFz6grHmAbKgEx0V6iA9nI7TZh3KCxEm7t4FD79d-2YmR_j/s1600/Reader+time+logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKySu0V0nwer6CTVuWhMstclFDILw_DFVgAfj3DooxbO_yb9USmwFtd4ExoZW9jWCFDyi_HD9ngYwXE040qEtIGvqRjlG4CzFz6grHmAbKgEx0V6iA9nI7TZh3KCxEm7t4FD79d-2YmR_j/s400/Reader+time+logo.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How true it is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
more we read, the better we get at reading!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We also gain knowledge, experience new worlds or exciting adventures,
and glean new skills, attributes or character traits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this is what I am referring to as
“excellence”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year as I crafted our Daily Design (<a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2015/07/new-homeschool-schedule.html" target="_blank">our basic schedule for each day – seen here</a>), I included READER Time to help us get started toward
a lifestyle of reading more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan
for now is to set aside at least 30 minutes each day for quite reading individually
or read alouds together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children are
also in the habit of reading books or listening to audio books before bed and
in the morning for a bit before getting up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So this designated READER Time is my way of being more purposeful about
including reading during the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am hoping it will grow from here, but this is where we will start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I even made these fun cards to keep track of my reading
goals for myself and my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a great place to jot down those next books you want to get to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it can even be used as a bookmark!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help yourself to a set of these READER Time
cards to encourage yourself or your family to read more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Ue5e8A5gBnN2VveElVTDF3Sm8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Ue5e8A5gBnN2VveElVTDF3Sm8/view?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNVlcv9XgbZ41A54LcnFpVPb5WVqqznFVTMYg61YDJdIcoaN3CIzCGtZhi1dcGcW2-3FLlTtXrLNhYIILoZg7nI26fkLtQNfG9vp30PUSU46LQLU0j3ZZafX-FR5D3TGkmv7IFws3nm9-/s400/reader+time+cards+pic.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can also join me on Good Reads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great app where you can keep track of books
you want to read, books you’ve already read, or books you want to keep in mind
for a future time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like digital
shelves that help you organize your reading, by person or topic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are able to rate the books you’ve read and
even leave comments, and it can be helpful to read comments about books you
might be interested in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I love the
most right now is the reading goals - I am excited to have set a goal of reading
15 books this year for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
a lot, but it’s more than one a month, and I think it’s a great place to
start!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Won’t you join us for READER Time?!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-72296642687824198762015-07-18T23:25:00.000-04:002015-07-22T23:08:56.880-04:00New Homeschool ScheduleI am super excited!!! I have been playing around with our schedule and I have come up with a new idea!!!<br />
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Each year our schedule gets tweaked a bit to account for the needs of our family, the curriculum we are using, the outside classes that we have signed up. Basically, each year brings a little bit of change. In the past I would layout what I wanted to get done in an average day and then assign each item a time slot. But this last year, I really wanted to break free from the constraints that come with that kind of schedule. I really felt like I was setting myself up for failure each day. If we started late - my schedule was blown. If we had an interruption in the day - my schedule was blown. Plus, I always felt like we were in "rush, rush" mode, and yet school seemed to take up more of the day than I had allotted for. But I just couldn't figure out how to stop using time slots. I mean, I had to be able to calculate if everything would fit, right? <br />
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So here it is summer, and I am working on my plans for next year. Hmmm....what to do with our schedule? How can I improve it? <br />
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I looked at a few other schedules - the one in My father's World curriculum, a few online. And then I got the idea! What if I assign approx. time spans to my tasks, but not actual times. For instance, planning for Bible time to take 30 minutes, instead of saying it should take place from 9:00-9:30. So I went through our tasks and assigned them all time spans. I tried to give plenty of cushion to the areas that tend to set us behind, and also to provide a cushion for those interruption you know are going to happen. And for simplicity's sake, I assigned everything to be either 30 minutes or 60 minutes. But this is just a reference, some may take longer and others less time. <br />
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I also chose to break up our day a little more than I had it this past year. I want to try a group subject, then and individual subject, back to a group, and so on. I think this will offer us more variety to keep us moving throughout the day. This past year, I had all our group subjects together in one hour-and-a-half to two-hour time slot. That's a lot in one setting.<br />
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One thing I am keeping from this past year is how I divided up myself to work with my children one-on-one. I basically created 3 time slots: 1. working with me, 2. working independently, and 3. working on the computer (this one was intended mostly for our math curriculum). So I have one child working with me, while the other 2 were either on the computer or working independently. And we would cycle through. I call these my Core Combos, because they are the core subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Please note: by my use of the word "core", I in no way mean anything pertaining to Common Core - I am only referring to the core subjects for each child - meaning those subjects that are really needed as basic knowledge upon which all other subjects lean.</span> </strong></span> <br />
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So, enough gab! Here is what I came up with for next school year's schedule. I can't wait to try it out! I loved that as I was explaining it to my kiddos, they all seemed to "get" the idea that the earlier we start, the earlier we are done. And the later we start, the later we are done. I decided to call it my Daily Design, instead of my schedule, since it's not time specific, rather more of guide to follow through our days.<br />
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I'm all in favor of having learning take place throughout the day. And for the most part, my kiddos are curious enough to stop what they are doing to investigate something or to learn something new. And we love books all through the day. But it's also nice to know that your responsibilities for the day are done, and you're free to pursue your own interests. Following this plan, will allow me to rest assured that we are moving forward with learning while balancing time for other fun activities.</div>
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I'd love to hear how you plan your homeschooling days! </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-43960186181975038382015-07-11T13:53:00.002-04:002015-07-11T13:54:04.277-04:00Where Have I Been?Life.....I'm sure you can relate. <br />
There are just sometimes when life takes over. Here's my story.....<br />
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At the time of my departure, I had really been toiling with how God wanted me to use my blog - there are so many homeschool blogs out there. Does the world really need one more? Is God really calling me to do this? What direction should I be taking my blog? Should I write from my heart or only share fun ideas and practical help? Am I just adding one more task to my day? Am I doing this for me or Him? <br />
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All questions and no answers. </div>
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So in a leap of faith - <strong>I LET GO!</strong> </div>
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I really thought it would just be a brief departure. I time of prayer and reflection. I thought I would return to my blog and spruce it up with my rejuvenated spirit. I thought the first of the year would be a perfect restarting point with new goals and a new vision for my blog. <br />
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But the first of THAT year came and went. And I still didn't know what direction I was going in. I just simply felt overloaded. <br />
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<strong>And then life happened.</strong> </div>
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Let me take you back to March of 2014.....<br />
My dad was in a car accident that broke his neck. He was 86 years old at the time. I still remember all the details of the moment when I got the phone call on a Monday afternoon. My two oldest kids were at their drama class and I had been shopping with my 2 youngest. My phone rang as I was walking out of the store, but laden with baby, diaper bag, shopping bag and a little boy holding my other hand - the phone would have to wait. Upon reaching our van and loading everyone in, I had a leaking diaper to change. I finally settled us in the van to nurse my baby, when I checked my phone. It was my sister. I knew from her voice that something happened.<br />
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<strong>DADDY?!</strong> (Yes, he will always be "daddy" to me, no other name fits). </div>
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<strong>A BROKEN NECK?!</strong> </div>
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What are we going to do? Mom needs him to care for her! What are we going to do? </div>
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<strong>Prayer, LOTS of prayer.</strong> </div>
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Two surgeries (it was a jump break and the spinal column wasn't aligned) and 5 days later my dad <strong>WALKED</strong> out of the hospital. He was truly a miracle! The surgeon had never seen a break like this that didn't result in paralysis or even death. </div>
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But 2 days later we would find ourselves <strong>BACK</strong> in the hospital.</div>
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This time for my youngest child....</div>
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She had been going down hill over the past few weeks, especially this last week with my dad in the hospital. I thought maybe it was a virus. I really didn't know what to think. She was just so groggy. Sleeping a lot, wanting to be held, nursing more. And what's up with all these wet diapers?! She was soaking through diapers every 2 hours. <strong>Remember that leaking diaper on the day of my dad's accident?</strong> Well, that was a common occurrence all that week. I thought about taking her to the doctor, I just didn't think they would have any answers, it was probably just a virus. She didn't feel good and wanted her mommy - that was understandable. But when she didn't want to stand up anymore and only wanted to be held, I really wanted to have her checked out by a doctor. With it being Friday evening, I determined that I would call Monday morning and take her in. Well, I only made it to Sunday morning before I started getting more panicky about her. Hubby and the kids went to church. Little one and I stayed home in our jammies. Well, I was in jammies, she was in a diaper and a shirt, because she had wet through 3 pjs that night. I had been up most of the night - she just wanted to be held and drink her sippy cup or nurse all night. As we rocked in my favorite rocker, I noticed her breath smelled sweet. <br />
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It was like God just connected the wires in my head! I quickly checked the internet for symptoms of diabetes. And sure enough she had most of them- frequent urination, constant thirst, tiredness, sweet smelling breath. But nooo, she's only 18 months old. I know kids can get diabetes, but not THIS young, right? I called the on-call nurse and she listened as I rattled off everything, but when I finished, she said I was to take her directly to the ER. So my dad left the hospital on Friday and here we were again on Sunday. <br />
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<strong>God was with us, that seemed evident the whole way.</strong> We were ushered right in - I imagine a ragdoll of a baby and 2 worried parents may have prompted the triage nurse to step out and watch and wait as we were getting registered. We were immediately led into triage, 2 nurses assessed our baby and before I knew it we were in a room. I don't think I had ever been in the ER when there wasn't at least a little bit of waiting - not this time. Everything was happening so fast! Two doctors and two nurses scrambled around us. A quick poke of one of her little toes and the meter read 500+. What does THAT mean?! (Oh, I was about to learn. I was about to be come an expert in a subject area I had previously not had much interest at all.). But really, this has to be something else. She's too little! What did I do wrong? <strong>God was there.</strong> A very dear friend of ours is a pediatric nurse in the PICU and she happened to be working that day. She came to our ER room right away. And I'll never forget, in the hubbub of everything she stopped, looked at me and said, "this is nothing you have done to Natalie, her pancreas just stopped working". Those words were so encouraging in the midst of all the chaos in my mind. </div>
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Well, jump forward a week and you'll find us at home, my mind still swirling as we try to manage all the info thrown at us, all the pokes and shots, and adjust to our new life. I would love to share more about her story another time, but she is doing well and we are learning, trusting God, and adjusting well (with His help) to her daily needs. <br />
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Then, in November we lost my bother to an illness. </div>
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Followed in December by the passing of my mom from pancreatic cancer. </div>
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It has been more than a year of <strong>fear, pain, grief</strong>. </div>
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But <strong><span style="font-size: large;">God is good</span></strong>. </div>
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He has walked with us through every bit of this. He has made Himself visible to us in the midst of it all. Often, when we look back on a situation, we can realize how God worked through it. But I really felt I could see Him working right in the moment. It was such a comfort to me in my most difficult moments to feel His presence. <strong>God is good.</strong> And we are continuing on. I still don't have any answers to the questions that originally led me to take a break from blogging. But I just felt led to share our story. And I'll take it one day at a time from here. <br />
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-75507239551389555722013-11-13T22:49:00.002-05:002013-11-13T22:50:58.382-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 13I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
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to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
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It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
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I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
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<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-6.html" target="_blank">Day 6: I am grateful for "Sweetness".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-day-of-giving-thanks-day-7.html" target="_blank">Day 7: I am grateful that I am a mom.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-8.html" target="_blank">Day 8: I am grateful that I can homeschool.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-9.html" target="_blank">Day 9: I am grateful for God's Word.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-10.html" target="_blank">Day 10: I am grateful for my home.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-11.html" target="_blank">Day 11: I am grateful for books.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-12.html" target="_blank">Day 12: I am thankful for my church.</a></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 13:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am thankful for my van.</span></strong></div>
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<strong>It seems silly.........I'm not really into cars and whatnot, but my van is a pretty important tool for our family. It provides us with a safe way to get to where we want to go. It provides enough space for all of us and any belongings we need to take along. And I love the little features like the automatic door that I can open for my kiddos from my key ring. It's great to know that I can get them safely out of parking lots and into the van with little effort, even when my hands are full with their baby sister. It's the little things............</strong><br />
<strong>Funny thing - I insisted the automatic door was a feature we didn't need when we were van shopping a few years ago. I owe it all to my great hubby and his foresight on this one.</strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-38610165276624419902013-11-12T23:54:00.001-05:002013-11-12T23:55:11.958-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 12I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
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to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-6.html" target="_blank">Day 6: I am grateful for "Sweetness".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-day-of-giving-thanks-day-7.html" target="_blank">Day 7: I am grateful that I am a mom.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-8.html" target="_blank">Day 8: I am grateful that I can homeschool.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-9.html" target="_blank">Day 9: I am grateful for God's Word.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-10.html" target="_blank">Day 10: I am grateful for my home.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-11.html" target="_blank">Day 11: I am grateful for books.</a></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 12:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am thankful for my church.</span></strong></div>
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<strong>I am grateful that we can go to church without persecution. I am glad to have the opportunity to share in corporate worship with fellow believers. And I feel so blessed to come away from last Sunday encouraged by a friend I had not talked with recently. Our paths simply had not been crossing, but this week we were actually able to chat for a few moments. And she blessed me so very much with her love and friendship. I am thankful for this dear, sweet friend in my church family. </strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-34714008958302631202013-11-11T23:55:00.002-05:002013-11-11T23:55:43.507-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 11I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-6.html" target="_blank">Day 6: I am grateful for "Sweetness".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-day-of-giving-thanks-day-7.html" target="_blank">Day 7: I am grateful that I am a mom.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-8.html" target="_blank">Day 8: I am grateful that I can homeschool.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-9.html" target="_blank">Day 9: I am grateful for God's Word.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-10.html" target="_blank">Day 10: I am grateful for my home.</a></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 11:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for books.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzBybqSIe5A8chdhDPkD33JMrYFwD5lAxFK1A_M_VifRsygpPhvKfOD6UhHsvvbCi02PXMLDdnWko51ROvi7dmtjDJRUf15uLxrIDKH3HyXhwreJuHsYX2_lqyY6i6DmLVOS_d9z0psQF/s1600/100_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzBybqSIe5A8chdhDPkD33JMrYFwD5lAxFK1A_M_VifRsygpPhvKfOD6UhHsvvbCi02PXMLDdnWko51ROvi7dmtjDJRUf15uLxrIDKH3HyXhwreJuHsYX2_lqyY6i6DmLVOS_d9z0psQF/s200/100_3848.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtfXATuUZA605gIAYwD-eUKZsA6kX0EeNIA93tif8V0uNvnpMUw7N4lqfZRaJ54nrEcXvGvq0pIc30aQPsioemfF3qezXX2XOCDM-z2F-hZEh2_U_9g2B3gJcWyCCfcEHElSHJ6DxK4m1/s1600/100_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtfXATuUZA605gIAYwD-eUKZsA6kX0EeNIA93tif8V0uNvnpMUw7N4lqfZRaJ54nrEcXvGvq0pIc30aQPsioemfF3qezXX2XOCDM-z2F-hZEh2_U_9g2B3gJcWyCCfcEHElSHJ6DxK4m1/s200/100_3248.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<strong>There is something wonderful about snuggling up with a good book. I love books. They take you places while you stay warm, cozy and relaxed at home. They provide adventure while you lie in bed drained after a long day. You can be anyone and do anything while your hands are gripping a good book. </strong><br />
<strong>I love that my family loves books. Even from early ages, my children would bring me book after book to read to them. And we have tried to foster this love of books - for with it they can do so much. Books can bring knowledge and growth, they can squelch boredom, and they can unite people. I am so grateful for a family that loves to share books with one another.</strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-3201105256184172902013-11-11T23:21:00.000-05:002013-11-11T23:21:29.934-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 10I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-6.html" target="_blank">Day 6: I am grateful for "Sweetness".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-day-of-giving-thanks-day-7.html" target="_blank">Day 7: I am grateful that I am a mom.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-8.html" target="_blank">Day 8: I am grateful that I can homeschool.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-9.html" target="_blank">Day 9: I am grateful for God's Word.</a></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 10:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for my home.</span></strong></div>
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<strong>I find fault with it almost daily. I dream of the "perfect house" - - - you know, that one that you see in the magazines - it's perfect........it's clean! </strong><br />
<strong>Yet this home - <em>my home</em> - holds my family. It holds my children's treasures. It holds our plans and our dreams. It holds our memories. It holds our keepsakes. My children are free here - free to express themselves, free to try something new, free to be themselves. My home shelters us from storms - its strong structure keeps out the wind, rain and snow. It can also be a place to heal from that heartache or just that common cold. And it's OUR home. And I am so thankful that God has provided for us in such a beautiful way. </strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-35369124472780152312013-11-11T22:35:00.002-05:002013-11-11T22:35:29.072-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 9I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-6.html" target="_blank">Day 6: I am grateful for "Sweetness".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-day-of-giving-thanks-day-7.html" target="_blank">Day 7: I am grateful that I am a mom.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-8.html" target="_blank">Day 8: I am grateful that I can homeschool.</a></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 9:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for God's Word.</span></strong></div>
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<strong> </strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="1383106_636996956339918_235341853_n" class="wp-image-17093 alignleft" height="221" src="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1383106_636996956339918_235341853_n.png" width="596" /></a></div>
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<strong>How blessed we are to have God's Word to guide us, give us encouragement, and teach us His plan for salvation! But I am so quick to take it for granted, and to leave it unopened for too long. That is why I am so excited to have started this Bible study today! It's a nice, short study - which feels do-able for this busy mama! It's just what I want to be focusing on right not. And I feel like if I fall behind, I can still finish by Thanksgiving. </strong></div>
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<strong>So, I am inviting all of you to join me in this study.! Don't let the fact that it's already under way stop you. Good Morning Girls host some of the best Bible studies I've seen. They really encourage you to be in the Word and let God speak to you, by using the SOAP method of Bible study. <a href="http://myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/08/soap-for-kids.html" target="_blank">Not familiar with SOAP? Check out this post</a>. </strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-21769502077402141882013-11-11T22:10:00.002-05:002013-11-11T22:10:29.099-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 8I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-6.html" target="_blank">Day 6: I am grateful for "Sweetness".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-day-of-giving-thanks-day-7.html" target="_blank">Day 7: I am grateful that I am a mom.</a></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 8:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful that I can homeschool.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cyhoOTFEB0jtEbTtr9cI5FTEAeA3XOw9RCkxpAb2YOc5JrlG5Jui3YusINEYv3OB9lma_nie2hh8SDw7r7Ow7VSdDff7Y4VzKoQ8S2lhuQRQuotOpZyN9WWuenFb-s5gsRbPNMbpRS9z/s1600/blog+header+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cyhoOTFEB0jtEbTtr9cI5FTEAeA3XOw9RCkxpAb2YOc5JrlG5Jui3YusINEYv3OB9lma_nie2hh8SDw7r7Ow7VSdDff7Y4VzKoQ8S2lhuQRQuotOpZyN9WWuenFb-s5gsRbPNMbpRS9z/s1600/blog+header+4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong></strong> <strong>Homeschooling wasn't the original plan for us. I was an elementary teacher. I imagined my children someday attending the same school I taught at. I thought it would be prefect - we'd be on the same schedule, they could hang out in my classroom while I worked on stuff after school, I'd be close by if they needed me, etc. It seemed ideal. Until then, I greatly desired to stay home with my children while they were little. But as those school days started drawing closer for my oldest, we started getting an uneasy feeling about sending him school. Nothing was wrong, it just didn't feel right. I started hearing more about homeschooling, and before we knew it, we were on board! It's amazing how God can change your perspective and even change your dreams. Homeschooling my children, spending more time with them, watching them learn and grow and having fun with them along the way is so much better than anything I could have planned. God is so good!</strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-28848384644450685842013-11-11T21:51:00.003-05:002013-11-11T21:51:52.518-05:0030 Day of Giving Thanks: Day 7I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-6.html" target="_blank">Day 6: I am grateful for "Sweetness".</a></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 7:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful that I am a mom.</span></strong></div>
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<strong> </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCoUdogvENf2lOc3S9hvURyZU5n9WNdmeUVfF6Gu2YLKF_keJ2Qv5dX5ES_esmrVs8g7dcG-T0VkPTbvrhVQaVrp11OLx3rfwEe4t7o8Pr94nYiH8QSrFvEcdcAZq-ecYzAmwpu9rcLpG/s1600/My+Loves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCoUdogvENf2lOc3S9hvURyZU5n9WNdmeUVfF6Gu2YLKF_keJ2Qv5dX5ES_esmrVs8g7dcG-T0VkPTbvrhVQaVrp11OLx3rfwEe4t7o8Pr94nYiH8QSrFvEcdcAZq-ecYzAmwpu9rcLpG/s1600/My+Loves.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>This is what I always dreamed of being! It's easy to forget this in the midst of messy, hectic, crazy moments that go with motherhood. But I am really living my dream life here! </strong></div>
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<strong>Although it was only a short time ago, when I wondered if I would ever be graced with the name of mom. I can't forget the elation I felt when I saw my first positive pregnancy test. I called my doctor and set up my first appointment. I bought a pregnancy book and faithfully started reading about this wonderful miracle. Then at 12 weeks, we found out that our baby had died. I had what was called a missed-miscarriage. I never even imagined that it could happen to me. I felt inadequate, useless. This was all I had ever dreamed of. And with a job offer for my husband that very day and a move to a new city, we put our family planning on hold. And it hurt. The inadequacy stayed with me for almost 3 years. But God had a plan for me and I am so very grateful that His plan included me being mom to these 4 beauties. </strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-1252006934933295532013-11-06T23:15:00.001-05:002013-11-11T21:19:11.836-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 6I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5: I am grateful for "Squirt".</a></u><br />
<u></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 6:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for "Sweetness".</span> </strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R4jJWKMkPNXagLdMEcOXYxFPn454L8G1zAX5ZP2z3XxN5-YPjiefvdzJ7ZBRy57Rr59-4NBHnabo72JmJkVb62hNpUAiKoAN8QGhdRyHbFSNqcrceK22E5oVpUkLD5GaHUXtj4aIA42k/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R4jJWKMkPNXagLdMEcOXYxFPn454L8G1zAX5ZP2z3XxN5-YPjiefvdzJ7ZBRy57Rr59-4NBHnabo72JmJkVb62hNpUAiKoAN8QGhdRyHbFSNqcrceK22E5oVpUkLD5GaHUXtj4aIA42k/s320/IMG_1484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Sweetness.......the name says it all.......she is the sweetest baby I have ever known! She has brought so much joy to our family. I love her giggles. I love holding her while she sleeps. I love her kisses. I love her little "dancing feet". I can't get enough of this little girl - I love her so!</strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-75649795770824700422013-11-06T23:14:00.000-05:002013-11-06T23:14:07.171-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 5I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</a></u><br />
<u></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 5:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for "Squirt".</span> </strong></div>
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<strong>My fun, loving little boy - so full of energy and excitement. And his love for others is bigger than he is! He is very determined and always on the go (at the speed of light, it sometimes seems). Yet, as he races by, he gives a quick hug or shouts his "love you" to me. I can't imagine how quite and boring life would be without him.</strong> <strong> "Want me to rub your back, mom?" - oh, this boy has stolen my heart!</strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-33222618676499147552013-11-04T21:38:00.000-05:002013-11-04T21:38:27.655-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 4I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: I am grateful for "Touchdown".</a></u><br />
<u></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 4:</strong></u><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for "Curly Girly".</span> </strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEMydYpgN3ZpfSFCI1qbjanO78OeefBjXT2HfQmwkjhiNhyphenhyphentWj2JEQy5wr72sj7yg1dOE2wZh7Jeti8XnioCiHEJr8qljPu-3T610kylnTO41DTb3d6CW3i0R6drQMklxNm43I6kdHxGp/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEMydYpgN3ZpfSFCI1qbjanO78OeefBjXT2HfQmwkjhiNhyphenhyphentWj2JEQy5wr72sj7yg1dOE2wZh7Jeti8XnioCiHEJr8qljPu-3T610kylnTO41DTb3d6CW3i0R6drQMklxNm43I6kdHxGp/s320/IMG_2167.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong>My sweet, loving little girl. She has such a heart for others. I love all the girliness she has brought into my life. Lately, we've been having "girl talks" about inward beauty. </strong><br />
<strong>And she's got it! Beauty both on the inside and outside. Love this girl! </strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-48245049954360061542013-11-04T21:12:00.001-05:002013-11-04T21:12:15.447-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 3I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a><br />
<u><a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2: I am grateful for my husband.</a></u><br />
<u></u><br />
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<u><strong>Day 3:</strong></u><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for "Touchdown".</span> </strong></div>
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<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jnu7-4sccc2HIil3UYAl4_agnzqs5w6hKjrG7B9hwuXsTTuJQmzGR1vuBoIuZzns2eO5z8sld6quNb2P1x8QBtGtJlxkcVAf4Mqc-7IAkuwt0Kk_GXv2bvMgeASeBEgNjE-8A2KWFjs0/s1600/IMG_2501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jnu7-4sccc2HIil3UYAl4_agnzqs5w6hKjrG7B9hwuXsTTuJQmzGR1vuBoIuZzns2eO5z8sld6quNb2P1x8QBtGtJlxkcVAf4Mqc-7IAkuwt0Kk_GXv2bvMgeASeBEgNjE-8A2KWFjs0/s320/IMG_2501.JPG" width="240" /></a></strong></div>
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<strong>My oldest child just turned 11. And while I can't believe how fast the time has gone, I am so impressed with the young man he is growing into. And best of all, he still loves to snuggle with his mama! He makes my heart happy. </strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-46592371919580041382013-11-04T20:57:00.001-05:002013-11-04T20:57:38.181-05:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 2I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.myhomeschooltale.blogspot.com/2013/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</a><br />
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<u><strong>Day 2:</strong></u></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for my husband.</span> </strong></div>
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<strong> </strong><br />
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<strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAmMz0MjjZ73wy-5cMMfqjP8rEfXPXzyK_K-54liIFvcpF87ak4fOa2WdyAVOfKxy1j6iC_6r_yjLOmWQ_vRf_RAd6SD55J3I15dt9nDX-Q6UfyLXLDwGLsaewlv0GSpAPqUP6AVNIR5x/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAmMz0MjjZ73wy-5cMMfqjP8rEfXPXzyK_K-54liIFvcpF87ak4fOa2WdyAVOfKxy1j6iC_6r_yjLOmWQ_vRf_RAd6SD55J3I15dt9nDX-Q6UfyLXLDwGLsaewlv0GSpAPqUP6AVNIR5x/s320/photo.JPG" width="212" /></a></strong></div>
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<strong>He is absolutely amazing - the perfect fit for me. I am so thankful for his love and how he loves our children. He gives to each of us so sacrificially. And he brings so much laughter to our household. I am so very proud of him. </strong></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-17648066900365379382013-11-02T00:07:00.001-04:002013-11-02T00:08:56.914-04:0030 Days of Giving Thanks: Day 1I have decided to undertake the challenge of finding <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>one thing</u></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
to be <em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">thankful</span></strong></em> for...........<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><strong>each day</strong></span> this month. </div>
<br />
It is amazing how a thankful heart can change your perspective - how being thankful for even the littlest things in life can bring a new joy or peace where there was once anxiety or frustration. <br />
<br />
I know this task will be a blessing to me. And I pray that my list may somehow bless others - maybe bring that reminder, or spark a thought of something you are also grateful for. <br />
<br />
There is no particular order to my list, but first things first........<br />
<u>Day 1:</u><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</span> </div>
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</div>
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Without Him, I am nothing. He is my strength........my song........my love. </div>
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For He gives these to me freely because He cares for me.</div>
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<em>The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty enough to save you. He will take great delight in you. The quietness of His love will calm you down. He will sing with joy because of you. </em></div>
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<em>Zephaniah 3:17 NIRV</em></div>
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What are you thankful for today? I'd love to hear from you!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-62547120388861226002013-09-18T23:15:00.000-04:002013-09-18T23:15:01.085-04:00A Great StartWe are off and <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>running!</strong></span> <br />
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We have finished almost two weeks of the new school year!<br />
<strong></strong><br />
We are excited to get this year going! We have many new adventures laid before us............. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0ksoH1VXOCnrGaLQIGBjKsTH_HVLO80-kDe7Sd4ukb0Tj9GVSRAAzAo-qAdYkyhbdczeL7UPAwzbs8PY0XLDS5anHojODHhvE4QmoVfcBOMrh93ke9qHaTFzLMakqtIH-EVg26sy1AZ3/s1600/DSCN3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0ksoH1VXOCnrGaLQIGBjKsTH_HVLO80-kDe7Sd4ukb0Tj9GVSRAAzAo-qAdYkyhbdczeL7UPAwzbs8PY0XLDS5anHojODHhvE4QmoVfcBOMrh93ke9qHaTFzLMakqtIH-EVg26sy1AZ3/s200/DSCN3523.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYcmMOj8uvyQPn8Uvq1BOyl0IrYkK0BYqvcartg9Mz-Or3oGQaZyZEQ4Ax_OEo3h2vxzsDzreLRHz3RWmm8WhesoqfLgqwiOlFGabQ8izyBdmTude8vjOghRJGwsrmPJcuYsANCoB9NBL/s1600/DSCN3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYcmMOj8uvyQPn8Uvq1BOyl0IrYkK0BYqvcartg9Mz-Or3oGQaZyZEQ4Ax_OEo3h2vxzsDzreLRHz3RWmm8WhesoqfLgqwiOlFGabQ8izyBdmTude8vjOghRJGwsrmPJcuYsANCoB9NBL/s200/DSCN3526.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">New grade levels. New students. New curriculum. New supplies. New field trips.</span> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's a new year!</span></strong></div>
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As you can tell, they were eager and excited to start this new school year!</div>
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And all that excitement brought out our silly sides....................</div>
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We kicked off the school year with a little questionnaire. What a treasured keepsake these turned out to be! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>(Just a side note: I didn't come up with most of these questions on my own. I found several resources on the web, my favorite were from <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2013/08/my-homeschool-class-2013-2014/" target="_blank">1+1+1=1</a>.)</em></span><br />
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Happy Homeschooling!</div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1222726923033168837.post-5563796089535074212013-09-03T22:21:00.000-04:002013-09-03T22:22:12.428-04:00And The Winner Is.......<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations to Rebecca M.!!!</span></div>
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<strong>You are the winner of the Free Homeschool T-Shirt from Great Products!</strong></div>
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(Rebecca, I will be sending you an email shortly with all the details.)</div>
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Thank you to everyone who participated! I wish I had a free t-shirt for all of you. But second to that is the amazing sale they have going on right now! They have a huge selection of homeschool t-shirt for the entire family for just $5.99!!! I hope you'll swing over to their website and pick out t-shirts for you and your family. The sale continues until September 15th. Follow the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shopgreatproducts.com/homeschool-adult-children-t-shirts/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkEWxU2ZJcqmA6X4BvEx7z1PJsuxjIbWyJaj-ON5w_GxtMLfy1OWDGntjqjk84BpivbrCXFMhvxxrnFsO_kcqk7R32dwg23Dbo9gIa_UATX4jKZZB1436nMKRZY7vZ-67p_DBy6K76Pp5/s320/great+products+giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Boy, is it difficult to come to a decision! They have such a great selection! Here are the t-shirts that my family has picked out:<br />
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I pray that you all have a great start to your school year!Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960499287135233129noreply@blogger.com0