Around the House :: Â We took kids to the dentist this week for checkups. Â No cavities for them, however, I need an old filling redone. Â I really, really, really, don’t like the dentist or any medical things whatsoever. Â Should be fun. Â I am glad we have been able to get dental appointments and well-child visits done before we really got into full swing with school.
I picked up my knitting again this week. Â I’m working on a scarf that I started in late winter/early spring. Â *Somebody* decided to unraveling for me in the spring and I didn’t have the heart to pick it up again and start over. Â My helper ended up doing me a favor, it think the scarf looks better the second time around.
Our vacuum has just about had it. Â We have been using a Dyson for many years, but a vacuum can only take so much! Â Any recommendations for a vacuum that you love and can put up with a many kid family?
I’m starting to think about Christmas gift ideas and pinning them as I go along.
In the Kitchen :: Â Not much I’m afraid. Â We have really gotten away from our meal planning this summer and it’s time to get back at it. Â I’m going to work on revamping my recipe binder and just being more efficient about meals in general in September. Â Patty is having a main dish recipe link up if you want some ideas or want to submit your favorite.
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| Marble Counting Activity |
We got a lot of mileage out of this marble county activity this week. Â Some of the younger kids still need reinforcement with number recognition and one to one correspondence, so this was a great way to work on these two things. Â Also, mid-week, I added in sand paper letters so they could also practice writing the numbers. Â Not to mention the fact that they worked on fine-motor skills with the marbles. Â
FIAR ::
Henry the Castaway had so many ideas that paralleled our Christopher Columbus unit in Paths of Exploration, that we sort of combined the two this week.
We talked about talked about having courage and our bible verse for the week was “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power, love and self-control” 2 Tim. 1:7
We also talked a bit about weather and wind currents. Â When we launched our boats, see below, it was a windy evening and we could see the currents in the water.
If we would have had more time it would have been fun to come up with some sort of flag craft to go along with this book. Â We didn’t even make any kitchen treats. Â I figured we have had plenty of s’mores this summer, we even had them for Levi’s birthday!
Paths of Exploration ::Â
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| Jonah locating the 5 oceans |
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| Sarah working on the science experiement |
We completed the science experiment on salt crystals, made our observations and talked about why the oceans are salty.
We made boats out of half-gallon milk containers. Â Bob was home to help with this craft and it was really more doable for the older boys. Â The younger kids watched and then participated in watching them set sail.
The one thing we didn’t consider is how to get the boats back after we launched them, so we only let one go the full distance. Â
The weather should be just about perfect in MI today. Â Praying for those of you in the path of Irene. Â We are spending the day at the park with friends. Have a great weekend! Â
And I really would love to know your vacuum recommendation, what are you using?
Linking up this week to Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Looks like you had a fun filled week. Glad that you like your new curriculum. Have fun today!!
What a great week! It looks like you all had a great time.
Blessings,
Dawn
How can it be? It seems like yesterday that summer plans were taking shape.
It looks like you had a full week. I think I recognize that map. (?) We have never rowed “Henry” before. It might be a good fit with our geography study. I want to find a way to fit some FIAR in too.
My trusty Kirby, going on 13 years old, it’s been through everything. Kids, dogs, new construction, legos, hair bands, you name it. It was a big initial investment for two young fools starting out (and with a baby on the way), but we have gotten our moneys worth and then some.
I love our Dyson. It cleans better than any machine we have ever had and we will soon be married 28 years.
I have had my Oreck for almost 12 years. David has replaced the motor once (about $65) and it still is running.
Your activities were amazing! Stan would love the counting activity and Mabel would love the book Henry the Castaway.
Thanks for the call out on the link.
My mom got a Miele when I was about 13 yrs old. 34 yrs later, that thing is still working great and all she’s done is replace the hose once. They cost the earth as far as vacuum’s go but they really do last a LONG time. Paul and I even have a Miele, though a less expensive model than my mother’s, that was his mother’s. It’s probably 15 yrs old and needs a new hose. Totally worth it. We have a mix of wood laminate flooring and carpeting and it works well on both and it has allergen filters (our model). The only reason I wish we had one like my mom’s is that her’s has a carpet attachment that is more powerful than ours, though ours works fine.
Great post, Jen. I hate the dentist too:( Feel your pain. Last time I had a root canal, the tooth cracked and I had to have it pulled…worst nightmare! Oh well, life goes on and my tooth hole still awaits the implant. That pinterest is really, really intriguing me. To be honest, I’m afraid to have one more computer distraction. But it looks soooo neat. I am having trouble printing your schedule. It tells me I have to update something on my mac.? I just love all of your hands on activities!
It sounds like a good week. I like the marble sort/count and that milk container boat would be a huge hit over here, especially with my boys! Hope that this week goes well.
P.S. I am not a fan of the dentist either. I have been putting off having a few cavities filled, but will probably have no choice soon as the pain is becoming more than I can ignore.
We use a dyson upstairs with the longer frieze carpet and an Oreck downstairs on the hardwoods and tile. The Oreck is better for shorter carpet and the flooring.
I like them both for what I use them for.
I love the boats.
Thanks Jennifer. I was thinking of researching an Oreck. I like that they are light, I have to lug the vacuum up and down stairs.
Yes, the dentist is not fun, but either is the mouth pain!
I love Pinterest, but I generally only have bits of time on the weekend. Did you have any luck printing the schedule? Let me know if I can help.
I have never heard of a Miele, I will have to check it out!
I have been thinking about an Oreck.
The map is from Beautiful Feet!
I would get a serious workout lugging that Kirby up and down my stairs!!
I have been happy with ours too!
Thanks Dawn!
We really do like it!
We have an upright Electrolux that we like. It’s only 7 years old but it’s been reliable and vacuums up well.