The Walnut Acre Daily - Tuesday January 29, 2013

Words To Live By

Psalm 3:3

But you, Lord, are a shield around me,

my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

Preschool and Kindergarten Homeschool Fun

This morning we watched the video Jesus Loves Children and we completed this Jesus Feeds the 5000 maze. 

Today was also our last day of a fun letter sound video series. We watched the Letter Z Song , reviewed the  -ad family words and read Rag (a hooked on phonics book)

We also reviewed our memory verse, Romans 5:8, and sang our theme song for this month, Twinkle, Twinkle, Precious Star.

Amanda and Austin - Homeschool Assignments and Independent Learning

Austin and Amanda did two subjects today - For Bible we read Proverbs 20 and for Literature we read from No Woman So Fair by Gilbert Morris.

Other Books We Enjoyed Today

I read from these books with CJ and Michael this evening before bedtime.

Outdoor Fun

It was so nice to have a nice warm day today with temperatures in the upper 60s. The kids spent a lot of time outside. 

Furry, Feathered and Four Footed Friends

I think the chickens enjoyed the warmer weather too.

Green Things Growing

Well, they aren't growing yet but the Michael and Lauren helped me plant some Alpine strawberries today. These are a small strawberry suitable for containers. I will put them in the coldframe Doug built for me until they grow big enough and the weather is warm enough to put them outside.

We Are Going

Today Amanda finally got to go back to the SPCA to work with the animals. It seemed the last few weeks there was always one thing or another that kept us from going - weather, sickness, etc. 

Today's Quote

Love is, above all, the gift of oneself. ~ Jean Anouilh

The Walnut Acre Daily - A Day of Simple Blessings

Words to Live By

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Preschool and Kindergarten Homeschool Fun

Bible

We started this morning by reviewing our memory verse and singing our theme song. We aslo watched Jesus Loves Little Children and colored this picture of Jesus and the Children.

Owl Unit Study

 We've been working on an owl unit study, reading and watching videos about owls. Today we read Petal the Owl

and enjoyed making the Owl Shapes Paper Craft.

Math

For our math fun today we read Spot Can Count

and played the Feed the Animals game from this article. To play this game each child had a stuffed animal and a container to put "food" in for their animal. As we went through the number cards we counted out the correct number of dry beans for each stuffed animal to eat. 

Phonics and Reading

We watched the Letter Y Song and
made this Letter Y craft and talked about the words that start with the letter Y. We also reviewed the -ad word family and read the book Rag.

Music and Movement

For music time we watched the following videos - King of the Jungle, I Am a "C", Get Up and Dance Hillsong Kids, Jesus Loves Me Children's Song, Lead Me to the Cross, and Our God is an Awesome God. I chose the first three and then the kids chose the last three. I played them and the kids watched, sang along, danced and had a good time.

Storytime

We read from these books at storytime.

Puzzle and Game Time

 We played memory at game time and Damien surprised us by beating us all. Way to go, Damien!

Austin and Amanda's Homeschool Assignments and Independent Learning

Science - Endocrine System and Hormones, Math - Geometry - Circles, Cylinders and Spheres, English - Vocabulary - Though, Although, Despite, In Spite Of, Even Though. For Bible reading we read Proverbs 19 and for Literature we read from No Woman So Fair by Gilbert Morris. 

They also worked with Doug on their current project of learning to use spreadsheets. Today they were identifying the various components of a spreadsheet, and talked some about formatting and ways to use a spreadsheet. They will be learning to work with spreadsheets and budgets, using a realistic income and expense figures. 

Other Books We Enjoyed Today

I read from these books with CJ this evening before he went to bed. He's enjoying the Bobbsey Twins and I'm enjoying revisiting these characters that I loved when I was a kid.

In the Kitchen

Breakfast - Cereal, Bananas, Milk

Lunch - Amanda cooked macaroni and cheese, and corn for lunch and also served fruit.

Dinner - I made  Baked Chicken, Baked Potato Wedges, and a tossed salad for dinner this evening.

Around the House

I cleaned up the kitchen after breakfast and dinner and did a little laundry.

Austin cleaned up the kitchen after lunch, washed the kitchen floor and did a good cleaning of the kitchen counter.

Amanda did some laundry, and did the evening cleanup of the bathroom and mudroom. 

Feathered, Furry and Four-Footed Friends

I got a couple pictures today of Amanda with some of her best friends. She is the true animal lover in our house and usually has one following her, on her lap or sticking it's nose out of her pocket at all times.

We Are Going

Damien, Michael and I took Lauren to preschool and then went to the post office to mail a letter and pick up our mail.

This evening Austin and CJ went to ACE Hardware with Doug to get some things. It's amazing how much excitement a trip to the hardware stirs up. Oh the joys of hinges and nails.

Amanda went to my parents house this evening to help out. She was very happy to go because she loves playing with little ones and because she got out of cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. 

After dinner Doug, Austin and Michael went to their Scout meetings.

Just For Fun

A few random photos from our day.

Today's Quote

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow. ~ Swedish Proverb

Why I Write the Walnut Acre Daily

~ Linking Here ~
No Ordinary Blog Hop Tuesday - Heart + Home Link Up,

The Walnut Acre Daily - Michael's Neurology Appointment

Words to Live By

James 1:19-20

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

Homeschool Fun and Independent Learning

As usual we practiced out memory verse this morning and sang our song. Then we watched the following four videos - The Parable of the Lost Coin, A Wise Old Owl, Adding for Toddlers, Preschool and Kindergarten Children, and the Letter V Song. 

Parable of the Lost Coin Coloring Page, Wise Old Owl Coloring Page, Adding Worksheet, Color By Word Worksheet (-ad word family). 

Austin and Amanda continued to study the digestive system today covering Digestive Enzymes. We also read Proverbs 17. 

Books We Enjoyed Today

The first book I read with Austin and Amanda this evening and the second two I read with CJ and Michael.

In the Kitchen

Amanda made dinner this evening because I had to take Michael to Charlottesville for a neurologist appointment.

We Are Going

Michael's appointment with neurologist pretty much confirmed what I had been thinking. I went with a whole list of notes describing the things we've been seeing. I've done a lot of research and was pretty sure I knew what these little episodes are but I wanted to hear her professional opinion so I was careful not to let on what my ideas were. She feels like the times when he hears things that aren't there or sees things like the walls moving are simple partial seizures. These could also explain some of the seemingly random mood changes where he's suddenly sad and can't tell me what's wrong. The times when I see him stare into space, sometimes with lip movements and sometimes with a strange fixed expression on his face are likely absence seizures. Thankfully in the last few months we haven't seen any long tonic-clonic seizures although I did witness two very short ones while he was asleep. She's raising his seizure medication a little and we'll see if that helps. If it doesn't we may go into the hospital for several days for monitoring to see if they can any more information about what's going on. She also sent us over to the lab for a urinalysis because he has been having very cloudy urine. She's testing for protein in the urine. I don't know what that would mean but we should get the result back for that in the next day or two and if there is a problem we'll go from there.

Today's  Quote

One kind word can warm three winter months. ~ Japanese Proverb

Why I Write the Walnut Acre Daily

The Walnut Acre Daily - Squirrel Sandwiches, Scout Meeting and a Shipping Crate

Words to Live By

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Homeschool Fun and Independent Learning

The kids watched these videos today - The Lost Coin,  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr song, Gray Squirrel, Adding, and an, at, ap, ad Word Families. We also reviewed our memory verse (Romans 5:8) and sang our theme song for this month - Twinkle Twinkle Precious Star. 

 We also did The Lost Coin Maze, Dr. Martin Luther King Coloring Page, Squirrel Craft, and Hands On: Counting and reviewed our -ad word family flashcards. 

Austin and Amanda began a study of the Digestive System today (1-6) and worked on spreadsheets on the computer with Doug. They will be using the spreadsheets to keep track of the money they earn, what goes into savings and what they use for giving.

Books We Enjoyed Today

These are the books I read with Michael and Damien today.

In the Kitchen 

For lunch we had these fun squirrel sandwiches. I made the little acorns out of cheese instead of the grapes and carrots shown in the instruction because I we were out of grapes and carrots. Michael was absolutely thrilled with these sandwiches. 

For dinner this evening I made sausage gravy and biscuits, hash browns and applesauce.

Around the House

I cleaned the kitchen after breakfast this morning, did some laundry and cleaned out the refrigerator.

Austin cleaned up the kitchen after lunch and dinner, washed the kitchen floor and did the evening cleanup in the living room and playroom. 

Amanda cleaned out the guinea pig cage, did some laundry and washed down the cabinet and appliance fronts and sides in the kitchen.

Outdoor Fun

Doug brought this huge shipping crated home from work today. We're still deciding exactly how we're going to use it but it will definitely be put to use. Michael checked it out and then watched from the kitchen window while Doug backed it down behind the garage. Then Austin helped unload it.

Fur, Feathers and Four Footed Friends

Michael is my helper when I feed and water the chickens. 

Christopher really wanted to catch one. Fortunately they are pretty calm and didn't seem overly worried. 

We Are Going

Michael's Scout group had awards ceremonies this evening so CJ and I went along with Doug and Michael to see the awards being given and to see their program about presidents and Martin Luther King, Jr. I enjoyed getting the chance to meet the other kids and parents and leaders, and CJ enjoyed the cake at the end of the meeting.

Amanda helped her cousin babysit this evening. She was happy to be asked because she loves the babies and it got her out of doing dishes this evening.

On My Mind

This thought from the sermon yesterday has stuck in my mind - When we choose to walk in our own understanding, we are walking in the way of the enemy. Proverbs 3:5 says - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. 

Daily Quote

He bites his tongue who speaks in haste. ~ Turkish Proverb




Why I Write the Walnut Acre Daily

~ Linking Here ~
Tuesday - Titus 2sday Link-Up Party, One Project At a Time,  Creatively Tuesday, Thursday - Throw Back Thursday Blog-Style

The Walnut Acre Daily - Busy Saturday

Words to Live By

Matthew 7:12

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Busy Day!

This morning Doug took Austin, CJ and Michael to cut their derby cars into shape. It's a Boy Scout project. Then they came home and began painting their cars. Here they are drying after the first round of painting. I think they are planning to do more painting another day, this is just the first stage.

After they were done painting CJ and Michael wanted to do other projects and Mykalin joined them. CJ wanted to make me a wooden box to carry things in, so Doug helped him with that. I thought that was so sweet of CJ to want to make that for me.  Mykalin and Michael decided to make crosses.

Amanda, Damien and I took our two dogs and one of the cats to the vet for rabies shots this morning. After we brought the animals back home we went curtain shopping and came home with these. From left to right here's where these new curtains are - upstairs hallway, upstairs bathroom, Austin's room and master bedroom. 

This evening Austin is at his grandparent's house. Every month or so the cousins and uncles (who are younger than Austin) decide to have an auction. I've never actually attended one of these auctions so I'm not sure exactly how they work. Basically they all get together with things they want to sell - things they've made or simply items they don't want any more and have an auction among themselves. These are very much looked forward too and sound like lots of fun. Austin just called me and asked if he could stay for the night so I guess they're having a good time. 

Today's Quote

I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love. ~ Mother Teresa


Why I Write the Walnut Acre Daily

~ Linking Here ~
Tuesday - One Project At a Time, 

The Walnut Acre Daily - Bits and Pieces From Our Day

Words To Live By

Matthew 6:26

 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Homeschool Fun

Here are the videos we enjoyed today - Parable of the Lost Sheep, Let's Count 1 2 3,  Ten Little Owls, and the Letter U Song. We also reviewed our memory verse - Romans 5:8 - and sang our new song - Jesus Loves You As You Are. We also reviewed our words from the -ad word family.

All of today's coloring pages came from DLTK Kids.

Books We Enjoyed Today

The first three books I read with Michael, Madelyn, Damien and Christopher at story time this morning. Books four and five I read with CJ and Michael at bedtime this evening and the last book is the one I am reading.

Outdoor Fun

Furry, Feathered and Four Footed Friends

The chickens were very happy to get out of the coop and enjoy some sunshine today. 

Just For Fun

Today's Quote

If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. ~ Lawrence J. Peter

Daily Deals

The Walnut Acre Daily - Valentine Owls, Applesauce Spice Cake, New Curtains and Snow

Words to Live By

1 John 4:10

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Preschool/Kindergarten Fun

This week the younger kids are continuing to work on memorizing Romans 5:8. We have a new theme song this week that we are enjoying learning - Jesus Loves You As You Are. 

We enjoyed watching the following four videos - The Lost Lamb, This Is Owl, Basic Addition 0's, and the Letter T Song, 

All of our coloring pages today came from DLTK Kids and we also did a Heart Owl Craft.

Michael and Lauren were enjoying lollipops while they did their craft. Calla had one as well but she had already finished with hers when I took this picture.

Books We Enjoyed Today

I've been reading bits and pieces from both of these books today as I continue to learn and get new ideas of things I want to try here at Walnut Acre. Our chickens are doing well although there are still things I want to do to improve their living areas. And I am hoping to start some blueberry bushes this year so I'm learning all I can about the best growing conditions for them. It turns out they a highly acidic soil so  I'm going to have to work on an area especially for them. 

In the Kitchen

For dinner this evening I made Cheesy Beans and Rice and this very simple Applesauce Spice Cake.

Applesauce Spice Cake

1 package spice cake mix

1/4 cup oil

2 eggs

2 cups applesauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour oil into 9x13 inch cake pan. Tilt pan until bottom is covered with oil. Put cake mix, applesauce and eggs into cake pan. Mix well with fork or spoon. Scrape sides and spread batter evenly in pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Sprinkle top with powdered sugar if desired, or serve topped with cool whip.

Around the House

Besides our regular, basic housework today we finally (after living here a little over two years) got curtains put up in the living room and playroom. We have blinds in the playroom and we used to have blinds in the living room but they were broken. It's amazing how much difference curtains make in a room. 

Outdoor Fun

We finally got a couple inches of snow this evening. I took this picture from the kitchen window this evening just before it got dark. 

Daily Quote

Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once. ~ Lillian Dickson

Daily Deals

~ Linking Here ~
Monday - I Made It! Monday,  The Better Mom,  Mop It Up Monday,  Metamorphosis Monday,  Make the Scene Monday, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Tuesday - Creatively Tuesday, Titus 2sday, One Project At a Time,  Friday - Home Sweet Home, Show and Tell Friday, Feathered Nest Friday, Preschool Corner, For the Kids Friday,