Simple Womans Daybook

Outside my window: The sun is shining beautifully! A very nice cool morning with temps in mid 50's! LOVE IT!

I am thinking: About all those being affected by the fires in Texas and flooding in other parts of the country. Praying they can recover!

I am thankful: Menu planning and a well stocked fridge and pantry.

From the learning rooms: We are started our school year yesterday. Our 2011-2012 Curriculum

In the Kitchen: Nothing much today. Dinner at church today. Our menu plan for 9/4-9/10.

I am wearing: My PJ's still. Blue Shorts and a white tank top.

I am creating: Still working on Lesson Plans, Chore Charts and Routine Chart. We started our school year yesterday, but I had some things come up over the wekend and didn't get everything completed.

I am going: Tonight is the first night of AWANA for the year. We are heading to church around 4pm to help with Dinner and for the boys to attend AWANA.

I am wondering: When I will be able to go shopping for some jeans for all my boys. I know we will have to take “Daddy” with as jean shopping for the boys is getting difficult for me.

I am Reading: Lots of great Library Books and books that I am going to be reviewing. (see the right sidebar for Reading Chair book list) I am currently reading Never Far from Home by Mary Ellis

I am hoping: My 9yr old will be able to have a change of attitude life in general. He has been really crabby for sometime now.

I am looking forward to: The start of our new activities in this new school year. AWANA, Family Fun activities, and hoping to join the Y very soon!

I am hearing: The TV on behind me and quietness throughout the house. About to wake the boys!

Around the house: I really don't have a lot going on around the house. I did a very good organizing and decluttering recently, so just daily clean up.

I am pondering: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I sometimes forget that I don't have to “do it all” on my own. I can lean on Christ and he will give me strength.

One of my favorite things: Living in the Chicagoland area!! I was born and raised in the City of Chicago. I now live in a small suburb very close to the city limits. The City of Chicago is an amazing place and there is always something to do!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Today is the first night of AWANA for the year, so heading to church later. Working on Lesson Plans and more things for our homeschool stuff, Family Party on Saturday, the beginning of Sunday church activities after a summer hiatus. A visit to a library or 2, and some outdoor play time for the boys.

Here is a picture to share:

My Reading and Relaxing Area in Front Room

Simple Womans Daybook

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The Grace Card DVD Review and Giveaway

I am so delighted that I was selected to Watch and Review the DVD for the movie The Grace Card. The movie came out in Theaters in April, but I didn't get a chance to see it when it made a run in the theaters. The DVD was released on August 16th and I was chosen to watch and review.
The Grace Card is produced by a new faith based production company, Graceworks Pictures. Graceworks Pictures worked along with Calvary Pictures and is modeled after Sherwood Pictures, the producers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants.
The Movie Trailer:


Synopsis:
When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God ... and just about everyone else.
Mac's rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he's partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.
Mac's home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school.
Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling—to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn't always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate.
Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it's impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one?
Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD ... and never underestimate the power of God's love.


My Thoughts and Opinion:  AMAZING!!! The Grace Card is an amazing movie with an amazing message! I was so glad I had a box of tissue next to me as I was watching because there are many times in the movie where I am just moved to tears. The Grace Card is a movie about forgiveness and grace and how forgiveness is the key to moving on from anger and hurt. I think this message is an important message to be heard by many, as many really need this message. I would recommend this for the entire family to watch, especially children above 9. (the message might not be so clear to kids under 9) I really enjoyed this movie and I am very glad that I had the opportunity to watch it!!

WIN IT:
One lucky reader of my blog has the chance to win a copy of the DVD. Enter below for your chance to win:

The Grace Card DVD Review and Giveaway

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Menu Plan Monday 9/5

Woohoo! It is "Back to Homeschool" week in our household. I always let the boys choose the meals for the first day of Homeschool. Each boy chooses for one meal , so for Tuesday the meals were chosen by the boys. I already did the grocery shopping for the week and some meal prep for the week. I will be making a veggie tray and jello and pudding cups today for the week. I also revised our Snack/Dessert choices for this week and going forward.

Here is our menu plan for the week: (the words underlined in blue are clickable links)

Weekly Menu Plan

For more great menu plan ideas and recipes, visit Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan Monday 9/5

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Homeschool Educational/Field Trips

Field Trips are a good way to have "Educational" Family Fun. Depending on where you live, there may be many options for Field Trips. We live in the Chicagoland Area and have access to many, many options for Field Trips. I even told my husband a couple months ago it would be fun to do a week of "School Around the City".


Being that I am a "Frugal Queen", I do everything on the cheap and that includes Field Trips. The first thing we do is to look for FREE activities in and around our area. 


I discovered something "new to me" a couple years ago. The Forest Preserves have nature centers that are free and they have family fun activities for free or very low cost. We live in and around lots of Forest Preserve Districts, and sometimes we use them for "backyard play". They are a great place for Nature Studies. I was born and raised in the City of Chicago. I now live in a suburb of Chicago, surrounded by Forest Preserves, so I have come to love the Forest Preserves and the fact that they are "not just for picnics"! 

Chicago is known for its museums and we do have plenty of museums here! Many of the museums have a weekly FREE day or a couple days a month that are FREE. Usually, we can plan ahead and attend a FREE Day. I love the Museums in the Chicago area. I grew up going to many of them and now share that love with my boys!

We have 2 Zoos in Chicagoland. Lincoln Park Zoo is downtown and has FREE admission every day. Brookfield Zoo is only 5 minutes from our house and it does cost, although we get a membership every year for $108/yr. It pays for itself within 2 visits.  know, I know I do pay for that pass yearly but it is totally worth it for our family. We go at least 2x or more a month. My boys have never been to Lincoln Park Zoo, but I think we will take a visit there soon, for a change of pace! 

I also pick up a copy of Chicago Parent magazine each month from our library. The back of the magazine has about 10 pages of activities for all over Chicagoland for every day of the week. The listing includes free, low cost and more, even some homeschool-specific activities. Many cities across the country have this magazine. Just do a google search for "(nearest big city) Parent Magazine" and see if this magazine is available near you. 


A great national resource for Field Trips is Field Trip Factory. Field Trip Factory has teamed up with National and Local companies to provide FREE and fun field trips for groups, big and small. The process is very easy: Search for places in your area, select the location, book online and then Field Trip Factory takes care of the rest!


Some ideas for Field Trips include: 
Candy Factory, Dairy Farm, Apple Farm, Radio Stations, News Stations, Newspapers, Revolutionary or Civil War Reenactments, Courthouse, Ice Cream Factory, Bakery.

I have seen many Zoos, Museums, and other "field trip" destinations become more Homeschool Friendly and now offer the same "Benefits" to Homeschoolers as they do to Schools. Check your local area establishments for their policy on Homeschool Field Trips. 


Chicagoland and IL Homeschoolers: 
The Chicagoland and IL Homeschoolers have a few new FREE or Cheap options for Field Trips that you may or may not know about. A couple of these have been in place for a while, although some are new. 


Brookfield Zoo: I found out in the Spring '11 that they now allow Homeschoolers to schedule a field trip day and admission is FREE. 
Brookfield Zoo Homeschool Policy 

Museum of Science and Industry:  The Museum of Science and Industry offers FREE admission to Homeschool families and have for about 5yrs. The Museum recently changed their policy and now asks that Families register at least 24hrs in advance. You can find more info and register here: Museum of Science and Industry Homeschool Policy

Art Institute of Chicago: I recently learned that Homeschooling Parents qualify for the Annual Teacher Pass from the Art Institute of Chicago. I called a couple weeks ago and verified.
Art Institute of Chicago Teacher Pass 



Forest Preserves in and around Chicagoland: 
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Forest Preserve of Will County Homeschool Program
Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Park District
Forest Preserve District of Kane County
Forest Preserve District of Lake County
North Park Nature Center, Chicago


The Chicago and Suburban Library Systems have a Museum Pass program. You are able to check out "passes" to get FREE admission or other discounts at local Museums. 


The Chicago Public Library has the Kraft Great Kids Museum Passport Program. The program allows City of Chicago residents who have a valid library card and are over 18 to check out a pass valid for admission to a museum. 14 different museums participate in the program. Each museum has different limits and rules concerning the use of the pass. 


The Suburban Library System has the Museum Adventure Pass. Each participating Museum has different requirements and policy for admission. 


I mentioned above that the various museums in Chicago offer FREE days each month. Check out the Free Days for 2011. 


I really enjoy living in and around Chicago. I really enjoy the Cultural Attractions and the Cultural Diversity here in Chicago. Our family can keep busy with all the fun Family Activities and events that Chicago and the suburbs provide for the residents. I am looking forward to many outings and field trips with my family, friends, and other Homeschoolers. I promised the boys that after having such a "bad" summer weather wise, we are going to plan a couple field trips a week for September and October. 


Have a fun and adventurous Homeschooling Year! 

Homeschool Educational/Field Trips

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Library=Homeschoolers Best Tool

I have talked before about how much I love Library Day. Our family really enjoys the library for leisure and for fun. Public Libraries are filled with lots of great books and fun activities for both children and adults. Our family also loves "library hopping" and going to other libraries in and around our community. We sometimes spend Sunday afternoon at the library in the fall and winter and switch up each Sunday by going to a different one. We have about 80 libraries in our system, we frequent about 10 of those very often.  FREE family fun and my boys love the library and reading!

Well, the post isn't about the "leisure" benefits of a library but the benefits for Homeschoolers. Libraries are truly a money saver for Homeschoolers and many libraries across the country have a Homeschool Resource Area.I love the fact that I can borrow books for FREE and not spend a bunch of money on homeschooling. Libraries don't "shun" Homeschoolers, they are actually very Homeschooling Friendly. I have never done it, but I have heard of families strictly use the library for all the "curriculum" needs! I do believe that a family can homeschool with just a library card if they choose!

Some tips for using the Library for Homeschooling: 
1) Learn the policies and procedures of your library and library system. (fines, check out policy, how long, inter-library loan policy, etc.)
2) Make sure your card is updated.
3) Get to know your librarians and let them assist you if needed.
4) Ask if your library allows Homeschoolers the teacher loan period. Many libraries allow teachers a longer check out time.
5) Make a library book list and do your "research' and plan ahead. Try to request the books you need 2-3 weeks before you actually need the books, if they are not at your local branch. If you live in a area that has lots of Homeschoolers, you may need to have a certain book "on hold" for awhile if someone else already has it checked out.
6) Ask your library if they have any Homeschool activities or events. Some libraries do have events during the day once a month or weekly.
7) Check to see if your library has other resources that your library card can be used for. Our library card allows us access to Encyclopedia Britannica and World Book Encyclopedia right from the comfort of our own home and many other "research" databases.

I live in a huge Metro area, so I do have a ton of libraries available to use. I live in a suburb of Chicago, so my local library is connected with 80 other libraries. I also have a Chicago Public Library card and the Chicago Public Library has about 75 branches. I know other areas of the country aren't as lucky to have so many libraries available, but you can still utilize your library for homeschooling.

I have taught Joshua, who is 9, to use the online search catalog, search the shelves at the library for his books from the list he created, I have explained the Dewey Decimal System to him and how to properly use the library. I will teach the other 2 boys very soon here. I also explained to Joshua how much different using the library was when I was his age. I told him about the Card Catalog system and all. I think he was most intrigued by the fact that libraries were very packed most days after school because kids were going to library to do homework and use the Encyclopedia's as we did not have internet when I was in school. The boys can't believe that the internet wasn't widely used until around '95. I firmly believe in using the library not just for "fun" but for learning also!

For Chicago Area Homeschoolers, here are some great resources and info just for you:

Did you know that you can have both a Chicago Public Library Card and a Suburban Library Card, no matter if you live in the city or a suburb?? I found this out a few years ago when we were living in the City and now have moved to the suburbs.

If you are a Chicago resident and want to get a Suburban Library Card here is info from one of the libraries in our system: Getting a SWAN System Library Card. (Suburban Cook County) This card would be valid at the Libraries listed here: SWAN Library System Libraries.

If you are a Suburban Resident and want to get a Chicago Public Library Card here is the info on how to do that: Getting a Chicago Public Library Card.

A card holder of either a Cook County suburban library card or a Chicago Public Library has access to many resources online, including researching books needed/wanted from their online catalog and reserving and holding books via the online system.

I have also recently learned that I can use my card at the Library Branches in DuPage County Library System, which for me is the next county over and the county that my husband works in. Also, anyone with a Cook County library card can use their card at any of the libraries listed here: RAILS System Libraries.

An awesome, although not so well known, resource for IL Homeschoolers is the Johnsburg Public Library Homeschool Resource Center (http://www.johnsburglibrary.org/content/homeschool-resource-center). The Johnsburg Library has over 10,000 Homeschool books and Curriculum guides. You can do an inter-library loan using any IL library card. You have to visit your local library branch and have them do an inter-library loan for you. I like that they have so many different books and curriculum. You can "try it before you buy it" type of thing.

I have also just recently learned that the Joliet Public Library is very Homeschool Friendly. Homeschool Info  for Joliet Public Library. I have been to the Joliet Public Library years ago and it is a big and beautiful building. The Joliet Public Library, Main Branch, is located in Downtown Joliet. I can't wait to take the boys there for a "field trip".

I also found a superb "collection" at the Harold Washington Library in Downtown Chicago recently. My boys and I were there just for fun over the summer and we just happened to come upon a room that had a security guard on watch outside of it. The room contains an entire collection of Civil War artifacts and materials. Harold Washington Library Special Collections. So check your local libraries for any special collections. The Harold Washington Library is also another great "field trip" type of library. It is 9 floors of books and collections and is absolutely amazing!

I hope all this info is useful to someone! I know I would rather "borrow" then "buy" books and I am very grateful to the Public Library System in our homeschool journey! A library is much more then a building is a "world of learning and knowledge"!

Library=Homeschoolers Best Tool

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School Supply Stock-Up

One of my favorite things of "Back to Homeschool" is the Back to School Shopping Season! I admit I am a "office supply, school supply" addict! I love love love Office Supplies and School Supply stuff, especially when you can get it soooo cheap! 

I was very disappointed in the Back to School Sales this year, the prices weren't as good as previous years, at least not until the last couple of weeks. I was getting little things here and there, but in the last 2 weeks I was able to really "stock up"! The stores I mainly shopped at this year and have the best Back to School sales every year are: Walgreens, Staples, Office Depot and Office Max. The Office stores have lots of penny and nickel deals during BTS. 

So here is what I purchased this year:

50 70pg Spiral Notebooks (these were 1¢ each at Office Depot)

4 Composition Books (these are specifically for me) (.25¢ each at Target)

25 1" Poly Binders  (.30¢ each at Office Max)

10 1.5" Poly Binders (.30¢ each at Office Max)

20 2 pocket folders (.1¢ each at Office Max)

6 24 ct packs of Crayola Crayons (.40¢ each at Wal-Mart)

6 100 ct packs of Index Cards (.39 each at Walgreens)

3 Index Card Holders (.39¢ each at Walgreens)

3 2pk Kid Scissors (.50¢ each at Office Max)

8 6pk Papermate Highlighters (.39¢ each at Walgreens)

1 6pk Bic Retractable Highlighter ($1 at Staples)

3 8x11" Dry Erase Boards with Marker ($1 each at Staples)

3 Dry Erase Lined Boards ($1 each at Target)

1 Avery Easy Peel Address Labels (750 labels) ($2 at Staples)

1 Drawing Pad ($1 at Dollar Tree)

1 Post it Note 12pk ($1 at Staples)

1 pk Play Money ($1 at Staples)

4 ID/Wallet Holders ($1 at Target)  I will use these to make ID's for Field Trips

2 File Organizer Folders ($1 each at Dollar Tree)

4 pks of Expo Washable Markers (Free after coupon at Walgreens)

24 Mini Spirals (purse sized) (.15¢ each at Walgreens) 

5 Clear Pencil Pouches (.5¢ each at Office Depot)

1 Pencil Box (.57¢ at WalMart)

2 1/2 sized Pencil Boxes (.25¢ each at WalMart)

1 4pk Dry Erase Marker Set ($1 at Staples)

1 100ct White Chalk ($1 at Dollar Tree)

1 60ct Bic Pens ($2 at Staples)

6 100ct Paper Clips (.33¢ each at Walgreens)

1 40ct Binder Clips ($1 at Staples)

18 10ct Papermate Pens (.29¢ each at Walgreens)

6 8ct Washable Markers (.15¢ each at Office Max)

6 10ct Boardline Markers (.15¢ each at Office Max)

9 10ct Fineline Markers (.15¢ each at Office Max)

12 Metal Compass (.1¢ each at Office Max)

21 Protractors (.1¢ each at Office Max)

21 Plastic Rulers (.1¢ each at Office Max)

I got an awesome stash this year for about $60 total!! I do have a couple more things to get that I haven't gotten yet, like Colored Pencils that will be on sale this weekend. I also need some Glue Sticks.I do share with family and friends as needed. I also stocked up on some things that were super cheap because of the lack of good deals this year, I never know what next year will bring as far as prices and items! 

Here are some pics of our supplies: 

Sorting everything and taking inventory

Nice and organized in the Supply Cabinet

Great "Stash"!! 

Found all these supplies when I decluttered and organized 

the Toy/School Room! 

Our awesome Bookshelves for our 

School Books and some Toys

I am very much looking forward to putting together Pencil Boxes and supplies for the boys before our "Back to Homeschool" day on Tuesday! I have always loved "new supplies" since I was very very young! 

4 more days until "Back to Homeschool Day"!! Looking forward to it!! 

School Supply Stock-Up

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Our 2011-2012 Curriculum

Woohoo! It is almost time for "Back to Homeschool" in our household. We always begin the day after Labor Day, so that day is almost here. I worked hard today to get our curriculum sorted out and organized, I accomplished that goal! 

I really enjoy having the boys so close in age as it makes it really easy to combine some of their subjects and have them work from the same level/book  as we will be doing with some things! Nathan is a Struggling Learner and we found last year that is because he has a Vision Issue. He just got new bi-focals a couple months ago and they seem to be helping. He is doing some of the same level work as Danny due to his Vision Issue, but I am very happy with where he is at and I know he will do fine!  

Soooooo without further stalling... Our Curriculum for 2011-2012 Homeschool Year are:

All the boys:

Our "Core":  Illuminations Year 1 by Bright Ideas Press. 

Our history: Mystery of History Volume 1. 

We will also be using WonderMaps by Bright Ideas Press for our map resource and work. 

Bible: Illuminations provides bible reading. We will use the reading from there to begin. I may use something different down the line. The boys will also have AWANA verses to be memorizing.  

Character Training:  Lessons in Responsibility for Boys Level 1

Handwriting: Getty Dubay Italic

Science: Considering God's Creation

Fitness and Nutrition: Family Time Fitness, The Amazing Fitness Adventure for your Kids by Phil and Amy Parham, Random Acts of Fitness Kit from Subway, Various Internet and Book Resources

Art: See the Light DVD

The boys Curriculum

Joshua:

Language Arts: Scheduled through Illuminations Year 1 by Bright Ideas Press

Spelling: Natural Speller provided through the Illuminations Year 1 by Bright Ideas Press and also Spelling City

English: Easy Grammar 3  when we finish this we will move onto Easy Grammar 4

Math: Horizons Math 3 when we finish this we will move onto Horizons Math 4

Joshua's Books

Nathan and Daniel: 

Language Arts: Learning Language Arts through Literature Blue Book

Spelling: All About Spelling

Reading: Once I get Nathan and Danny reading better I will purchase and use: Pathway Readers

Math: Rod and Staff Math Level 1, 24 Board and Complete Book of Time and Money

Nathan and Daniel's Books

We will also be doing a 50 States Study, which I will talk about in a separate blog post in the very near future, as I have many resources and ideas, that it deserves it's own post. I will also be posting our "Daily Schedule" in a couple of days.

Here are some more pics of the boys Curriculum and how it is organized: 

The boys individual totes.
Blue=Josh, Red=Nate, Green=Danny

Still need to add Pencil Boxes

File Folders for Printables

(still need to clean this out a bit)

Teacher Manuals

Storage Area

I have "ebooks" and internet resources that I will add in as we go along. 

We will be using Notebooking and Lapbooking and I will post about those resources and how we will use them in a few days. 

We are very excited about our Homeschool Year and all our curriculum! I am looking forward to sharing our year as we go along!! 

Our 2011-2012 Curriculum

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