*****Please note that there are days where I will post more than once. So, to find out all the latest happenings and "goings-on" in our family (or my random thoughts), be sure to scroll down.*****

Thursday, July 30, 2009

First Grade Weeks 3, 4, and 5 in Review

Okay, as with everything else, I'm behind on posting our weekly review for First Grade. So, I'm going to combine the past 3 weeks into one post. I hope to stay on top of it from this point forward, but I make no promises. We will see how I do...


Bible: Our Bible stories have been on "Building God's Church," "Serving the Lord with Courage," and "Serving in Different Ways." We added Joshua 24:18b to our Bible verse study.

Phonics & English: We added "color," "love," "for," "you," "are," "what," "they," "said," "to," "do," "mother," "of," and "off" to our list of service words. We added "-ub", "-un", "-us," "-ut," "-ip," "-up," "-eck," "-ick," "-uck," "-ack," "-ad," "-an," "-ap," "-as," "-at", "-and," "-end," "-ell," "-ill," "-ull," "-ag," "-eg," "-ig," "-ug," "-ent," "-am," "-im," "-ock," "-od," "-om," "-op," and "-ot" to our list of word families. Wow -- talk about overload. LOL! I definitely need to stay on top of my posting. Oh well...lesson learned. We talked about captilazing the first letter of sentences, possessive "s", question mark, syllables, compound words, and the comma as well.

Handwriting: "B," "U," "P," "C," "K," "A," "?," "L," "G," "nt," "M," "O," and "0, 1, 2" were reviewed.

Spelling: We worked on spelling words in the "-and," "-ot," "-ill," "-id," "-ap," "-en," "-an," "-ock," and "-ocks" families.

Reading: We are still reading stories in Reader A, and Caleb is doing really well. He reads one new story a day, and his reading has improved so much from the end of Kindergarten. He also has to work on comprehension by doing little worksheets or activities after each story, and he is doing a great job in that area as well.

Math: We reviewed the numbers 15 -20, pictographs, and bar graphs. I introduced Caleb to the concept of even and odd numbers, and we've been working on addition concepts as well (completing/writing addition sentences, drawing pictures to add, vertical form, and order of addends). We also worked on the names for 4, 5, and 6 (this is how BJUP describes the addition facts/families).

Heritage Studies: We continued to talk about directions using the compass. We also talked about Leif Ericson and the Vikings, mapmakers, and the Azetcs. Finally, we discussed maps from today and long ago.

Science: We have been talking about the parts of the sun, the path of the sun, the moon, and the stars (Big Dipper and Orion).

Art: Week 3 we talked about how artists look at nature to draw things. So, Caleb had to go outside and draw things he found in nature. Week 4 we talked about how artists communicate through their pictures. Caleb had to draw a picture and allow the viewer to be able to "read" it based on how he drew the picture. Week 5 we discusses how artists use photographs to draw pictures. Caleb had to find a picture (he opted for a picture of penguins from his animal book), and then draw it. He did SOOOOO well with this. I'm really impressed with his artistic ability, and I promise...he did NOT get it from me!

Extra Stuff: Wow...I wouldn't even know where to start with the extra stuff...LOL! So, let me just suffice it to say that we have been very busy this summer. I think I wrote about most of it here. We did go visit one of Brian's merchants (Atlanta Custom Candle) today, and the kids got to see how to make candles. They each got to make their own candle as well, and I will post pictures and give that it's own post later.

So, there you have it...3 weeks of lots and lots of learning. Granted, we are a few days behind in our schedule, but I'm not too worried about it because I know that we can do some weekend lessons and catch up. We're gearing up for a busy, busy fall as well. So, please continue to follow our first grade adventures. I will do my best to keep up with the weekly review posting so that it's not so overwhelming. :)

I hope you all are enjoying every minute of what's left of summer...get out there and play with your kiddos!

Monday, July 27, 2009

All Tuckered Out, Skating, and Up To No Good...

Alright, alright...I hear you. I know that you all have been
beating your computers sillygoing crazy wondering why I haven't been posting lately. Well, I wish I had good reasons...LOL! I guess we've just been super, super busy enjoying the summer. We've been having lots of playdates with our friends, attending summer camp, and just having fun. So, without further ado...let me catch you up.

As these pictures will prove, Micah is into everything. It's like he has just turned on his light bulb of knowledge, and he can figure stuff out. He's all about getting into the tupperware cabinet, playing with his brother's toys, and getting into mommy and daddy's stuff. He's trying to talk up a storm, too. His vocabulary is really improving, and he's starting to copy what we say. So, it's time for mommy and daddy to
quit talking like sailorsmind our words around the little guy.

Caleb is really turning into quite the little man. He's doing super well in first grade, and he has improved with his reading tremendously. He has had quite a busy summer, but we're nearing the end of all of our fun. He attended two summer camps..."Don't Bug Me!" and "Culinary Camp." They kept him busy, and he seemed to enjoy both of them. He also took a week of swim lessons, and he's stayed busy having playdates with his friends. We have one more day of fun, and then it's back to our normal routine.

Brian and I are both busy trying to keep up with these two. They keep us on our toes, but it sure is a lot of fun. We wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world. God has richly blessed our family, and we are so thankful.

Here are some pictures from the past few weeks...ENJOY!

Micah was so tired from all of his playing that he gathered up the blankets and took a nap on the living room floor. Isn't he such a cute little boy? Now...if only I could break him of sucking that darn thumb!

This is the mess Micah made in the kitchen. He's having a good ol' time playing with mommy's plastic storage containers.

How could you ever be mad at that cute face???

This is Caleb skating the other day...now, if only mommy could figure out how to take a GOOD picture at the skating rink. LOL! It's so dark that I can't get a good one for anything.

This is Micah making another mess in the kitchen. This time, he decided to get in the cabinet.

Look...it's the headless baby. :)

Sitting in the cabinet enjoying himself. Yes, mommy and daddy have since fixed the child-proof lock on this cabinet. And -- we gave Micah a new cabinet that is all his. It's the same one Caleb had when we first moved into this house. So, now he can make a much smaller mess. :)

Friday, July 24, 2009

And the Winner Is...

The winner of the Home Decor Giveaway is:

JENNA Z

Jenna -- I will contact you via your blog, and if I don't hear back from you within 48 hours from this post, then I will pick another winner. Thanks and congrats!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Home Decor Giveaway

We've been in our home now for over 4 years. And I still love to browse through shops and online to find bits and pieces of home decor. In my opinion, one new piece can brighten up and change the look of any room. Besides...who doesn't like to shop?


Well, I have good news for you. Accent Furniture Direct and I have teamed up to offer you a new piece of home decor for your home. You can enter to win a piece of your choice (up to $35) from their notNeutral collection. This collection has lots of vibrantly colored home accessories for the season.

So, here's what you can do to enter:

1. Check out all the cool notNeutral pieces and let me know what you'd like (remember...$35 limit).

2. Follow my blog! If you already follow me, then post letting me know.

3. Blog about my giveaway and post the link with your comment.

So, that's 3 chances to enter. Please type ONE comment per entry. For instance...type a comment letting me know which notNeutral piece you'd like. Type a comment letting me know that you follow my blog. Type a comment linking to the post on your blog about this giveaway.

All entries must be recieved by noon EST on Thursday, July 23rd. A winner will be chosen by RANDOM on Thursday, July 23rd

Thanks and good luck!


Fun in the ATL

Yesterday we met up with some of our friends, and we drove up to Atlanta for a day of fun. We started our day at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta. They were having a tree exhibit, and upon our arrival we ran into some folks from Lane Packing. Lane Packing is a local peach packing company. They were there to do some promoting of Georgia peaches. During the conversation with the local guys, we supposedly heard that Chipper Jones would make an appearance. Now, for those of you who may not know...Chipper Jones plays for the Atlanta Braves. So, if he's coming to visit, then you KNOW we will be there with cameras in tow and snapping pictures. And yep...we'll ask for an autograph, too. :)

So, we let all the kiddos have some fun playing around, and then we see that the local guys are gearing up for the presentation on peaches. And -- look who it is...Chipper Jones. So, we gather up our kiddos and make them sit down to listen to the presentation. The boys in the group were front and center...right there waiting to see Chipper. Well, the presentation starts, and we are all deeply saddened shortly thereafter. Why??? Well, silly us...that's not Chipper Jones AT ALL! In fact, that's not any Braves player. That's an Atlanta Thrashers player. OOPS!!!! Talk about a blonde moment. We were acting like a bunch of little school girls over Eric Boulton...an ATL Thrasher. Do you know how dumb we felt? We quickly sent one of the little girls to gather up the boys so we could go on with the rest of our plans.

After our embarrassing moment, we headed over to The Varsity for lunch. Now, if you're from this area, you are probably VERY familiar with The Varsity. However, I had never been to the place. Well, I was shocked to see how large it was...not to mention the fact that they have a small parking garage. WHAT???? A restaurant that requires a parking garage??? Are you kidding??? Nope...I'm not kidding. But -- it was worth it. The food was super
greasy and fatteningyummy, and we had some good food and great conversation.

We had lots of fun with our friends today, and we can't wait for our next summer outing. It is so nice to get the kids out of the house and together with friends. And -- it's not bad for the mommies either! :)

Silly Caleb before we started our visit at the museum.

Caleb playing with some sort of tinker toy thing.

Davis, Caleb, and Aiden inside a tree.

Caleb and Davis playing with the moon sand.

Caleb and Aiden working on their masterpieces.

Ms. Shelley and little Aiden going down the slide. Aiden is a little bit older than Micah. They would have had fun together, but Micah had to stay home because he's been feverish all week.

Caleb and Marissa doing some fishing while Ms. Laura supervises.

Aiden and Caleb...Caleb was NOT into pictures for some reason. He didn't want to smile for anything.

Little Aiden doing some fishing.

Caleb and Davis modeling their costumes...they saw themselves on TV. :)

Davis and Caleb playing in the bird nest.

Oops...he layed an egg.

Davis and Caleb in the ball area...they'd gather balls and dump them over and over and over again...such fun for them.

Chipper Jones aka Eric Boulton...LOL!

The Varsity in downtown ATL

Davis, Caleb, and Aiden with their Varsity hats on.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Beach Vacation Recap Day Seven and Eight

Friday morning we got up and saw Jennifer off to Athens. Then, we hung out with Omi and Opa a bit before it was time for them to leave. After they left, Brian and I took the boys down to the pool and beach. Brian and Caleb went to do a little boogie boarding while Micah and I enjoyed the lazy river. Then, they came up to join us. After we were all tired from the sun, we all went up and had a little nap.

Once our naps were over, we got ready and headed out to enjoy our last night at the beach. We decided to play some putt-putt at Hawaiian Rumble Golf. This course is rated #1 in America by Golf & Travel Magazine. Well, I don't know who reads this magazine, but I don't think they got the rating just right. Let me tell you why...1) They don't take credit cards...ummm, to my hubby who works in this industry, well that is a slap in the face. So, that was a brief conversation that Brian had with the owner. Oh well, you can't sign them all up honey. :) 2) They only have ONE course. 3) The ONE course SUCKS when you are behind a party of 6+ people. You get to sit OUT IN THE HEAT trying to entertain your children while they wait on the people ahead of them.

Anyway, we finally finished up our game, and we decided to have some seafood. So, we headed to Duffy Street Seafood Shack. Well, being the indecisive people we are, Brian and I each ordered a 3 item combo. We both wanted to try the crab cake, and you have to pay $3 more to get that on the combo. So, Brian ordered his fried, and I ordered mine sauteed. Well, NEITHER of us liked it...LOL! Oh well, live and learn. But -- we really enjoyed the fried flounder. I'm not a fish eater, because I don't like that fishy taste. But -- the flounder was GREAT! I will definitely order it again.

Well, after supper, it was time to head back to the condo to pack up our stuff. We had to be ready to check out by 10am on Saturday. So, Brian and I got everything packed up. Then, we just sat and watched a little bit of TV.

Saturday morning we got up and headed back home. Our ride home was just as uneventful as the ride up there. LOL! But -- that's always a good thing.

We had a WONDERFUL vacation, and we cannot wait to plan our next one. :)

Opa, Micah, and Caleb enjoying a little snack.

Omi and Opa on the balcony.

The volcano at Hawaiian Rumble Golf.

There's the proof...I'm not lying folks.

Our big six-year-old.

They really "talk" it up I tell ya...a bit TOO much if you ask me.

Caleb making a putt.

Caleb, Micah, and Mommy.

Beach Vacation Recap Day Six

On Thursday, we got up and all had breakfast. We were starting to plan our beach activities, and then it started to downpour. So, we quickly decided that we'd find some indoor activities to fill up the day. So, after a little Internet research, we decided to purchase tickets to the Ripley's Aquarium and the Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium.

So, off we went to the Ripley's Aquarium. We went here last year, and it was fun. But this year...man it was CROWDED! They had some "babies" exhibit, and there was a huge line, and they would only let a certain amount of people in at a time. Well, needless to say...we did NOT get in that line. We decided to watch one of the shows. After that, we rode the moving belt through the tunnel, and then we called it a day there.

We grabbed a bite to eat at Olive Garden, and then we headed downtown to visit the Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium. None of us had ever been to one, so we thought it would be a neat idea. After wandering through there, we ended up at a small arcade...perfect planning I tell you...
just another ploy to make money if you ask meSo, obviously Caleb had to play some games. We obliged, and then we walked the downtown area for a bit. After that, we decided to head back to the condo.

That evening we played a few rounds of Uno, and then we had fun teaching Omi and Opa how to play Mexican Train Dominoes. Again, this such a fun, family game. We hope to make this a family game night. Caleb loves it, and we do too.

Brian and Sherrie at the aquarium.
Opa at the aquarium.
Micah awake...

Micah asleep...enough said!

Caleb, the pirate!


Beach Vacation Recap Day Four and Five

Tuesday morning we just hung out in the room. One of my best friends from college, Jennifer, was traveling up to hang out with us for a few days. So, we just hung around waiting for her to get there. Once she arrived, we all headed down to the beach. As usual, both boys had lots of fun.

That evening, we headed to Barefoot Landing for some supper, some shopping, and to see the TIGERS preserve station. Supper was wonderful...we ate at Wild Wing Cafe, and they have the BEST wings. You get to choose from soooo many different sauces for your wings. It's a bit overwhelming at first, but it's worth the time. We ate here last year as well, and it was just as good this time around. After eating, we headed to see the TIGERS preserve station. Well, this was a bit of a joke. They advertise that you can see the baby animals and even pay to get your picture taken with a baby tiger or monkey. Well...it's really not worth it. You do get to see a few animals behind glass windows, and yeah...you can pay to have your picture taken. But -- we opted out. So, we just did a bit of shopping. We managed to pick up a game of Mexican Train Dominoes for Caleb. Jennifer introduced us to this game when she visited us at the cabin in the mountains back in December. It's such a fun, family game...so we bought it. That night, we ended up playing a few rounds of Uno and a game of Mexican Train Dominoes.

Wednesday morning, we got up and headed down to the beach for a bit. Brian and Caleb had fun boogie boarding, and Micah seemed to enjoy playing in the sand and water.

After getting everyone cleaned up, we all headed over to Broadway at the Beach for some shopping and fun. We did some shopping, and Caleb rode some of the rides at Pavilion Nostalgia Park. After working up an appetite, we headed to Landry's Seafood to eat some supper. But -- we left shortly after entering. It was just a tad bit stuffy for us, and they were not really welcoming. So, we kindly walked out. We do NOT do this on a regular basis...NEVER! After that experience, Omi and Opa decided to head on back and grab supper on the way back to the condo. We wanted to stay and do some more shopping, so we walked all the way back to the other side of the place to see about eating at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Well, upon arriving, we were informed it would be a 2 1/2 hour wait. Ummm...no thank you...we're starving. So, after talking to the hostess, we headed to Liberty Steakhouse upon her recommendation. It was worth the wait...we all enjoyed our meal, and the waitress was super accomodating of
our loud and obnoxious 16-month-oldus.

Once we got back to the condo, Caleb wanted to go swimming. So, we all got into our suits and headed down to the pool and hot tub area. Well, Micah was not having it, and frankly...I don't blame him. The outdoor pool was just a tad too chilly, and the indoor pool was FREEZING! So, Jennifer went to check out the temperature of the lazy river. Since she said it was a lot warmer, we went to enjoy some time just floating. Well, Micah LOVED it. He was so relaxed, and he almost fell asleep. The water was so much warmer, and you didn't have to do any work because it gently just floated you along. After a little bit of fun, we headed back up to call it a day!

Opa and Micah before heading down to the beach.

Mr. Blue Eyes

Brian and Caleb catching some waves with the boogie board.

Micah playing in the sand.

Caleb on a dinosaur at Broadway at the Beach.

Jennifer and Caleb on the pirate ship.

Caleb and Brian on the pirate ship...upon exiting the ride, Brian informed us that he was freaking out because the bar on their back seat did NOT lock. So, he was holding it down for dear life and praying. :)

Caleb and Mommy about to go for a swing ride.

Caleb and Mommy on the swings.

Caleb and Opa on the caterpillar.

Caleb decided to use his last ticket to ride the caterpillar alone.

Micah FINALLY fell out for an afternoon nap.

Caleb in the lazy river.

Brian and Micah floating down the lazy river.

 
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