How We Learn

Read a Book...Improve Brain Function

Another good reason to instill a love of reading in our children! According to this article, after reading a good book, your brain function improves!

Crossword puzzles are also great "brain therapy".

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2529855/How-book-really-change-life-Brain-function-improves-DAYS-reading-novel.html

Pizza Kits for Christmas

On top of all the Christmas baking and candy-making we did (sharing half of what we made with others), the girls and I put together 13 "Pizza Kits" to give away to our Amish neighbors, our preacher's family, and their Sunday School and missions teachers.

We were trying to come up with something different. Something that everyone in the family could enjoy. Who doesn't like pizza???

We hit the Dollar Tree (everything in the store is $1) and found everything we needed to complete each kit that would make two 12" pizzas. Each "kit" included two 12" round pizza pans, two packages of pizza crust mix (only 33-cents each), one jar of pizza sauce, one package of pepperoni, one container of Parmesan cheese, and one pizza cutter. We covered and kept each kit together with shower caps we also bought at the Dollar Tree (package of 8 for $1). Total cost per 8-piece kit: $6.78 (and a half-cent plus tax). Not bad for a gift that will feed a family!

We printed labels on our computer and taped them onto the shower cap. A bow would have been a nice touch, but honestly we didn't even think about it at the time. We had thought about buying pizza boxes to arrange the stuff in, but the pizza sauce jar was too wide to have shut the box. The shower caps worked great, allowing the people to see what the gift included. While they did fit snug, you can't, however turn the gift up on it's side or the heavy ingredients will fall out.

Christmas 2013

I think this has been my most disorganized Christmas yet! Don't think that just because we homeschool that we "have it all together". Sometimes, the best laid plans fall apart right before your eyes; other times they silently go awry and you don't realize it until it's too late. For for us ultimate list makers! Take our 2013 Christmas, for example.

I have always gotten most, if not all, of my Christmas shopping done by October. This year, I was one of those people crazy enough to be out shopping the week of Christmas. Oddly enough, the 23rd was by far the roughest, rudest shopping day this year. I took off, list in hand, knowing what I was going to get and where I was going to get it from. Three stores. Five hours. Traffic wasn't bad going (and I got a late start and didn't make it to the first store until 11:30 a.m.). Parking was horrible, especially for someone like me driving a monster Dodge Ram Crew Cab 4x4 with a full 8 foot bed. Once in the stores, people were elbow-to-elbow, blocking aisles as if they were the only in the store shopping at the time, and very rude. At one point when I motioned a lady to go ahead of me, she acted as though she were baffled and couldn't believe what she'd just witnessed. Like courtesy was a new thing. When the shock wore off, she smiled at me and said, "Why, thank you. You have a merry Christmas!" Second store, a man behind me who was only holding one small item was extremely grateful that I, with my cart-full, allowed him to go in front of him. I just smiled and told him the truth:  "You can be out of here before I even get my cart unloaded." Then traffic coming home was busy as I timed it as folks were getting off work.

Christmas cards always leave our house during the first week of December. This year, on the 23rd, I made trips to four small towns around me to mail my cards that were headed into those same towns so that they would be delivered on Christmas Eve. Nothing like waiting till the very last moment. Uggg!

Our Christmas baking - which we give half away to friends and neighbors - even had it's fiascoes. Buckeyes tasted great but the chocolate was dry as it melted (still trying to figure that one out). I totally scorched (beyond edible) a batch of peanut brittle. Had trouble with our hard candy wanting to spread too thin with the first couple of batches. Same with our chocolate chip cookies. Then came the biggest disaster of all...our birthday cake for Jesus...Baked up wonderfully, had the icing ready to put on it while it was still warm, then the girls were going to decorate it. But as I went to invert it onto my cake carrier bottom, I somehow managed to "lose" the cake...it literally went flying and landed still upside-down, still in the pan, on top of the remote, on the bar. Alayna tried to help me get it back up on the tray, but I ended up with a mess. A pile of big crumbs. But Maddy, who seems to always see the best in every situation, reached out to grab a bite. I warned her it was still hot, but she took a big bite anyway then says, "Still tastes good, Mom. I'll tell Papa it still tasted good." So, this year, the honorary birthday cake looked like one of God's volcanic creations after we piled it up and dumped the coconut & pecan icing over it, instead of a pretty birthday cake for Jesus. Lesson learned: Just as Jesus (Perfect and without sin) came as a humble, helpless baby born in a dirty, stinky stable, to bring the Plan of Salvation to a very imperfect mankind, we humbly offered our imperfect cake to honor the King of Kings on His birthday. You were right, Maddy, it still tasted good! ----- God doesn't expect us to become perfect before we come to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He wants us to come as we are, broken and needing to be transformed "into a new creature through Christ." God doesn't expect perfection...He wants us to come and lay all the broken pieces before Him, as clay before the Potter...He will forgive our mistakes and sin and use us to bring honor and glory to His name as He reshapes us into a new creation.

We were late getting the Christmas tree up. Our outside decorations never did put up...12" of snow that lasted a week then days of pouring rain...decided it wasn't worth it for 3 days. We've been out looking at everyone else's beautifully decorated yards. We found some very impressive ones!

Sunday before Christmas? We forgot all the gifts for the kids in my nursery, for the preacher's family, and for the girls' Sunday School and missions teachers. Also forgot to take their gifts to their Tae Kwon Do instructions the day before that.

Christmas Eve, we had not wrapped the first gift - to anyone in our family. I spent the morning going back into town yet again for finish up some last minute shopping. The afternoon cooking. Had to wrap my husband's family's presents before we could go to his mom's for supper. Got back home at 9 p.m. with still tons to do. And did I mention the girls wanted to make our own wrapping paper with craft paper and glitter gel? The girls were up until 11 p.m. Alan and I went to bed at 3:17 a.m. Christmas morning.

I was so proud of Mattie when, while opening presents at Alan's mom's house, "Granny" told made a comment about not getting them "very much stuff". Maddy looked up from her playing with the doll house bedroom set she'd received and said, "Christmas isn't about getting 'stuff'. It's about the Baby Jesus being born in Bethlehem in the stable and the angels telling everyone." Caught Granny off guard and she didn't know how to respond to that.

The good news is that Maddy and Kenna slept until 9 a.m. Christmas morning. I was headed down the hall to wake them up when Maddy met me halfway. We had to wake Kenna. The look on their faces when they walked in and saw Santa's gifts under the tree was priceless. They were very happy and content with their gifts, not just from Santa, but from Alan and I, and from each other.

Although the route to Christmas was a rough one at times, and I was not on top of things as I should have been, the fact is that our family was blessed beyond measure on the day of Jesus's birth. I hope you and your family were too!

Power of Words

The following website has a powerful message about using words. Directed at kids, something everyone should read. Go to this link to learn about the power of words.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/12/dear-kids-never-forget-the-power-of-words-what-you-need-to-know-about-duck-dynasty-justine-sacco-and-christmas-2/

Santa...and a Black Belt Extraganza

 Another busy day for Sisney H.O.U.S.E,:

Stop One:  Our bank to visit with Santa. I was pretty impressed when Santa asked them what they wanted for Christmas and both only told him one thing - and a small item at that.

Stop Two:  Dropped off a tarp at Daughter #3's house. It rained all night last night and all day today. Afton's basement was flooding. They used the tarp to (hopefully) divert the water away from the basement.

Stop Three:  Wal-Mart for two items. I picked up (and am so thankful they still had some left) another pretty peacock Christmas ornament because Maddy broke hers last night and a 50-piece box of fried chicken to take to Maddy's Tae Kwon Do graduation and dinner.

Stop Four:  Black Belt Extravaganza Graduation and Dinner. A huge celebration where, when there are candidates for their black belts graduating, all the academy classes graduate together. What an impressive group of children and adults! The graduation ceremony took just over 2 hours. Maddy received her green belt and 3 awards. She was presented awards for "Great Grades", "Perfect Attendance", and "Indomitable Spirit." So proud of her!

  

 

Two Parties and Community Service

Yesterday was a busy day for us...

After our school day, first stop was our reading club Christmas Party:

 

We left that party to meet students from our martial arts school to go to an assisted living facility. The academy had collected 642 pairs of socks to donate to two facilities in town. Half of the kids went to one while the other half went to this one. Maddy and Kenna enjoyed going around talking with the residents. The group sang a couple of Christmas songs for the residents, left 321 pairs of socks to be passed out to the residents, and then headed back to the martial arts school for a Nerf War party.

 This lady (seated, in wheelchair) just celebrated her 99th birthday!

 All the residents enjoyed the kids' songs, but this sweet lady was also clapping along.

 This dear man is a friend that I've known for years...

I used to teach a Bible Study class at the facility once a week.

 The martial arts kids singing to the residents.

The Nerf War began! There were around 30 (or more) kids and I have never seen so much foam ammo flying around. They divided into teams and had a line they could not cross. Safety glasses required. Maddy and Kenna had a blast!

Thinking that a birthday party in the backyard, with a supply of Nerf guns and ammo, and the kids would entertain themselves for hours!

History of Homeschooling

http://www.home-school.com/news/history-of-homeschooling.php

All of the below info was found at the above site. I must say that I disagree with some of the "Comparison" section.

We do not have fewer resources that public school...if a parent takes the time to look, there is an abundance of resources out there, and many that as a small school of 2 students are welcomed into for a field trip when a large classroom would not be allowed into. And obviously, you are going to get out of homeschooling what you put into it. In our 11+ years of homeschooling, we have found that we use at least as much if not more resources than our public schools do. So many "school" programs - like Scholastic and Pizza Hut Book-It - are now open to and welcome homeschoolers.

Nor do I agree with a poorer curriculum. We actually use many of the same curriculum the public schools are using. And more. We incorporate 4-H material, Bible study, and many "extra" subjects the public schools don't offer. If our children are interested in a subject, we take the time to study about it.

Life Lessons to Teach Our Kids

Important life lessons to teach our children.

Snow Cream Time!

A tradition in my family since my grandparents were young, and probably before...collecting fresh, clean snow and making ice cream out of it! Fill a large bowl with snow, add sugar to taste, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and enough milk that, once stirred, makes it the consistency of creamy ice cream. The drier the snow, the better the snow cream!

For this first heavy snowfall of the winter, we had a snow cream buffet: Alayna ate hers with caramel, Maddy and Alan opted for chocolate syrup, and Kenna wanted strawberry. Me? After some just plain ole vanilla - which was really good - I made it even better with some chocolate syrup and caramel.

The leftovers are in the freezer. Will be eaten later, when the snow is too dirty (after the kids play all over the yard) or melts down. We only "harvest" our snow from deep drifts that have not been walked on by any creatures, digging down and taking our supply from about halfway down into the drift.

If you have never made snow cream, you are truly missing out on one of nature's winter snacks! You can also just add snow cone syrup (or Kool-Aid) to plain snow, too, to make a slushy.

No Snow Days For Us!

While the district public school let out early last Thursday, and has had no school Friday or today, we had our homeschooling experience as usual. Our days are never without some fun, though. The girls got their letters written to Santa. During our mid-day recess, we bundled up and went out to play in the snow, taking with us all the necessary accessories for snowman building...the snow was too dry for that. Instead of building snowmen, we "rescued" the riding caterpillar from the "avalanche" that covered him over by digging him out (we got 12" last Thursday through Friday), they went slip-sliding down the slide, and made snow angels. We did pile up two mounds of snow hoping that with some warmth, enough will melt to "bind" it together so that we can eventually get a couple of snowmen completed.

We also tried to blow some bubbles and watching them freeze, but it was too warm. Which sounds very odd to say considering after only about 30 minutes, Kenna's mittens were wet, and her hands and face was red and cold. When little hands get wet and cold, it's definitely time to go in.

As we went in the front door, we noticed that there was actually some dripping going on down the side of the trailer. Maybe tomorrow our snow piles will be wet enough to shape into a giant snowball for the bottom of our snowmen!

          

Math in Everyday Objects

Have I mentioned that Maddy loves math? This morning while eating her warmed-up S'mores Pop Tart and hot cocoa, she says, "Look Mom, my Pop Tart has an AB pattern! Insisted on taking a picture of it. See it? Chocolate (A), marshmallow (B), chocolate (A), marshmallow (B).

You can teach math lessons anytime, anywhere. No matter what you are doing with your children, there's most likely a math lesson to be found. Whether you are shopping (count the number of cans of veggies you buy, watch for patterns, compare sizes prices, measure (when cooking, look at package sizes, etc.), use timers when the kids brush their teeth and for cooking, etc.

Never miss the opportunity to build math skills!

Have a Day Full Of Play Time!

Practical Homeschooling said it best...

"Learning versus playing....Learning, according to that almost automatic view, is what children do in school and, maybe, in other adult-directed activities. Playing is, at best, a refreshing break from learning.,,But here’s an alternative view: playing is learning. At play, children learn the most important of life’s lessons, the ones that cannot be taught in school. To learn these lessons well, children need lots of play — lots and lots of it, without interference from adults."

Here at Sisney H.O.U.S.E., we firmly believe that "kids ought to be kids" and given time to "be a kid", including lots of free play time. Children "turned loose" to play on their own, also will "turn loose" their creativity, their imagination, and be whisked off to some far-away land right in your own back yard.

 http://aeon.co/magazine/being-human/children-today-are-suffering-a-severe-deficit-of-play/

Arm Knitting - No Needles Required

Here's a neat visual art project...

In this video, the lady shows you how to arm knit an infinity scarf in about an hour. The only supply you need is a big ball of yard!

Go to http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304011304579220660554732336.

Starting A Fire With Water?

I knew that you could start a fire with a magnifying glass, or even a piece of broken glass...but to use a bottle of water? It can be done! You can start a fire with a bottle of water, and the guy in this video does a wonderful job of explaining the process.

Here's a really great website that not only teaches your children a good survival skill but also makes a great science experiment. This would be for older children, and definitely needs adult supervision.

http://www.realfarmacy.com/how-to-start-a-fire-with-water/

It's the Simple Things We Do Together as a Family That Matter The Most!

Periodic Table Videos

When we get to the point where we are studying the Periodic Table, we are definitely going to go to this website: http://www.periodicvideos.com/. At this site, you can click on any element in the Periodic Table and see a video all about that particular element. Definitely want to bookmark this one!

Our Homeschool Grade Cards

We finally remembered to get a copy of the girls' grade card to their Tae Kwon Do instructor. Maddy received her first blue star (for good grades, straight A's, during our first quarter). Not sure if the Little Dragons get to earn them or not. Forgot to ask. Now to get it sewed on...

Not bad for a "homemade" report card, huh? We've never actually messed with grade cards in the past homeschooling experiences because we didn't have anyone that we really needed to show them to. I have always kept very detailed records (grade books, transcripts, etc.) and kept portfolios of the kids' work. But to earn those cool blue stars for good grades, they needed a copy of the student's grade cards, which become a part of their permanent Tae Kwon Do academy records. So, this is what we came up with.

Not that those blue stars matter that much to me. I know my children are making good grades and doing well in school. But seeing Maddy's eyes light up when they handed her that little blue star to wear on her uniform, it was worth all the trouble of creating a Sisney H.O.U.S.E. Report Card. The first one took the longest to put together. Future grade levels will be easier, just a matter of editing, copying, and pasting. Saved not only the grade card itself, but the Excel tables, too.

Good-bye A - F Grades, Hello 1 - 4?

In an effort to make sure that we are keeping "up to date" on our homeschooling experience, I often go online and research other schools' websites. Of course, I also find a lot of "traditional" public school policies and methods that I'd rather NOT have present in our homeschool.

But tonight, while browsing, I found the below article about a school that has changed their grading system drastically. No longer will students be earning A, B, C, D, or F (some schools use "E" instead of "F" for failing; some also grant "I" for "incomplete" and give students a week to complete missing assignments for a grade), these students will be getting papers back with 1, 2, 3, & 4. Sorry, I don't agree with that.

The comment in the article, "...a "D" can be kind of general," is not true. Not if that parent is truly interested in their child's education. Anytime a child is struggling in any area of school, the parents should never have to guess about what the problem is. Involved parents actually take their children's papers out of the backpacks every evening and go over them with their kids. Involved parents make sure their children are doing their homework, and help them as needed. Involved, interested parents would be making an appointment to talk with the teacher at the first sign of bad grades and work with the teacher to find a solution to the problem. There's nothing "general" about a "D", and they don't just suddenly show up on a child's report card with no advance warning.

I think all these "common core" changes and "conforming to the standardized tests" are not doing the children any favors. In fact, I truly believe that it is going to hurt way more than it helps the kids. The government and the schools (which unfortunately, are stuck doing what the states tell them to do) are in fact "stooping down" to a dangerous level because rather than provide a solution to helping struggling children get their grades (and more importantly, their comprehension of the subjects) up, these new changes are dropping the grade scale to make it appear that the kids are scoring higher. Not a good practice no matter how you look at it.

But hey, that's just my opinion. Read the article about the 4 Point Grading System, do your own research, and then make up your mind.


http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2013/08/hamilton_elementary_schools_adopt_new_four-point_scale_grading_system.html

This article explains the 1-4 system even better, with the "down side" being exposed:
http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/11/18/3374306/wake-county-to-stick-with-4-point.html

Sidewalk Art in December

Ever wonder what happens at our house on a beautiful December 1st day? The sidewalk chalk is taken outside and the sidewalk attacked by family members of all ages! Here is a sample of their work:

Flowers DO bloom in December after a few days of 20-some-odd-degree weather!

 

Layna's chicken eating a carrot. She's  22 and married, by the way.

Loves drawing on the sidewalk with her little sisters.

 

Maddy's (age 7) picture of Elvis, our bull, standing beside the pasture gate.

 

They draw pictures AND games. Hopscotch is their favorite,

but the connect-the-dots-to-make-a-square game also makes for sidewalk fun.

 

Mini Missions #4 & 5 Complete

We did a Mini Mission "Conversation Bite" yesterday and the last one for November today. Cutting it close, yes, but it's hard to have a family breakfast when Alan is usually up and gone before daylight. What's completing the mission mean? 2 free books from Scholastic for the girls!

Here's a picture of yesterday's Mini-Mission #4:

And a picture of today's breakfast...eggs, bacon, toast with jelly, hot tea, & apple juice.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Learning About "Bee Spit" (Honey)

Today we studied about honey bees and how they make honey. Maddy and Kenna love honey and they were all into the process...until they learned that honey was "bee spit". They were a little grossed out, but love honey so much decided that they'd still keep eating it!

There are 3 kinds of honeybees in the hive:  the female worker bees, the male drones, and the queen.

First, a worker bee finds a nectar source then goes back to the hive to tell the other bees where the flowers are. To communicate this information, the little bee will do a dance. The worker bees join in, learning where to fly to find the nectar source.

When the bees find the flowers, they go to work drinking in the nectar. They carry the nectar back to the hive, where they spit it back out into the honeycomb sections. Then they cover it with a special substance to keep it clean.

For the honey for form, 2 things happen:  A bee produces an enzyme that turns the sucrose (a sugar) in the nectar into glucose (an energy source sugar and carbohydrate component) and fructose (another type of simple sugar). Another enzyme produced by the bee turns some of the glucose into an acid and hydrogen peroxide, which kills any bacteria that might get into the honey. The second thing is to get rid of the extra water. Most of the moisture has to be evaporated, then fanning it with their wings.

Honey is a very stable food. One of nature's perfect foods. It naturally resists molds, fungi, and other bacteria. Honey can be stored for years without refrigeration.


Learn more about bees at these websites:

Amazing Bees

Big Oven: A Kid's Guide To Honey

Mini Mission #3 For Month Completed

Mini-Mission "Conversation Bites" #3 done for November. Only two to go.

"Asked and Answered" To Stop Persistent Questions

Love this article! Good advice. Going to begin using "Asked and Answered" to end child nagging.

Teaching Your Child To Tie His/Her Shoes

On teaching a child to tie their shoes. Your local library should have some books that include a lace-up practice page. Or you could try going to this website, How to Teach a 6-Year-Old To Tie Shoes in 5 Minutes for more than one technique.

Around here, cowboy boots are a staple in the shoe collection, which don't have "ties". Many shoes, including tennis shoes, have replaced the usual laces with velcro or the don't-have-to-tie laces. But as Maddy has learned, even if you don't wear shoes that need to be tied, she does need to know how to tie the 2 ties on her Tae Kwon Do jacket. So NOW she is motivated to learn to tie!

Update 11-21-13:  Hey, this works! Maddy has tying her shoes figured out! And she got to tell her Tae Kwon Do instructor that she has met her short-term goal!

Very Short Grammar Lesson

Whether to use "affect" or "effect"...now you know!

The Giant Arrows That Will Point You In The Right Direction

Studying about how mail service has changed since World War I? Check out this website:

http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/11/15/the-forgotten-giant-arrows-that-guide-you-across-america/

Learn about the giant arrows out in the middle of nowhere!

First Christmas Ornaments Made For 2013

Afton came over to visit with the girls and eat lunch with them. She had made little dough gingerbread men ornaments and brought the girls each one to decorate. Here's the results:

Spreading Some Joy

Maddy's "Spread Some Joy" she made for her Daddy to put in his semi.

Facts About Holiday Plants

With the holidays fast approaching, and a facebook post from my cousin who owns a huge plant nursery, I thought I'd look up the truth about holiday plants. After doing my research, this is what I came up with.

My home is now, sadly plant-free because those I had were poisonous if ingested and Kenna would not leave them alone. The plants we had that were not a risk, I managed to kill off one-by-one.

Amaryllis and Daffodils - Poisonous

An amaryllis bulb is a beautiful holiday flower given often as Christmas gifts. Amaryllis, daffodil, and narcissus bulbs can be forced indoors to produce the flowers. Eating the bulbs (and leaves, though they are less toxic) can cause abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, and convulsions. The plants are more likely to be eaten by pets than children, but the alkaloid poison lycorine is considered toxic to humans, too.

Christmas Trees - Depending on the Tree

Cedars, pines, and firs are very mildly toxic. The biggest concern is the possibility of puncturing part of the gastrointestinal tract from eating needles, though the tree oils may cause irritation of the mouth and skin. Toxicity might be affected by whether the tree had been sprayed with a flame retardant. People don't usually eat Christmas trees. Even a dog is unlikely to eat enough of the tree to cause a problem. ---- It's been our experience with 6 kids, that the tree isn't the problem...little hands are more interested in all the pretty lights and ornaments on the tree...and one our daughters left the whole tree alone, opting instead to take all the name tags off the packages under the tree instead. Talk about a confusing mess to fix?  :)

Cyclamen - Poisonous

Cyclamen (Primulaceae) is a flowering plant. Cyclamen tubers contain triterpinoidsaponins, which can cause nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and paralysis. This plant is more of a concern for pets than humans. In fact, some cyclamen cultivars are favored for their delicate flavor and use in tea (but, please, none in my tea).

Holly - Poisonous

A child can eat 1-2 holly berries (Ilex) without harm, but around 20 berries can cause death, so eating holly berries is a serious concern for children and pets. Though the berries are the part that is most commonly eaten, the bark, leaves, and seeds are toxic. The toxin is theobromine, an alkaloid that is related to caffeine and is also found in chocolate (toxic to dogs), but there is much more of the compound in holly berries.

Jerusalem Cherry - Poisonous

The Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) is a species of nightshade that bears poisonous fruit. The primary poison is the alkaloid solanocapsine, which can cause gastric upset and vomiting in people, but generally is not life-threatening. However, the fruits are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and some birds. The fruit resembles a cherry tomato, both in appearance and flavor, so kids and pets may eat enough to cause illness, or in the case of pets, even death.

Mistletoe - Poisonous (I Use a Fake Sprig)

Mistletoe is a name given to several plants, all of which can be dangerous. Phoradendron species contain a toxin called phoratoxin, which can cause blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood pressure changes, and even death. The Viscum species contain a different mix of chemicals, including the poisonous alkaloid tyramine, which produce similar symptoms. All parts of the mistletoe plant are poisonous, though it is the berries that may attract kids. Eating 1-2 berries probably will not cause a problem for a child, but a small pet could be endangered by eating a few leaves or berries. If your child or pet eats mistletoe, it's a good idea to immediately seek medical advice.

Poinsettia - Not as Bad as I Thought

The poinsettia is not something you want to purposely eat, but this Euphorbia is not particularly dangerous. If a few leaves are eaten, you may feel ill or even vomit. Rubbing the sap from the plant into your skin may give you an itchy rash.

20 Animals That You May Not Know Existed

We love animal science! Here's a website that will show you 20 animals that you probably didn't know existed. Although, we must admit, we have seen a Okapi at the St. Louis Zoo. The rest are interesting to say the least,.

http://www.viralnova.com/unique-animals/

Teach Your Children About the Injustices Done To The Native American Nations

On This Day: In 1890 the Pine Ridge Indian Agent wrote to Washington requesting more troops to take care of Lakota Ghost Dancers. In February 1890, the US government broke a Lakota treaty by adjusting the Great Sioux Reservation of South Dakota and breaking it up into five smaller reservations. The government was accommodating white homesteaders from the eastern US; in addition, it intended to "break up tribal relationships" and "conform Indians to the white man's ways, peaceably if they will, or forcibly if they must." The Lakota people turned to the Ghost Dance ritual in response, which frightened the supervising agents of the BIA. As a result, thousands of additional U.S. Army troops were deployed to the reservation. Shortly after, on December 28, the Wounded Knee Massacre took place, in which over 153 Lakota were massacred. (Source not given)

Very sad. I am ashamed of how the U.S. government treated the Indian nations. While not many public schools teach much anymore on the subject of the plight of the Native Americans, this is something we cover in depth during our homeschooling experience. Not just because both Alan and I have Native American blood in our ancestry (as close as great-grandmothers), but because it is one of those terrible injustices that should not be forgotten.

30 Days of Thanksgiving 2013

I will be adding to this post each day as I count down 30 days of Thanksgiving. It will be nice to see my list of things I are grateful for, to have them in front of me as a reminder, but I hope that everyone spends time each and every day giving thanks, not just during the month of November.

Just realized I've been doing this the hard way for readers. Should have been adding the latest to the TOP of the list! Sorry! So, for Day 1 - 9, scroll to the bottom. For Day 10 and after, the newest addition will be right below here.

Day 30:
Thankful for the 32" TV that was just given to Maddy & Kenna. It originally came from my aunt who gave it to my nephew but it was too big for his TV stand, so he has been nice enough to pass it on to the girls. Alan got it all set up for them, and they set up a line of chairs for themselves and their dolls and animals to watch the "theater movie".

Day 29:
Thankful for a "do nothing" kind of day! Life gets so busy sometimes that it seems like we are meeting ourselves coming and going. Today we did not go anywhere, nor did we have much that had to be done. Had a movie marathon with the kids and just enjoyed a slow, relaxed day. 

Day 28:
Thankful for the bounty we had before us today as we celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family at dinner and then with Alan's mom and his sister, Shorty, at supper time.

So very thankful for technology that allowed us to talk with our daughter and granddaughters who live across the country from us, not just on this special day, but every day. We miss them terribly, but so thankful it is so easy to keep in touch and know they are doing fine.

Day 27:
I am thankful that, no matter how many darts of discouragement Satan throws at me, that I have the assurance that God is not only with me, but for me because I know that I am one of His adopted children. Leaning and trusting in God, I can face anything that Satan may send my way. Thankful for God's Plan of Salvation that makes all that possible, even though I fail God every single day. His love carries me through all the difficulties and trials of life.

Day 26:
I am thankful that the sleet did not return from yesterday to cause us from having to cancel our dental appointment today. I thank God that the blizzard we drove into as we enter Newburg, IN, did not continue and greet us with snow after our appointment. Thankful that Layna went with us to the dental appointment today. Very thankful Kenna took her sedation medicine even though I forgot to bring along to bottle of water to wash it down with. And so very thankful that God gave her comfort and allowed the dentist to finally (after several attempts) to get the x-rays done.

Day 25:
So thankful that my kids love school. I hear so many moms talk about how it's such a struggle to get their kids up and to school, how getting homework done is battle, and how much their child hates to read. I thank God every day for instilling in my children a hunger for learning and a love of reading.

Day 24:
Today I am thankful that my husband was able to get my truck started so we could make it to Sunday School.----- I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the team that served a Community Thanksgiving Dinner to around 100 people today, including the deliveries and carry-outs. ----- I was reminded today how blessed we are to have Rachel as our "pastor's wife", who reflects the love of Jesus in her words and actions.

Day 23:
 I am very thankful that God allowed my son-in-law to get his first deer within 15 minutes of being out in his deer stand. Thankful that my dad allowed him to join the guys at the family deer camp. Very thankful he willingly shared his deer with us!

Day 22:
 I cannot thank God enough for the time He has allowed us with our granddaughters this week. We are on Slumber Party #2 during their visit. Out of the 7 days they are here, we have been able to "hog" them to ourselves and hug, kiss, play, feed, and spoil them for 4 of those days. Not nearly enough, but I understand they have had a lot of visiting to do in a short time. Every moment with them is a precious one.

Day 21:
I am thankful to live out in the country, on our own little piece of God's Creation. It's nothing fancy, but it's ours. No elaborate barns, no pretty fences, but some of the most beautiful scenery around. No "important" registration papers, but good, purebred grass-fed, no hormones stock. God has blessed us with the opportunity time and time again to watch the wild ducks, geese, swans, and several variety of storks/herons on our lake. We've witnessed the wonder of an eagle as he dives into the lake for fish or grabbing a duck. We've been blessed with one of only a few places in the state that have the endangered Cricket Frogs thriving. The lake offers a whole other view of God's Creation under the water with the fish, crawdads, frogs, and other life forms that live beneath the water surface. I'm thankful that as a family we can go out at night and share God's Handiwork in the sky. I'm thankful to be raising our family on this little farm, where lessons on the cycle of life are abundant from the little earth worm to our calves...where they can plant veggies and flowers and watch them transform from the seed to the plant to the vegetable/flower...where they can play outside and get dirty and "be a kid"...where they are learning so much about God's Power through country living.

Day 20:
I am thankful to be homeschooling our children. I can not even begin to list all the little things that as a parent we take for granted, but being able to spend the time teaching them, seeing their eyes light up when they get it, watching them take off reading, finding months later that they did retain that interesting fact we found together about an animal or place...priceless. I thank God that my husband is not only supportive of homeschooling (it was his idea) but is an active part of our homeschooling experience. I thank God for the bonds that are growing and yet we can see the individuality and creatively emerging. 

Day 19:

I am so thankful that Ms. Kathy Gill came into our life. When we began going to our new church, we called the office looking for an elderly shut-in from the church for the girls to "adopt". We were given 3 names and the girls chose Ms. Kathy. We'd never met her. The girls sent their first card introduced themselves...it was a friendship spanning generations right from the start. At the beginning I thought it was a good project for the girls to do to help someone else. It has ended (Ms. Kathy died Saturday) with her being a tremendous encouragement and help to my girls.

We just got back from the visitation for Ms. Kathy. I didn't plan on staying long because, well, I don't do funerals well. But what happened once we got there, I was not prepared for. The girls and I have been talking about Ms. Kathy's death. We talked about this visitation, and Maddy really wanted to go "after we go find her one more gift." I took them shopping, and although I tried to steer them toward others things, they bought a ceramic cross that says "God is Love" and a small picture frame that says "Family" on it. We picked out a special sympathy card, and like all their cards to her before, they dictated to me what they wanted to say. We took the card and these "special gifts" and went to visitation...

We got up to the casket and Maddy and Kenna stood looking at Ms. Kathy and talked about how she didn't hurt anymore. Maddy said, "She doesn't have to walk on one foot now." (she remembered Ms. Kathy having a cast on her foot during one of our visits). Comments like "She doesn't have that bump on her back like Igor anymore either, Mom, she can walk up straight because Jesus gave her a new body..." Then, Kenna teared up, laid down on the floor in front of the casket and just cried her little eyes out because, "I didn't want Ms. Kathy to die! Now we don't have anyone special to adopt!"

Thank You, God, for instilling in my girls a compassionate heart, overflowing with love to share. It broke my heart seeing Kenna so distraught, but I would not have wanted her to miss the friendship she developed with Ms. Kathy. On the way home we talked about how full of jewels Ms. Kathy's crown that Jesus gave her must be. And how right now, she's talking to Jesus just like we were talking to each other.

Ms. Kathy, you told me over and over again what a blessing it was for the girls to come into your life. You gave them gifts far beyond the coloring books and crayons, the candy, etc. I can not thank YOU enough for all the blessings you have been to us. It has been a real pleasure to have known you for what has been a relatively short time during your life, but you have been such a positive influence on me and my girls. Thank you. You are all ready missed very much!

Not sure we will immediately "adopt" another elderly shut-in from our church, or if we will take some time. I think we will let Kenna take the lead and when she's ready, we'll do it again. Some of life's greatest pleasures also hurt the most once ended. But don't let that stop you from stepping out there and reaching for those special moments. Well worth it!

Day 18:
So thankful for the time I was allowed to spend with my visiting granddaughters today! Our slumber party last night went great and today was full of blue pancakes, a royal tea luncheon, a dance party, lots of games, and some art time.

Day 17:
I am thankful to whomever thought up the concept of slumber parties! Maddy, Kenna, Sephie, and Pandy are having the first of two slumber parties this week.

Day 16:
Thank You, God, for getting my daughter's family home for a visit all safe and sound. I'm thankful that the girls were not too carsick (Pandy had one episode). I'm thankful that while Appa (their dog) also was carsick, a Dramamine hid in a tator tot ended that, too.

Day 15:
I am thankful that God has watched over my husband while he works hard for his family out over the road. He's been driving a truck for a 20 years, with a few years in-between when he worked as an underground coal miner (which I am very thankful God kept him safe throughout his time underground). Alan has seen so many horrific wrecks (would never let the girls drive what he calls "cracker box" cars. He's had many "too close for comfort" calls. And I can remember 2 times when he called, terribly upset and ready for me to come and get him right then, because once a woman with a carload of kids waited until he was a car-length to pull out in front of him on a highway and then immediately stopped to make a right-hand turn and he just knew he was going to kill a carload of children - but God got that loaded truck stopped - how we'll never know because it should not have been humanly possible. The 2nd time he was close to home, in Carrier Mills, coming down the highway and said there were 3 little kids all under 4 he guessed, playing out playing ball in front of a house and there were no adults in sight. He said the speed limit was 35 but he slowed to a mere crawl because of those little kids. He told me, with a still-shaking voice that as he drove past the house he was watching he kids in his left-side mirror when something caught his attention in the mirror on the driver's side...the ball coming out from under the truck. He said he slammed on the brakes because he was afraid that one of those kids had went after the ball. In a semi, with a loaded trailer, had it run over one of those precious little ones, he probably would not even have felt a bump. Luckily, there was no one in front of him, and after frantically looking, finally saw that all the kids were still in yard, just not in his mirror's view. I've never forget him telling me on the phone when he pulled over on up the road, that if he had hit one of those kids, he'd have left it right there and never set foot in a semi again.

Thank You, God, for watching over Alan in the past, today, and in the future when he is away from home. Thank You that, after over logging a million miles, he has never been involved in a wreck. Thank You for Your Hand in some close calls. Thank You for bringing him back home to us safely trip after trip.

Day 14:
Today I am very thankful for the girls' Tae Kwon Do instructors. They are so patient with all the kids and I can see, not just my children, but the whole classes gaining confidence and skill under Mr. Bethel, Mr. Bradley, and Ms. Megan's guidance.

Day 13:
I am thankful to live in a country where I can easily buy a new Holy Bible when I wear mine out. Something that we take for granted. My fourth Bible is literally falling apart. In many parts of the world buying a copy of The Holy Bible is not an option and owning a copy of God's Word can land you in jail or cost you your life. I thank God that He allowed me to be born and raised here in the U.S.A. I'm thankful that I can stop by several stores or even order a Bible online. Also thanking God for options...Thankful that God gave the Chinese and Koreans the knowledge to invent printed books centuries before Johannes Gutenberg invented a printing press process...Thankful that God gave Gutenburg the ability to invent a machine that allowed for mass production (1440, in Germany) that allowed mass publishing of books. Gutenburg, in 1455, produced about 200 copies of the Bible.


Oh, and please don't think that my fourth Bible is wearing out because I am such a great Christian. I'm far from it. I fail my Lord every single day. My four Bibles have all worn out (my first one given to me when I was 8) because I am just a human being and even though I am a Child of God, I still sin and must ask forgiveness, and am constantly going to God's Word for guidance, comfort, peace, and to continue to grow closer to God.

Day 12 (Incidentally, today is 11-12-13 if you hadn't noticed)
I am  so very thankful for all my Prayer Warriors who rally any time I personally need prayer or I request prayers be sent up for someone else. I thank God for each and every one of you who, don't just send up a quick prayer on my behalf, but "pray without ceasing". You many not even know the person or their circumstances, but you know that God knows all about it and will faithfully add my request to your probably-all-ready-long prayer list. I am so glad that God has sent people like you into my life. It brings comfort and peace to know that so many care enough to talk to God on my behalf. Thank you, my friends and family, for covering me and those I care about with your prayers.

Day 11:
I am so very thankful for all the veterans who have sacrificed so much to be part of America's military forces and work so hard to defend our country. My husband was a National Guardsman for 6 years. We were fortunate enough that during his time, he was never called into active duty, but even just the monthly weekend training and the 2-week annual training was hard to deal with sometimes. He employer at the time didn't want to give him the time off (that's why he didn't re-up).

Our oldest daughter turned 2 while he was gone to basic training and when Alan returned 4 months later, she stopped cold as she ran to meet her Daddy...with his crew cut hair and training bulking him up, she didn't recognize him. She kept looking at him with a "I know that voice" look but wouldn't let him near her for the first 24 hours he was home, until she was totally convinced this guy really was her Daddy.

Our second daughter had just been born in December and Alan left for basic in January. At 8 weeks old, while he was still gone, she had pneumonia and was in the hospital. Later, when she turned 3 this same little girl decided that she was not going to go to sleep until her Daddy got home to kiss her goodnight...it was very hard to explain to her that her Daddy was going to be gone for 2 weeks.

One year, the company was hit by lightening. Some died and many were hospitalized. The story hit the news before Alan got a chance to call home and let us know he was OK. The waiting was agonizing.

I can not possibly begin to imagine what the families of those who are off on active duty for not just weeks, but months and even years at a time, go through. I'm sure new technology helps them keep in touch, but talking across the miles is not the same as being there.

I salute all those men and women who are currently fighting on my family's behalf. I honor all those who have fallen in the line of duty down through the years. I thank all of you for the part you have/had in keeping America a country where I am free to express 30 Days of Thanksgiving publicly on the internet. I thank you for fighting to keep America free.

And I am thankful that God watches and protects you while you are giving up so much of your own life to be part of the  military. I can't explain why some are killed, why some are terribly crippled up and disfigured, and why some are able to return home without a scratch. But I do know that God is in control and He has a Plan all worked out. Don't get discouraged. Don't give up. Don't forget that God loves you. And many, like my family, appreciate all you have done/are doing for us. We will never forget you. Happy Veteran's Day!

Day 10:
I thank God for our pastor. He is a wonderful spokesman for God, preaching straight from the Holy Bible. He teaches, he reminds me of things I already know but sometimes forget during times I allow Satan to discourage me, he encourages me, and he challenges me to step out of my "comfort zone" to serve the Lord. I can see God working within our church as Bro. Derek has encouraged us to be a church "outside the building". I can feel God working within me as I strive to live a more Christ-like walk under Bro. Derek's direction and as I look for opportunities to minister to others. I am also thankful for Bro. Derek's family, who graciously share him with our church family.

__________________________________________________________________________

Day 1:
I am so thankful that I serve a Living God who loves me so much that He sent His one and only Son to this earth in human form...and that Jesus also loves me enough, that though sinless Himself, He was willing to suffer and die on that cross to pay the ransom for my sins.

I truly believe that when we put God first in our lives, above all else, then everything else will fall into it's proper place on our list of priorities

Day 2:

I so glad my husband, Alan, came (er, fell - OK, was given a push) into my life 35 1/2 years ago. He is my high school sweetheart, my best friend, my soul mate. He understands me, puts up with me, supports me, is my biggest fan. My Grandpa Cowsert told me as he walked through our wedding reception line, "It's a good thing you married him or else I would have had to adopt him." My Grandma Cowsert told me on more than one occasion, "You be good to Alan cause that boy worships you." And I adore him!

I'm happy to report that he's still the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Love you forever and a day, Alan!

Day 3:

I am so thankful that God blessed Alan and I with such beautiful, smart daughters. They have added so much to our lives. We haven't been perfect parents, but we do as we think best and I they each know Alan and I love them with our very heart and souls. They are ALL our favorites!

Alisha married a wonderful guy in Preston in a memorable medieval wedding ceremony. They have given us two very special granddaughters, Sephie and Pandy. We miss them all being so far away, but they are doing great and love North Carolina.

Ashley may have taken a path that we didn't expect in life, and she has made some very bad choices, which in turn has forced us to make some very hard decisions concerning her. We have never stopped loving her and pray everyday that she will one day she will get her life back on the right path. Until then we ask God to watch over and protect her. Part of today's thanks go to God for giving us the assurance that in all things He works for the good of those who love Him. Through Ashley, Maddy and Kenna came into our lives, first as granddaughters and now, according to God's Plan, our daughters.

Alayna married a great guy, Aaron. Alan and Alayna are working on turning him into a farmer. They live close by so we get to see a lot of them.

Afton lives close by, too. We've known her boyfriend, J.J., since he was just little kid. We see them often, too.

Our favorite quote is "There are two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings." (by Hodding Carter, Jr.) God blessed us with a houseful of girls and life has never been boring around here. I may be wrong, but I believe that Alan and I have instilled in our children a strong set of roots and have also taught them to spread their wings and not be afraid to follow their dreams. Thank you, God, for guiding us as we raised/continue to raise our children. If they have taken nothing else from all we have taught them, may it be that the only important thing in life is their personal relationship with You.

Thank You, God, again for my children and granddaughters!

Day 4:

Thankful that God made me a descendant of Dawsey and Idabell Cowsert. They both taught me so much. Grandpa taught me to love the farm, about "Gunsmoke" (the only TV show besides the news I remember him watching), about working hard, and about politics (yes, I think you could describe him as a radical Republican). Grandma taught me all about faith, how to make fried biscuits (and lots of other things), showed me that even doing laundry with a wringer washer could be a joy. I never heard either of them say anything negative about anyone. I never heard them argue. They taught me to be a good neighbor and help others. It was obvious that they loved each other very much and God allowed them to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary before calling my Grandpa home a few months later. I'm thankful I got to spend so much time with Grandma and Grandpa. They set a wonderful example for their family in everything they did. Miss you both, but am so thankful that I know that when God calls me Home, that you two will be there waiting for to greet me!

Day 5:
I am thankful that God chose Tom and Brenda as my parents, to be part of a family with 2 sisters. God originally sent my parents to Washington, D.C., where my Daddy worked in the fingerprint department at the F.B.I. I am so very thankful that God also brought them back home when I was around 4. Can't imagine the difference in my life had we remained in D.C.!  My parents have taken my older kids with them on vacation, have always had all the kids over for overnight visits, and love spending time with them. I am thankful for their willingness to spend quality time - and have fun - with our children because I know many grandparents don't.

Day 6:
Thankful for my  2 sisters, Charlotte and Michele. Charlotte is married to a guy I went to high school with, Mike and they have two children:  Paige (married to Chad, daughter Lily) and Jared. Michele is married to a fella I don't know very well, but hope to get to know better. Michele has two kids, too: Shayna (daughter Keighan) and Tristan (son Easton). I don't get to see my sisters and their families nearly enough. We don't always agree on things, but I hope they know that I love them and that I'd do anything I could to help them if/when they need me.

Day 7:
I thank God for supplying all our needs. I hope that Alan and I have instilled in our children that there is a big difference in needs and wants, and that there is also a big difference in some things that the world deems as necessary, as a "need", that really fall under the "want" column. The extra things, the luxuries so to speak, of life are nice, but we can't place too much emphasis on them. Especially when our desire for such things or having such things interferes without our relationship with God. Having nice things and all the "toys" are not wrong. Allowing them to keep us from focusing on our relationship with God or putting them before others is wrong.

Day 8:
I am so thankful for all the people that God has placed in my life. Some have remained distant and some have become close to my heart. Many have came and went, each leaving a distinct imprint on me - whether it be good or bad, I learned something from each of them. I am so blessed to have friends from "way back when" I was in school that still keep in touch. I am blessed to have a supportive church family. I have discovered some distant Sisney relatives, many of whom even though we have never yet met, have become good friends. And I hope to cross paths with many more people throughout my life. I just hope that I can be as much as a blessing to all of those whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know as they have been to me.

Day 9:
I am so very thankful for the beautiful fall days like today! Perfect weather to spend outdoors and the perfect night for a campfire and hayride (which we did). 

A Must-Read Blog by Stephanie Metz

Here is blog that, whether you homeschool your children or not, EVERY parent should read. This lady has blogged everything that I have been thinking for a few years now. And it's not just parents that are, in the long run, going to hurt their children's ability to cope in the real world. The schools are pushing things too far, as well as the government, in their efforts to "help" children. Instead of sheltering them and teaching them to deal with failure (which, I believe that without a child never succeeds because they need to learn from their mistakes).

I realize that it's much easier to enforce a dress code than to teach students to dress modestly. I realize that it's easier to ban toy guns from school than to teach respect for the real thing, but when schools start expelling students for picking up a stick to use to play cowboy out on the playground or eating their Pop-Tart in a manner that leaves a gun-shaped piece of food, enough is enough. What happened to encouraging kids to entertain themselves, that "you don't have to have all the new toys to have fun - make your own"? Did no think that for a child to "eat" his Pop-Tart into a gun shape was not pretty creative? After all, there ARE still gun cookie cutters out there for the now rare cowboy-themed birthday parties.

There are so many things wrong with the way the world's way of thinking regarding children, that I could rant on here for days. But The Metz family has gotten their life in perspective. Stephanie Metz's blogs are refreshingly blunt and to the point but also carry so much truth in them. Read for yourself...

The Metz Family: Why My Kids Are NOT the Center of My World

"Vampire" Animals & "Costumed Bugs"

For a Halloween animal science lesson about 5 blood-thirsty animals, go to this website:

http://www.thefeaturedcreature.com/2010/11/bloodthirsty-beasts-5-animals-that-vant.html?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer57a3d&utm_medium=facebook

Here's another that highlights "costumed" bugs!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=552250234840590&set=a.171333629598921.42649.108885039177114&type=1&theater

Encouraging Others and Finished Mini Mission #4

Earlier this week, we joined a Facebook group started by a family friend. She described the group this way: "This is a place where people can come if they know of someone who has a need that can be helped by showing a little kindness, perhaps sending a card to let them know someone truly cares about them. In return, they will receive "Happy Mail!", be it a card, a small gift, or a hand-written letter. So, I suppose the purpose of this group is two-fold. First, you can come here if you know of someone with a need, and secondly, if you are wanting to be that special person to someone by sending them a card or letter, etc., then this is where you can come to serve others! So, please, all members feel free to post of a need, and I have the settings set where you can add others to the group also. Just a little way to give back to the world in which we live! Thank you so much to all who participate."

The girls and I decided to join this very worthwhile ministry, and today - a rainy Halloween day - made 4 cards that we will mail to 4 complete strangers. Maddy and Kenna made a card for Austin (8 years old, has cancer), Carly (20 years old and has a severe illness - she lives in Canada), Brittany (has surgery coming up next month), and one to "Any Hero" which will go to a soldier whom doesn't receive much mail.

I am looking forward to using this simple ministry to help my children learn more about compassion and serving others. It doesn't take a lot of money to be an encouragement to someone else! Their cards will hopefully bring some sunshine into the recipients life and put a smile on their face.

The Cards Maddy & Kenna Made Today

Their project today also allowed them to finish their Mini Mission #4!

Mini-Wheats Mini Missions #2 and #3 Submitted

My phone suddenly wouldn't allow me to send pictures from my phone to my computer. Finally, I just took the battery out and let it sit for a few minutes then put it back together. It worked. Never did figure out what I accidently hit that turned off the ability to send pictures! But just in time because we needed to get our Kellogg's Mini-Wheats Mini Missions submitted. Finished!

October Creative Moment #2: 

October Creative Moment #3: