Zhu Zhu Pet Winner

Congratulations to Carla for winning the Zhu Zhu pet giveaway. Thanks to everyone who entered!

MFW Kindergarten: N for Nest

We had another fun week with MFW Kindergarten, studying the letter n sound and nests.

We made the letter n out of play-doh,

and made a nest mobile complete with cute birds covered in feathers and sparkle embellished eggs.

We played an animal homes matching game,

and read these books.

We of course searched for real nests and found one in our front bushes, (no eggs unfortunately) and picked up sticks, pebbles and other items to make our own nest.  It was another great week of learning and together time for me and ds4.  :)

The Cough

I’ve had this stupid cough for over a week now.  It has gone from productive to just annoying.  I have the worst tickle in my throat and have to force myself to stop coughing so I won’t get sick.  I wake up several times in the night which of course wakes poor dh up as well.  Even the cats won’t sleep with me lol.  Well, actually dear Mimi slept on my pillow for the first time in weeks…didn’t have the heart to tell her that breathing cat fur all night wasn’t really helpful. ;)  I reek of Halls and Vicks Vapor Rub, neither of which has any effect.  I drink so much water I could float a boat.  Last night it got so bad I had to stop talking!  Poor dh worries that I have the swine (there are several bad cases at the hospital where he works) but I know I don’t.  I’ve had asthma all my life and since no one else in the house is sick, I know this is just something I have to deal with.  I am extremely grateful that no one else is sick and that it is, after all, just a cough.  Just a small inconvenience in my life.  That I am ready to be rid of.  Thank you very much.  End of rant.  If you made it this far, please reward yourself by entering my Zhu Zhu pet giveaway.  It’s the least I can do.

Cats On Tuesday: Academic Edition

The paper is due WHEN?

Winnie, you better get to work and stop laying around. ;)  Head over to Gattina’s to see more kitty fun.

Product Review and Giveaway: Zhu Zhu Pets

Okay, here is that review and giveaway I promised.  Thanks to the wonderful people at MomSelect, my boys were able to try out a cute new toy this week…Zhu Zhu pets.  They are adorable little battery operated hamsters that have the coolest “habitat” to play in.  Check it out.

First, a little bit of honesty.  This is what my living room looked like after the box was opened and all the pieces of the habitat were assembled.  Yikes!  Assembly is not hard (once you understand what a U connector is lol) but it did take awhile to put together all the cool pieces and my legs fell asleep several times.  Just keeping it real. ;)

Here is the main section of the habitat, the kitchen/bedroom.  From this section you can connect tunnels that lead to really fun things for your hamster to play with.

Here is said hamster.  Is that not cute or what?  His little pink nose there has a sensor that lets him know where he is in the habitat so he will perform certain acts in certain places.  For instance, when he first enters the main habitat you hear a doorbell…when he enters the “sleep chamber” he snores.  Not to get graphic or anything, but there is the hamster’s, uh, undercarriage maybe?  Anyway, he rolls happily along, making the sweetest little chirps and beeps and hamster noises. 

Here he is going down his slide.

Oh yeah, you aren’t seeing things, that is the pet’s exercise ball.  What a hoot watching it roll all around your home.

I think this is my favorite part.  The habitat has a car and garage attachment.  The pet rolls down the tube, into the car (you hear “beep beep” and an engine starting) then the pet “drives” the car out of the garage doors and all over the place.  It is a-dor-a-ble.

If you go to the Zhu Zhu pets website you can see them live in action.  Because when I tried to upload a video there were lots of red x’s and warning boxes and I got scared and quit…so I’m leaving it to the professionals.  :)

Here is my review.  This is a cute toy and a neat new idea.  A wonderful way to satisfy a little one’s desire for a hamster without having to actually feed, clean up after and eventually dispose of a real pet.  They work really well and stood up to my boys so that’s saying something there. ;)  The entire habitat does take up quite a bit of room so be aware of that.  Just how much did my boys enjoy the pets?  When they walked in the door from our trip to Disney both of them ran straight for the habitat and started playing with the Zhu Zhus.  I think that warrants a positive review.

Now for the fun part!  I get to give away one hamster and one slide/ramp.  I keep my giveaways simple.  Just leave me a comment and make sure I have a way to contact you.  This giveaway will run from Aug 25 to Sunday Aug 30th.  I will announce the winner on Monday Aug 31st.  Good luck!

What’s On My Nightstand August Edition

I can’t remember the last time I participated in this monthly carnival from 5 Minutes For Books!  The reading bug has hit me hard lately and I am glad for it.  I love to read, but there are times when I’m just not in the mood for some reason.  I’m happy that the mood has returned.  :)  I made a trip to the library and saw that they have tons of new books…really new ones, too!  Here is what I picked up.

The Touch by Colleen McCullough (not new, but new to me)
Resilience by Elizabeth Edwards
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (which just so happens to be 5 Minutes for Books’ book club pick this month)
Eat Carbs, Lose Weight by Denise Austin

Thrown in there, too, are a couple of exercise dvd’s and an art book for ds4.  I look forward to seeing everyone’s nightstand picks this month, I have to keep the reading bug well fed lol. 

Coming Attractions

I’ve been out of the loop lately with our last minute trip to Disney, ds2 starting high school, and me coming down with a nasty cough.  I have been having a hard time keeping up with the memes and weekly carnivals that I so love…I’m not trying to ignore any of them, believe me!  I am so hoping that things will start to get back to normal around here (or we will at least develop a new normal ;)) and I will be the meme queen once again.  Until then, here is a little something for you to look forward to…I will soon be posting a review of a new toy and a giveaway for said toy!  So stay tuned. 

School Photos: Alternative Ending

Here are the photos that didn’t make the cut for our “official” school portraits this year.

Ds4 at the Living Seas saying, “Look I can talk fish!”

Ds3 on the Backlot Tour ride.

Some crazy woman who let her 4yo have the camera.

School Photos

We were out of town this week so I’m late with this one.  That’s okay, as I was able to get “school photos” of the boys…at Disney World!

Reese, known here as ds4.  He is 4yo and will be doing My Father’s World Kindergarten this year.  He is my sensitive sweetie, who loves to act big like his brothers but still tells me he loves me several times a day. :)

Andy, known here as ds3.  He is 8yo and starting 3rd grade this year.  He is truly one of a kind.  He loves Webkinz and Legos and wanted me to state for the record that he hates school.  ;)

Alex, known here as ds2.  He is actually starting his freshman year at the public high school.  He is a computer whiz, an artist extraordinaire, and an all around great kid.  I will miss him!

Me!  Julie, known here as mom.  I am in love with that man standing next to me btw. 

So there you go!  The crew is all ready so let’s start the show!

Book Review: Daniel X Watch The Skies

When MotherTalk contacted me about doing a review and being part of a blog tour for the new Daniel X book I jumped at the chance!  Ds2 read the first Daniel X book last year and loved it…and I am all for getting a teenaged boy to read lol.  This time I read the book as well and since I finished first I get to do the review. :)

First off, the Daniel X series of books is James Patterson’s attempt at drawing in the teenage male reading audience.  I think he accomplishes this task quite well with an alien chasing teenager as the main character, short and to the point chapters, and plenty of references for the young readers to relate to.  Even I enjoyed the quick read, but mostly because it gave me something other than video games to discuss with ds.  ;)  Also, the book stands alone quite well, as I didn’t read the first and still caught on to things pretty quickly.

Okay, a heads up to fellow homeschoolers, this book does have a homeschooled character who does not present homeschooling in a very good light.  She complains of being forced to read boring books and of having no friends or social life.  Typical approach the mainstream loves to take, just focus on the hot topic everyone associates with homeschooling and don’t do any actual research into the real thing.  That said, I wouldn’t avoid this book just because of this breach; it is mentioned only in passing and in a joking manner.  Hey, if we can’t have a little laugh at ourselves then it becomes our problem, not theirs.  It didn’t seem to offend ds so I’m not making a big deal about it.

While there are tons of references to current events to occupy the young reader (ipod, American Idol) I particularly enjoyed when Daniel’s mom called the school to report he would be absent for the day.  The school was saying if he wasn’t ill and didn’t have a doctor’s note the absence would not be excused and accused her of being irresponsible.  She went off on them!  Loved it!  It felt like something I would (well actually have) done myself.  It really galls me when the school tries to take over our kids like they own them.  Sorry, personal rant over lol.

This book is full of things that attract a young male reader, from smelly aliens, gross creatures (like when Daniel turned himself into an elephant that could shoot spider web out of his behind) and even a bit of a love interest for Daniel.  Not to worry, that part stays quite clean and innocent, but if exposing your teen to violence worries you you may want to skip this one.   While Daniel and his crew make a point to use their keen wits and admirable smarts (at one point in school Daniel even has a little rant about young people not appreciating the educational opportunities they have) to handle the bad guys, the bad guys do indeed use other weapons and do indeed kill.

All in all I believe Mr. Patterson has written a book with subject matter and form that does indeed appeal to the pre-teen and young teen audience.  I know my ds liked it and it got him reading (and discussing!) and that’s good enough for me. :)  Thanks again to MotherTalk for the opportunity!

Outdoor Hour Challenge: Backyard Birds

Yea!  We are back to weekly nature studies!  The boys and I both really enjoy this part of our homeschooling.  I decided to start our studies with backyard birds, to tie in to our animal classification studies in science.  For the first week we covered red birds.

Here is ds3’s nature journal with pics he colored of a robin and a cardinal.

On our nature walk we were lucky enough to spot a cardinal!  When we go on these walks the boys typically talk my ears off and jump from subject to subject.  Today I made them all walk in silence to listen for bird calls.  Then we stopped and stood under this tree and just looked and waited and the cardinal showed up.  :)

It was quite hot so we took a short walk.  Ds2 was able to join us as his high school doesn’t start until the 24th.  I tell ‘ya, I’m going to miss that boy.  Next week?  Blue birds!  Join in on the Outdoor Challenge Hour fun at Barbara’s Handbook Of Nature Study.

Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Oh my.  I finished this book in 3 days.  It

is truly a delight!  It’s been a while since I’ve come across a book so fresh, sweet, endearing and just plain fun to read.  It is written in the form of letters and telegrams to and from and about the various lovable characters.  It’s a story of war, loss, pain, friendship and love.  It is tragic and humorous at the same time.  It’s plot is presented so gently and yet still you will be turning those pages to discover the ending.  You will love getting to know these characters and be yearning for more.  I highly highly recommend this one!  This is just my humble opinion, I borrowed the book from the library (although I would gladly pay to have it in my personal collection) and simply like to share my thoughts.  Or like to share my simple thoughts.  Or thought it would be simple to share.  Hmmm.  Just read the book. :)

Simply Made Sunday: Applesauce

Sorry I don’t have any pics for this one, ds1 took my camera with him to the beach the day we did this.

Ds4 is using MFW Kindergarten this year and this week’s lesson was A for Apple.  We taste tested and compared several varieties of apples and then made applesauce!  I just cut each apple (there were about 5 of them) into chunks and put them in a bowl.  While cutting you can take the time to show the little star or flower pattern in the core and count the seeds with your little one.  Put about 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Add apple chunks and return to a boil.  Then lower heat and simmer about 25 minutes.  Add sugar to taste (we had such a wide variety of apples that ours was pretty sweet by itself)  and mash it all up!  This was so good warm, and I think would taste great with some ice cream on top.  Yummy and easy.

I’m including another recipe, this one from the Year of Slow Cooking website.  I made this one last year and it was super good!

This makes enough for 4 people. If you would like to freeze or can, use more apples.
--4 large apples, skinned ,cored, and cut in quarters
--juice from 1 lemon
--1/2 tsp cinnamon
--1 tsp vanilla
--1 T brown sugar
--1/4 cup H20
The Directions.
I used a 4 quart crockpot for the applesauce.
Skin, core, and cut your apples into quarters. Plop the pieces into your crockpot. Add the juice from the lemon, and the water. Pour in the vanilla (I used imitation--we were out of the good stuff), and add the cinnamon and brown sugar.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. When the apples are super tender, mash with a potato masher or large fork. My apples were very tender after 6 hours, and I used a fork.

Applesauce is an easy and fun kitchen project to do with your kiddos.  :)  Head over to Susana’s for more fun ideas.

Well It’s About Time!

I was wondering why they were so late to the party!  Hurricane season is almost over for goodness sakes, and we take down the balloons and party decorations pretty soon. ;)  Guess they just wanted to come as a group…shy things those tropical disturbances.

And The Winners Are…

Thanks to all who entered my little giveaway in connection with Jolanthe’s Curriculum Cleanout.  It was fun, wasn’t it?

Holly K won the Natural Speller book

Tzel won the software.

I have emailed you both!  Thanks again for stopping by. :)

Homeschool Kindergarten: A for Apple

We officially started our new homeschool year this week.  Here is a look back.

Ds4 actually restarted his schooling as we began his MFW Kindergarten a few months ago.  We picked up with lesson 4, A for Apple.  I bought several different varieties of apples and we had a testing and comparing session, followed by making applesauce.  Sorry no pics for the first day, ds1 had my camera. :)

Oh, someone got a haircut!  Here is ds working on his cut and paste page…he says pasting is his favorite.

Here he is with his completed apple badge.  It was his idea to add the green chenille stem and dinosaur stickers for decoration.  (Gee, do you think this kid likes SpongeBob? Oh I wish I could wear my pj’s all day!) 

This was my favorite part of the week’s lessons…we traced ds’s forearm and hand on a brown paper bag for tree roots and trunk.  Then we glued on some green paper on top for leaves and ds finger-painted red apples.  Too cute and such fun.  This is what I really love about the MFW program…it’s very hands on for both of us, not just lessons he does by himself or worksheets I hand out.

This is the book we used.  Very cute and a great mix of story and info about apples.

I have both boys work on the same theme for science, history and geography.  This week we tackled animal classification, Indians of the Northwest and the oceans, continents and maps.

  They made totem poles!  Ds4 opted for cute kitties and puppies on his. :)  It was a fun and successful first week back. 

Homeschool Planner

This is my favorite lesson planbook.  I have used this type for 8 of the 11 years we have been schooling.  I made a few adjustments this year and thought I would share.

I stapled a folder to the cover, to fit on the inside.

In this folder I can keep the worksheets and other papers we will need for the current week and following week.  Oh what a help this has been!  Not having to go searching for papers…they are right there with the plans.

I have always liked how this planner has big boxes to write in…I like to get detailed with my lesson notes as I write them several weeks ahead of time and sometimes forget the specifics. :)  When we have completed a lesson I highlight it and write any grades in red so I can go back later and enter them in some homeschool software.  It all folds up quite neatly and I think will work well for me this year.

My Cats Love Me (I Think)

A present left on my doorstep.  In the cat world, this translates roughly into “I thought of you today.  Thanks for all you do.”  At least that’s what I tell myself. :)

Cats On Tuesday: Completely Random

I don’t have a “theme” for today’s cat post, I’m just picking some pics I have sitting around the computer. :)

These two look like they’ve been caught doing something lol.  That’s ds3 and Katy playing with legos.

Winnie and Mimi are best buds.  Here they are playing in the yard.

What you looking at?

Isn’t this precious?  Most of the time Mimi licks Winnie (I think she would have made a great mommy cat) but this time Winnie is dispensing the love.  Do cats do this because of love, or are they telling the other cat she stinks?  Either way it’s too cute.

Whew, Winnie gets a little rough sometimes!

Now she’s a clean, happy kitty.

Happy Tuesday Cat Lovers!  Head over to Gattina’s blog to see more precious kitties. :)