Enter your email address to receive free updates:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Follow us:
facebook twitter gplus pinterest rss

Friday, March 27, 2015

Spring Printables for Preschool - 1st Grade

I decided to try my hand at making a cute printable worksheet for Jay. This one is a Springtime Addition Worksheet. She is in Kindergarten, but I would say that it would be suitable for any child in Preschool - 1st grade. If you have a child that age, click on the picture, print it out, and have your child give it a try. I would love to know what you think about it. I'm also going to link to some other printable pages for Spring/Easter that I think you will like.

Springtime Addition Worksheet




Springtime Addition Worksheet for Kindergarten


Easter Kindergarten Math Pack by The Multi Taskin' Mom
Easter Printable by Embark on the Journey
Spring Bingo by dltk
Days of the Week about The Hungry Catepillar by first-school

If you find any resources that you love, please let me know!

To print my Color and Read Mini Book click here.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Our Visit to the Pre-K Class

Remember our Surprise Bunnies? If not, click here to read about them. They went for their first visit to the Pre-K class the other day. The kids (and adults) enjoyed learning about rabbits and getting to hold and/or pet them. Aren't they adorable!?!



Baby Rabbits sitting in a box with hay







Simple Eggplant Lasagna Recipe

Every week I try at least one new recipe. Lately, they have all been gluten free and low carb. Last week, I posted a recipe for Cauliflower Crust Pizza. This week's recipe is for Eggplant Lasagna. Robyn at addapinch.com made it look so good, I thought I would try it, too! We are a family of very simple tastes so I adjusted the recipe to suit us.


This is how I made my Simple Eggplant Lasagna.

Simple Eggplant Lasagna
Simple Eggplant Lasagna




Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Milk Jug Bird Feeder Photos

The birds are loving their Milk Jug Bird Feeder!


Kat took some awesome pics today of the birds using the Milk Jug Bird Feeder that CJ made. To learn how he made it, click here.


Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder
Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder

Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder
Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder

Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder
Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder

Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder
Black-Capped Chickadee at Milk Jug Bird Feeder

Monday, March 23, 2015

How We Built Our Rabbit Cages

When we first got rabbits, my husband built the Fort Knox of rabbit cages for them. We were able to acquire wooden forms from a local factory and added wood to finish the frame and hardware cloth to the front and bottom. We did not take into account how hard it would be for us to get them out to breed. It was also difficult to clean because half of the floor was wood. Guess which half they liked to poop and pee on? These new ones have an all wire floor. I'm VERY excited about that! (I was the one who had to clean the other cages.) I'm not going to give measurements or a materials list, but I thought I would show you the process of how we built the cages. If you want measurements and a materials list, comment below and I will do my best to give them to you.

Our Rabbit Cage Build Project



Finished Rabbit Cage with Rabbit Inside


Sunday, March 22, 2015

My Life Planner

I don't know about you, but I have a busy life. I homeschool my 3 children with an 11 month old daughter crawling around, I work part-time as a Children's Librarian, I blog, I have chicks, chickens, and rabbits to care for, groceries to buy, a house to keep clean, meals to prepare, and it feels like the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong! I asked for this life. And I absolutely LOVE it! However, I, like so many others, need a little help in the organizing/planning department. I'm thinking about purchasing the Well Planned Day Planner. Until I do, though, I made my own. I thought I would share it with you, along with a few links, so that you can make one, too.

This is how I made My Life Planner.



Example of My Life Planner
My Life Planner




Thursday, March 19, 2015

Printable Paper Dolls

Jay is 6 years old now and I would love to introduce her to the world of Paper Dolls. She has such a great imagination that I know she will really enjoy this project. I found some free printable paper dolls with dresses that I think are adorable. Some are vintage. Some are more modern. I hope you enjoy, too!


Printable Paper Dolls




http://tpettit.best.vwh.net/dolls/pd_scans/mystery/mystery_card150.jpg
Vintage Printable Paper Dolls



Welcome Princess Merida to the "Retro Paper Doll Collection!" I can't wait for "Brave!" It looks like an awesome movie with a wonderful, strong heroine. And she has awesome hair! Merida does not se...
Princess Merida Printable Paper Doll





How fun would it be to make paper dolls with the girls to play with?
Color and Cut Printable Paper Doll



For more printables, visit my Pinterest board Printable Paper Dolls!




Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

A few months ago, we found out that the hubby and CJ are sensitive to gluten, which is in anything made with wheat, rye, and barley. Since then, they have been doing their best to be gluten-free. There are so many foods that they can no longer eat the way they used to. Sandwiches, pizza, anything with breading, crackers, cornbread, and the list goes on. BUT, what a difference a change in diet has made in their lives!  I now try to find creative ways to cook our favorite foods.  I do buy gluten free flour and mixes, but that can get really expensive. I found this recipe for Cauliflower Crust Pizza at www.recipegirl.com. Not only was it cheaper, but it was healthier, too!


Cauliflower Crust Pizza with ham and pineapple
Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Deli Ham and Pineapple Tidbits



This crust is made with cauliflower, cheese, eggs, and seasonings. Although it is not the same as regular pizza crust, it was a great substitute. The crust, crispy and brown, has a wonderful cheese, garlic, and oregano flavor. It was also simple to make.


Monday, March 16, 2015

How to Clean Bath Toys

I don't know about you, but I strongly dislike those cute and adorable squirting bath toys that my kids love so much. Only because mold loves them, too. It doesn't seem to matter how hard I try to squeeze out all the water. Inevitably, enough water remains to promote the growth of mold. I'm sad to admit that I used to just throw the toys away. I didn't really know how to clean them. I thought they were a lost cause. I'm not quite as wasteful now. I figured it was worth a try to clean them.

Read on to find out how I cleaned Baby Jay's bath toys.

 


Bath toys in a mesh bath toy holder



Today's 5 Free Kindle Books

Try these free Kindle Books.


Windows to Our World: Sarah's Journal - Growing Up, Crossing Oceans, Finding Love & Giving Life to 10 Children [Kindle Edition] by Sarah Janisse Brown



223 Amazing Science Facts, Tidbits and Quotes [Kindle Edition]by Tasnim Essack


1st Grade Math - Word Problems Addition to 20: You Can Teach! First Grade Math - Common Core and Core Knowledge compatible [Kindle Edition]by Joan Torres


Teen Success in Career & Life Skills [Kindle Edition] by Carl Sommer


Learning My Colors and Numbers: Learning Numbers, Colors, and Objects [Kindle Edition]by Beth Ann

Sunday, March 15, 2015

My 6 Breastfeeding Must-Haves

From the moment I got pregnant almost 16 years ago, I wanted to breastfeed. After 3 unsuccessful attempts with my older children, I knew the problem was improper latch on. I just didn't know how to fix it. I won't go into too much detail here, but after less than 24 hours, my nipples would be red and sore. With Jay, after 3 days they were cracked and bleeding.

First, let me say that God knew how much breastfeeding meant to me; and He loves to give us the desires of our hearts. He led me to 6 items that have proved invaluable in this breastfeeding journey. (Baby Jay has been breastfeeding now for 11 months.) I feel led to share them with you.


newborn hand holding finger



Thursday, March 12, 2015

4 Steps to Potty Training Made Easy!

I have four wonderful children. I have potty trained 3 of them. I still have a year left before I will start with the fourth one. The first two were easy.


I followed these 4 simple steps to Potting Training made easy.

4 simple steps to potty training made easy over a potty chair
4 Steps to Potty Training Made Easy





Step 1: When they turned 2 years old, I stopped using diapers and put them in training panties or underwear. When they "did their business" they knew it.


Step 2: Limit fluid intake. My kids were big drinkers. I limited their fluid intake just enough so that they did not drink in excess. Which they would have!

Step 3: I took them to their own little potty chair often. At first, they didn't "do their business" every time, but I didn't want to wait for them to have an accident if I could prevent it. Soon, our routine became a habit and they associated the need to "do their business" with the potty.

Step 4: I praised them a LOT for using the potty chair. I'm a big believer in spending more time rewarding good behavior than punishing bad behavior.

Within a matter of weeks the oldest two - a girl and a boy - were completely potty trained. I really thought I knew all their was to know about the potty training business.

And then came the third child. Let me preface this next part with the fact that Jay is as different as night and day from her older siblings.

I started her out at 2 years old with the same steps that I used for Kat and CJ. She, however, didn't mind soiling her training panties... or the floor... the walls... the door... or the TV. (That was an interesting Bible Study Group night.) If you've ever seen the movie Daddy Day Care, I was Eddie Murphy in the scene when he looked into the bathroom after the little boy had messed it up. Only I was looking into her bedroom. (Shudder!)

I was consistent with her, though, so by the time she was 2 and a half years old, she was completely potty trained. In raising my children, working with children at church and in my job at the library, I have learned that they are all different. What works with one or two will not necessarily work with another. Because of this, I am already looking ahead to potty training number four.

Becky at Your Modern Family has an ebook called "Potty Train in a Weekend". She shares her tips on how to potty train a child in 3 days. I don't know about you, but I'm interested! For more info, check out her book. Click here to view more details or simply click on the picture below.

 

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Our Bunnies!!!

Our SURPRISE baby rabbits are 4 and a 1/2 weeks old now! Look how cute they are!!!!

white and brown baby rabbit
White and Brown Baby Rabbit

black baby rabbit
Black Baby Rabbit

brown baby rabbit
Brown Baby Rabbit

Inexpensive Chick Brooder

Looking for an inexpensive Chick Brooder? Try using an old bathtub!



     We remodeled our bathroom a few years ago and the old bathtub was out in the garden used to grow onions in. That worked fine, but when I needed a permanent chick brooder, I decided the bathtub would be better suited for my new project.



using an old bathtub as a chick brooder
Bathtub Chick Brooder



     I put the bathtub (with help from the hubby, of course) on a little table in the garage and then screwed it into the wall studs. Leftover hardware cloth from the rabbit pens covers the bathtub to keep the chicks in and other animals out. I cut a re-closable window in the hardware cloth to add water and feed every day. The heat lamp sits on top to keep the chicks warm. I put a layer of pine chips on the bottom and the chick brooder was ready.


The chicks were 4 days old when we brought them home from the Co-Op.


4 day old chicks under heat lamp in chick brooder
4 Day Old Chicks Under the Heat Lamp


 Kat (our Photographer in the making) took these pictures today. These Americauna and Gold Sex Link Pullets are 13 days old now.



13 day old chicks in chick brooder with neck stretched out
13 Day Old Chicks



They are getting their feathers and becoming very curious.




curious chicks in chick brooder looking at camera
Curious Chicks




VERY curious!!!



chick in chick brooder with neck stretched out looking at camera
The VERY Curious Chick




The Bathtub Chick Brooder has plenty of room for 12 chicks, their feeder, and waterer. It effectively keeps the drafts out. I add a layer of pine chips every week to keep the Brooder as clean as possible without traumatizing the poor things. When they are about 5 weeks old (and have all their feathers), I will move them to a wire cage in the big chicken coop. This will give the older hens a chance to get used to them before the chicks join the ranks. I will post more about that in a few weeks.

Facebook and Pinterest Links

You can follow me here on Facebook and here on Pinterest. You can also click on the Facebook and Pinterest Page tabs, too. Have a great day!!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2015

How to Make a Milk Jug Bird Feeder


This is a great project to teach your children about recycling and birds. We put one of these Milk Jug Bird Feeders out and within a day the birds were enjoying it. 

bird standing in hole of milk jug bird feeder eating bird seed
Bird eating from Milk Jug Bird Feeder #1


CJ did the research on the best way to make a Milk Jug Bird Feeder. This is how he did it.


Friday, March 6, 2015

Jay Makes a Color and Read Mini Book

Jay had a great time working on her 

Color and Read Mini Book!


She colored it and then cut it out.



cutting the color and read mini book pages
Jay cutting her pages out.





She stapled it together.





stapling the pages of the color and read mini book together
Stapling the Color and Read Mini Book





Her

Color and Read Mini Book

is ready to read!

holding the completed color and read mini book in her hands
Finished Color and Read Mini Book



To make your own

Color and Read Mini Book

read this tutorial.


Thursday, March 5, 2015

How to Keep Your Family Healthy

We've really been dealing with sickness in our house this cold and flu season. I decided to do some research on how to keep my kids from getting sick so much. This article from www.parents.com was helpful.



kid washing hands to keep healthy
Wash Your Hands!

 

Try these tips to keep your family healthy!

 

1) Hand Washing
 - sing "Happy Birthday" two times while using warm water and soap.
 - wash before eating and after being in public places.

2) Be Active Everyday
- regular, moderate exercise can reduce the number of cold and flu episodes by 25 to 50% a year.

3) Get Plenty of Sleep
- babies need 14 hours a day.
- preschoolers need 11-13 hours a day.
- school-age children need 10 hours a day.
- teenagers need 9-10 hours a day.
- adults need 7-8 hours a day.

4) Avoid Touching Your Face
- keep hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
- this can be difficult for little ones so keep their hands washed.

5) Avoid Sharing cups, straws, toothbrushes, and anything else that goes in the mouth.

6) Eat a balanced and healthy diet
- foods rich in Vitamin C and D especially.
- www.chosemyplate.gov can help.

7) We started using disinfectant spray and wipes on all surfaces like doorknobs and light switches. I also keep hand sanitizer in the vehicle and the bathroom.

Hopefully, we will see a significant reduction in sickness soon!!!!

                                                             

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Free Printable Color and Read Mini Book

Color and Read Mini Book


I have created a mini book for grades K-1. Color, cut out, and staple the pictures together to make a book that your child will enjoy reading.


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Sonlight is doing a give-a-way for a full year of curriculum.



Mom-to-Mom Curriculum Giveaway

- See more at: http://25.sonlight.com/my-account/#sthash.V515k5hW.dpuf

5 Free Kindle Ebooks For Today: March 3, 2015

Today's 5 Free Kindle Ebooks


Remember to check the price before you purchase to be certain they are still free!

 

Great Battles For Boys: Bunker Hill to World War I  

[Kindle Edition] by Joe Giorello

     Great Battles takes young readers directly to the field of war. This first volume begins with Bunker Hill and the American Revolution then moves chronologically through United States history: The Alamo, The Civil War, Little Big Horn, San Juan Hill and World War I. (Later Great Battles will cover WWII in Europe and the Pacific, modern warfare, and Ancient battles). With historic photographs and maps, each chapter also offers an age-appropriate reading list, Internet resources and movies the whole family can watch.




Easy English for Simple Homeschooling: How to Teach, Assess, and Document High School English (The HomeScholar's Coffee Break Book series 20) 

[Kindle Edition] by Lee Binz

     If English seems overwhelming to you, “Easy English for Simple Homeschooling: How to Teach, Assess and Document High School English ” will be a welcome resource! Written in plain English, it offers encouragement and tips for teaching writing, determining what makes an English credit, how to determine grades, tips for unique learners, and more.






The Quest: The Untold Story of Steve, Book One: The Tale of a Hero 

[Kindle Edition]

     Steve is a player who can find an adventure to be had every day. However, a new adventure has found its way to him. Day-to-day life in Minecraft is beginning to become speckled with strange occurrences. Half-built homes, leafless trees, overpowered mobs and unknown entities only scratch the surface of the bizarre events Steve will encounter. Along the way, he is guided by cryptic notes left by an anonymous player. Impossible, he thinks. Steve only plays in single player. Is this all the work of a hacker or something else? Journey with Steve to uncover the truth behind these mysteries, and discover what it truly means to be a hero.   

 





Flynn's Log 1: Rescue Island (Stone Marshall's Flynn's Log) [Kindle Edition]

     The world is in trouble and needs a Minecraft hero. Flynn, a hacker, enters a familiar but changing video game world where something goes terribly wrong. Flynn gets stuck inside the game! His memory is lost and the dangers he faces are real. The game world evolves introducing new dangers and creatures that Flynn has never seen before. An intelligent creature comes to his aid, but can Flynn trust this digital being?




 

Witherising (The Wither War Saga Book 1) 

[Kindle Edition]

     Steve thought his adventuring days were over. He was forced into an early retirement after a tragic event (a hack that cost millions of players their data), but a new threat brings him out of the shadows. The stakes are higher than ever. King Wither must be stopped, no matter the cost. 

Monday, March 2, 2015

Why Correct Decimal Placement is Important!




I'm certainly NOT paying $21.90 for a gallon of gas!!!!!

Jay's First Keepers of the Faith Award

Jay received her first Keepers of the Faith Award Pin today!


Her Daddy and I made a big deal about presenting it to her. I took pictures and everyone in the family congratulated her. She had a huge smile on her face. Her Daddy helped her pin the award on the Keepers of the Faith Banner we made last week. To read about how we made it, click here. We look forward to many more awards!!!!

Daddy and Jay pinned her first award on her Keepers of the Faith Banner
Jay and Daddy pinned her first award on her Keepers of the Faith Banner

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...