Remember I told you that we baked a really easy Key Lime Pie, and it was delicious? Well here are some pictures of Genius whipping up the insides of that yummy pie!
Thanks to http://skittlesandscraps.blogspot.com/ and http://leatheo.blogspot.com for the template and papers (A piece of Star).PIE alphabet letters are from http://stolenmomentsdesign.blogspot.com.
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Head on over to the Homeschool Classroom blog to see my post about the website Homeschool Library Builder -- shipping is free today in the lower 48 states! Read the full story
Did you know that a "rime" is different than a "rhyme"? A rhyme is two words that sound the same while rimes are words that have the same spelling pattern, like rat and cat.
For children first learning how to read, it is important for them to identify rimes in order to learn new words.
It is also important to not just master a set of rimes, but to also integrate new ones while reviewing the ones already learned. Dr. Seuss books are a great example of rime books "Hop on Pop" and "Green Eggs and Ham" are books a lot of us read from when we were first learning, and they are still used today. Unfortunately not all of our children have the same attention span, and those books are quite lengthy.
Sara Hines and Lynn Klaiman have engineered a unique program for our children using rimes called Rime to Read. There are 20 books in the series, each with about 12 pages. Perfect for teaching children who can't or won't sit for longer periods of time. Each book introduces a set of rimes, repeating them frequently for maximum retention. Subsequent books recall previous rimes and build upon them. A number of site words (the, where, see etc.) are shown in boxes in the corners of the pages the first few times they are new.
The thing that is most unique about this reading program is that it is virtual! All of the books are accessible through your online account and can be read at your computer. Each of the rime words are color coded, and can be clicked upon in order to hear the word said to your child. At the end of each book all of the previous pattern words are written in grid form as well as a list of sight words for review.
I never actually taught my daughter how to read. She had excellent teachers in her primary years they accomplished that task. I never actually used the Rime to Read program with a beginning reader or a struggling reader.
There are some things that I would like to point out though. The virtual books are nice, with the sound and color coded words they are very visual. There are some things I noticed with the books though, many times the pattern words aren't color coded in future books. Some of the coding on the website has problems and it is reflected in the type and words of the books. Since those are website problems my hope is that they will be fixed in the near future.
You can download the books, but you can only download them one time. So make sure you back them up if you would like to be able to print them more than once. I found some of the books used too many of the characters names in them. I think the children and pets with the pattern being used in a name is great and helpful. However, in a 12- 15 page book, when you have 4 character names being used, often all on the same page, I feel that is too much.
All that being said; using rimes to read is a proven way to teach children, and a great base for learning later reading skills. The first book can be tried for free, and the books are also sold in sets of 5 for less than $10.00. The whole set of 20 books is available for $49.95. If you have tried unsuccessfully with other methods to teach a new or struggling reader, you may want to try them.
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One Fifth Avenue - Candace Bushnell
Published by Hyperion Books
433 pages
Reading is one of the great pleasures in my life. I read a variety of material, ranging from non-fiction to fiction, and the fiction covers all types. But believe it or not, I have never read (or watched for that mattered), anything written by Candace Bushnell. Apparently I've been living under a rock. Thanks to Parent Reviewers and Hyperion Books, I was given the chance to indulge in some escapism with the new novel by Bushnell "One Fifth Avenue". So even though I live under a rock, I got to read all about those who live in one of Manhattan's prestigious buildings. The chic,the terrible, the very rich and the wannabes.
What did I think of it? I liked it.
Although it is racier than most of the books I read, it was actually a bit like reading the internet tabloids about celebrities! It allowed me to imagine what frivolous amusements the very rich can obsess about, and then when I was done I could go to sleep being thankful that my life really isn't like that lol.
Ideally a novel should transport you to an alternate place, one that through the words of the author you feel like the characters are your friends or enemies, and if you can believe that you are a part of that world for 400 pages then it is well written. Bushnell does a wonderful job of it. There are characters I wish would be my neighbors, and then there were some I wanted to punt!
If you read other Candace Bushnell books, or have watched any of the shows based on her books, and enjoy them, I'm pretty sure you'll like this one as well.
If you are a newbie to this author like I was; pick up a copy and make your own decision on whether you'll be waiting eagerly for the next published novel from her.
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I used to make "proper" breakfasts a lot when Genius was younger. By proper I mean eggs and toast with potatoes, pancakes, waffles things like that. Microwaved baked goods and granola bars are on the menu most mornings these days, and I miss yummy breakfast foods to be honest. Today I have a craving for pancakes -- so that's what we're having for supper tonight. Hubby really likes Buttermilk Pancakes that I used to just by the Aunt Jemima mix for. I found a recipe online though (I can't even remember where), of a from scratch variety, and it has become a new family favorite. Here let me share.
Pancakes
1 ½ cups flour
3 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1tbs sugar
1 ¼ cups milk
1 egg
3 tbsp butter melted.
Mix all ingredients together. Prepare as you would any other type of Pancake.
Fight of its Life!
Polls are Tied –
We Need EVERY Vote!
If I would look through the ratings that are often published for popular t.v. shows, I'm pretty sure we watch some of them.
Heroes, NCIS and The Unit are a few that we dvr each week. I'm anxiously awaiting the return of Lost next year.
That being said, the ones that we watch that aren't as popular but we like very much, often get canceled. Maybe our tastes are too sophisticated for everyone else lol!
I read some disappointing news the other day online that one of the shows on my "watch every episode list" Pushing Daisies, is in the imminent stages of cancellation.
Which I find too bad, because it's one of the few shows that provide escapism with entertainment in a unique way that doesn't rely on a lot of violence or bedroom scenes.
So I will continue to watch until it is really pulled off the airwaves, but should it leave, perhaps Ned can touch it with his fingertip and bring it back to life, I mean if it can happen to Jericho, anything is possible right?
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Today's Destination Disney theme is "Dressed Up".
Pirates of the Caribbean has always been our favorite ride in the Magic Kingdom, long before the movies came out we were fascinated by pirates! Take a peek at this picture of Genius at 2 1/2 with her "Pirate Ears". 
Then of course we have her at 10 with a little more of an elaborate Pirate Costume on, hanging out with Mickey outside Lumieres on the Disney Magic.
This year, she has one of the Elizabeth Swann Chinese Pirate Costumes to wear for Pirate Night onboard. We'll be sure to post some pictures of that when we return!
Last but not least "Dressed Up" certainly need not be a costume, right?
Check this out -- Genius and Stitch "dressed up" for semi-formal dining with Goofy!
Let's see your "Dressed Up" photos - Sign Mr. Linky at Destination Disney!
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I'm all about kids running around and getting some exercise - but with a middle schooler that has a partial high school course load, we sometimes have a hard time making it a priority. Check out my post at The Homeschool Classroom, about The President's Fitness Challenge to see how we try and make it work for us!
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"Ariel's Journey" written by Doug Kane and Christy Wood
275 pages - Published by Blue Ink Press
Unlike the usual fare published for tween girls, Ariel’s Journey captured my attention. It is a refreshing change from the typical media thrust at our young daughters.
The book should appeal to a broad range of girls between the ages of 12 and 14, but especially to either those who like horses or those who like fantasy reading.
When a group of girls, part of a 4-H club revolving around horses, gets transported back in time 800 years, they need to work together to save an Icelandic village and rescue a chieftain’s daughter. Full of action and drama this book keeps the pages turning.
The glossary of Icelandic terms and pronunciations at the beginning of the book is helpful; however it would have been nice if the authors would also have provided horse terms to go along with that. Unfortunately some of us city folks are pretty equestrian incompetent!
The book can be quite intense, with implied content that is not in words, but the actions conveyed through the story-telling, get the point across.
I would personally recommend this book if the young person intending to read it has read most of the popular literature that lines the shelves these days. However, if you as a parent or adult monitors the reading material of the children you have in your charge, this is one book you may want to read first before deciding to pass it on to them.
Keep reading if you would like to see Genius’s review of the book, as she is actually the audience intended for it!
Hello, Genius here to give you a book report on the story "Ariel's Journey". This book was full of adventure!
The story itself is about five girls and five Icelandic horses that go back in time 800 years into Iceland's past. Two villages are warring, and the good chieftain's daughter is kidnapped and it's up to the girls to rescue her. The book also involves a bit of romance. The girls are courageous during their venture.
I liked the book during the latter half when they were back in time and fighting. Also, I enjoyed reading about the younger girls, and how they helped out on the action plan. I didn't like the book during the gushy romance. The book had a lot of horse terms I didn't understand (and there was no appendix).
I think anybody in the pre-teen and teen range would like this book. It has a style for almost everybody and the way it's written is meant for that age range.
Thank you Blue Ink Press and Parent Reviewers for the chance to review this book!
Those who know me well, know I love my coffee! The addiction obsession pleasure started when I was 15 working a summer office job. I was the first one in the office and required to make the coffee. Well at 15 I was a little stubborn and thought to myself "if I'm going to make it, I'm going to drink it". So going on nearly 20 years now, coffee is my next best friend.
As for coffee makers you name it I've got it. I own a Mr. Coffee 12 cup - a Bodum press - a Senseo machine. I love my Senseo machine for the quick one cup before I have to leave times. However... the spout is not tall enough for a travel mug to fit under (I have one of the original versions, I think the newer ones they made corrected this flaw them more efficient).
You know though I'd love to have a one cup quickie machine that is made for a travel mug, and wouldn't you know, A Wrestling Addicted Mom, has a giveaway right now, where the prize is a Keurig B70. Just what I need for my fix! So all you coffee lovers band together, stampede over to A Wrestling Addicted Mom and try and take that machine from me!
Now I need to go and make myself a cup of Buttered Rum flavored coffee.....yummmmm
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Did you ever dream of getting a horse for Christmas? You can get a sneak peek of our Fall issue and see Nancy Carter's first horse! Oh, and she's not the only one sharing her childhood pictures. You'll see photos from the 50's through the 80's.
But, you'll need the Fall issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine to go on this walk down memory lane.
Plus, do you like to create holiday memories? The brand new TOS holiday E-Book can be yours, too. It's all about the fall and winter holidays - mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it's not even for sale yet. This is your chance to get it first - for FREE ($12.45 value)!
Normally when a person subscribes, their subscription starts with the upcoming issue which can take a while. But, TOS thought about that when they planned their Fall Special.
If you subscribe now with their Fall Special, you'll get
Almost 50% off the cover price for 2 years The current Fall issue as soon as it is ready
6 Bonus gifts
12 months of Teacher's Toolbox, which contains a FREE E-Book every month PLUS, the new E-Book, Homespun Holidays for FREE!
This is over $250 worth of product for only $39!!
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW!
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I saw this idea on Sweet Life in the Valley blog, and thought it was so fun, I'd share it with you.
If your phone has a recording option, record something cute your child says or have them sing a favorite Christmas song; then set this recording as your ringtone. Every time your phone rings, it will bring a smile to your face!
I am so out of it in this regard. We don't have a cell phone plan - I only have an emergency Tracfone -- it is a basic model so I can't upload any ringtones on it. I did however think that this was a great fun idea and wanted to share!
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I'm so excited, in just under two weeks, Genius and I get to go with Smart Girl and her mom for a quick trip to The Mall of America!
Every year the local Girl Scout council takes a couple of buses to Minneapolis for two days and allow us to run wild! Last year we attended as guests of Smart Girl, this year since Genius is a full fledged Girl Scout herself, we were guaranteed a spot to go!
The highlights of this trip shall be:
1) Ikea <---- woot! the only time I get to go!! Genius's bedding was all purchased there last year. I love the European styling of the products.
2) Lush <--- Can we say 100x better than Bath and Body Works? Again, no Lush stores in podunk.
3) Crocs <--- Okay you can buy Crocs here, but we don't have a Crocs store. I'm looking at getting some of the fancier ones, for church and formal attire. I've never seen them in stores here.
4) Rainforest Cafe <---- Yummy! One of our very favorite places to eat. We stop at one whenever we can
So any of you that live in larger metropolitan areas, and know of hip stores that we don't have in podunk type places, please tell me where I need to shop!
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Wow I've been a real slacker at posting lately haven't I? We've been keeping really busy with school and other things, and I just didn't have the time to sit down and post.
It's Thursday! That means I have a post up at The Homeschool Classroom blog. It's a review on the website Helpme2teach.com. Check it out!
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Last year when Genius was still in public school, we opted to get our flu shots at a Target Flu Shot Clinic. Now the following is not a stab on Target rather it is on SUMMIT HEALTH the company that was contracted to do the flu shots. We chose to do the shots at Target because the public school was not pleased with you to take your children out of school during the day (HOORAY FOR HOMESCHOOLING) - and our doctor's office only does flu shot clinics from 7am to 11am in the morning.
In any case one year later -- today -- I realize what a HUGE mistake that was.
The shots were advertised at $27.50 a piece (the doctor's office was similar) - and they would file your insurance for it. Excellent, always a bonus. So I signed the form for both of us, and got the shots.
We got home and I remember reading the fine print that I signed stating that if your insurance is rejected they will bill you another $43.00 for the shot. I was not at all worried because I knew our insurance would cover it, I had called first to make sure.
In any case our old insurance company (we have a different one this year), has a 90 day window for person claims (claims that a company is not filing on your behalf) - when it was close to that day, I called the insurance to see if they had a claim - they said they did not. I then proceeded to call the pharmacist at Target to find out whom exactly was filing these claims. She was very kind, and phoned around for me, and called me back stating that Summit Health WAS NOT filing any claims as they said they would. Fine, so I make a personal claim with the insurance company and I at least get $25.00 back per shot .
Today I get a bill in the mail from Summit Health for both Genius and I for $43.00 each -- ????? --- only to find out they did file insurance after that 90 day window, and my claim was rejected because well I had already claimed for it. ARGH. And I'm liable for it, because well, I signed the form, fine print and all.
Now I am not stupid, far from it, and feel I was horribly duped. I had checked not just with one person but with a number of people, all to make sure I would be covered for this shot that in the end cost me $45.50 a piece x2 so that was $91.00 for a shot that we could have got at the doctor's office for free --
What an expensive lesson learned -- seek medical care from your doctor, even if it costs more at least you are putting your money into someone you trust and value and not a big, impersonal, money hungry company.
Fortunately for me, I received this years when I went for my annual checkup at the doctor's just yesterday. Genius will go to the flu shot clinic next week for hers....and I don't even have to take her out of school...which is how this all started....
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Well we made the Key Lime Pie recipe that I posted the other day, and it was very good! I tweaked it a bit - I only added one can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup of lime juice, I baked it for the full 25 minutes, but probably should have taken it out at the 20 minute mark. It was the perfect flavor for our family. I should note that if you make it as stated you will have extra filling the crust won't hold that much - also if you like your Key Lime Pie tart - you will want to add the entire amount of key lime juice to it. We are more sweet than tart around here! If you are looking for an easy yummy dessert, I suggest trying it. If Hubby ate a piece, it's gotta be good! Read the full story
Today's Destination Disney is all about the Magic Kingdom!
I keep pulling older pictures up for these memes, because we've failed to take a lot of pictures in the last years we have gone. This December when we go, Genius will be taking her own camera that she received for her birthday along, so we will have a whole new take on things!
One of my favorite rides and pictures of the Magic Kingdom comes from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride --
And we were so excited when they started adding all this Lilo and Stitch to Magic Kingdom, and we could not leave the last time we went there without a picture with Pliekly.
And last but not least -- we have to take a picture of Cindy's castle in the evening.
Do you want to see more pictures of the Magic Kingdom check out Heidi's Destination Disney Meme over on her blog. Join in if you have fun pictures to post too!
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Are you interested in seeing if your children already know them, or whether or not you need to spend more time practicing them? Then check out The Homeschool Classroom, for the post that I wrote today! Read the full story
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