Picasso

Boy did the kids LOVE learning about Picasso today. They each picked "Cat and Crab on the Beach" to draw on their own....here's their work:

DJ's Picasso

Xman's Picasso

Egg Spiriments (LOL)

So we've been working on our Anatomy and Physiology. Even though I had planned on studying the Ocean first, the kids vetoed the decision.

We did a really cool experiments with eggs. One cup was full of water, one with vinegar and other with Coke Classic. Into each cup we placed an egg for twenty four hours. An egg's shell is made from calcium carbonate - much like our teeth. So we were trying to determine what effect certain foods had on our teeth if we didn't brush (as DJ has his first cavity! Even though he brushes every single day).

The kids were shocked and appalled. The vinegar completely dissolved the shell, and the Coke permanently stained the shell brown - no amount of scrubbing could clean it off. My kids aren't allowed Coke to drink now they think they understand why (we haven't gotten to sugar's impact on the body yet..lol).

So DJ was writing to his friend (an e-pal) and he said "we've been doing egg spiriments".....LMAO I think he meant egg experiments or else experiments, but both my BFF and I laughed and have decided all future experiments should be referred to as egg spiriments!

Patrick Swayze - RIP

It's amazing to me the imact some people can have on the world for very little. Seriously, movie stars aren't pivitol in creating world peace, they don't work to cure hunger (although many do do a lot of charity work). They basically get paid lots of money to play dress-up for a couple of hours in front of a camera....but we love them for it.

Dirty Dancing is right up there with Beaches, Grease, and the Breakfast Club in movies I watched a billion times in my tween and teen years. I absolutely wanted to marry Patrick Swayze when I was about 16 y/o. Grrr .

Sadly he passed away a couple of days ago...and I find that I really am somewhat sad, and I'm forced to ask myself - Why? Sure it's always sad to realize we're getting older, each of us another day, minute, second closer to the time when we'll pass - so I'm sure that's part of it. I'm sure some of it is that these actors are made to be somewhat super-human in our esteem...we're all shocked when they exhibit the same behaviors as us mere mortals - things like getting sick or dieing. But I didn't really know him. I know he had a drinking problem for several years and there were rumors of his infidelity......so really what did I admire about him? Only his tight buns and perfect biceps? Am I really that shallow? I don't recall if he ever did any amazing charity work or was an ambassador of peace or anything...so I guess I really am that shallow...that I'd be sad that the world has one less pretty person in it. So, now I'm somewhat ashamed. I think from now on I'll strive to only be sad when the world is deprived of a beautiful soul rather than a beautiful face......

I'm not saying Patrick Swayze wasn't a beautiful soul. I never knew him. I just watched Dirty Dancing and Ghost millions of times, crying my eyes out at the stupid line, "Ditto". Wanting to take up pottery, lol. But his death has made me realize that even though I watch very little t.v. and even fewer movies, I still have more growing to do. Until I can pass by then register at the grocery store and not be intrigued by the stupid tabloid mags spouting the latest gossip. I need to banish tv and movies for a while. Get my head on straight. That these 'stars' aren't really stars at all. They don't shine with a brilliance from within (again acknowledging that some really do). They shine because they had a lucky break, a beautiful set of genetics, are able to pay truck loads of money for spa treatments and plastic surgery. I no longer want to be that false.

Time for some soul searching!

And my obsession continues...lol

Is it totally sad that I'm elated to have gotten a label maker? Seriously, my obsession with organization has now reached a whole new level! I've always had a hundred drawers and Rubbermaid containers, keeping everything separate...so was it really necessary that I put a label on the front of each one? I can see my DH shaking his head when he gets home...sigh...but I've craved one forever....I'll know I've reached rock bottom when I label the dish cabinets...LOL..

Dr. Seuss

As you know, my youngest is working with Dr. Seuss and Nursery Rhymes this year. While I designed a full lapbook for The Cat in the Hat (our first book) I've also designed a simple worksheet for each book (just in case I don't finish each and every lapbook,...lol....

Dr. Seuss Worksheet

remember to use the user name kickbutttidbits and the password kickbuttmama to access my files

Latin Lessons

So it's not east trying to come up with a latin plan for elementry schoolers...there's precious little available. I thought I'd better post the resources I've found for y'all:

• Minimus - This is a workbook, CD, Teacher's book set. You can purchase them at Amazon...( I got them used )
• http://www.minimus-etc.co.uk/index.shtml - this is the website that goes along with the Minimus series
• http://homepage.usask.ca/~jrp638/latin/index.html lots of worksheets and supplements
• http://www.quia.com/shared/latin/ (games & flashcards)
• http://archives.nd.edu/latgramm.htm dictionary & grammar aid
• http://www.proteacher.com/090084.shtml ancient rome
• http://www.frapanthers.com/teachers/white/LI_handouts.htm
• http://www.classics.uga.edu/courses/elem_latin/handouts.htm
• http://www.funmathclub.com/docs/cmc1204paper.pdf
• Pronunciation Guide http://www.luc.edu/faculty/jlong1/L101pron.htm
• http://www.personal.kent.edu/~bkharvey/latin/
• http://www.frcoulter.com/latin/links.html (links & resources)

Chores Galore

I can't tell you how often I'm asked how I do it all: homeschooling, personal training, teaching sign language, and now starting a karate school - as well as normal mom stuff - cooking, cleaning, organizing, etc.

The truth is I'm a total type A personality. Things have to be organized or I start to go slightly insane - this means setting schedules, goals, and acknowledging achievements. You can't possibly do everything. This took me some time to acknowledge. I want to do it all - be the Super Mom...but I've realized juggling too many balls just means I'm missing something (or getting bit$$$ with the family unit).

My solution? DELEGATE! That's right. My boys are now 8 and 5 - totally old enough IMO to have certain chores assigned to them. My darling husband is considerably older, and I firmly believe having a 9-5 job doesn't disqualify him from the chore list either. I guess I run my house like an army unit - but it keeps us from running around in circles.

DJ (just turned 8) Chore List:

• Clean the litter box 2 times a week
• Help take out the garbage
• He's on the dish washing rotation (they each take turns)
• Clean room
• Tidy living room - homeschooling clutter every evening
• Put away pantry items after grocery shopping
• Occasionally makes lunch (PB & J)
• Transfer clothes from washing machine to the dryer
• Mini-vac the bedrooms

Xman (5 y/o) Chore List:

• Dish washing rotation
• Help take out the garbage
• Clean room
• Help tidy living room
• Put away pantry items after grocery shopping
• Put clothes in the washing machine (we have separate baskets for each load)
• Mini-vac the living room

Hubby Chore List:

• Dish washing rotation (his job is all the pots and pans)
• Help coordinate the garbage brigade
• Tidy the kitchen
• Help with the laundry - folding & putting away
• Occassionally make dinner (if it's been one of 'those' days)
• Help tidy our room

My Chore List:

• Make dinner (and lunch, and breakfast..lol)
• Clean bathroom
• Help with the laundry
• Sweep & mop
• Make sure all homeschooling bins, baskets and such are labeled clearly so the kids can clean up after school each day.