One Day At A Time

Fall is in the Air

2009-10-02T00:29:00.001-07:00

The days are just a little cooler and the nights even cooler here in Montana. We are back in the school routine and so far so good. We are studying World War I and Jackson is working on his notebook/lapbook. We are using for the second year in a row In the Hands of A Child for our study. I love how they have lots of different titles that cover a wide ranch of topics. I also bought the Lewis and Clark study. Since they spent so much time in Montana during the travels there are hundreds of field trip opportunities. I am trying to decide on anew Math curriculum but am not sure what I am going to get yet.I have narrowed it down to 2. I think. I am just not happen with what we are using now. We are going back to Florida for Christmas this year. This will be the first Christmas in 4 years that we will be home with our family. As much as I love living in Montana,the holidays are always a little more difficult. Speaking of Christmas, it is only 84 days away.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Catching Up!!!!

2009-09-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Well is has been a few months since I have updated my blog. I have had a wonderful summer with LOTS of visitors. We are now getting started back in school and trying to get back into a routine. I could tell you all I did this summer but I think I will post some pictures instead.I also have been working on my food storage,which is coming along. I was able to visit the LDS cannery and can some foods that I will use in my everyday cooking. I am not a member of LDS but in my area you do not have to be a member so if you are interested contact them to see where the closest cannery is and what their rules are. I also have made up four emergency first aid kits,one for each car and one for home. You never know what type of emergencies your family may have to face:loss of job,injury,national emergency etc. Never hurts to be prepared.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Summertime Happenings

2009-07-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well summer is in full swing here in Montana. We built a bigger chicken coop for our new chickens we are getting tomorrow,my garden is planted and I already canned about 20 jars of sweet peas. As you may have read I have been preparing for whatever may come our way by storing food and water. I worked on 3 First Aid kits this past week. I could buy them but they are expensive and have very little in them so I bought the supplies and split them up where I could. I bought most all of that at Dollar Tree so it was inexpensive. There are so many different reasons to be prepared. I am also researching Emergency radios to buy this week
1.If inflation rises and it probably will then the dollar is not worth as much so I am buying now while it is worth more and prices are less. I buy when there is a big sale, I just buy a lot of one item.
2. If taxes go up that means less money coming in so stock up now.
3. If you or your spouse got hurt and was unable to work but you had 3 months supply of food that would be one less thing you had to worry about.
4. God forbid but if we had another terrorist attack it could affect where you live in a huge way but if you had food stored at least you are okay there.
5. You are going to use it anyway since you constantly rotate your food.

Hope for the BEST but PREPARE for the worst.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

72 Hour Emergency Kits..... Just In Case

2009-06-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

As stated in my last post, I have been working on my food storage and emergency preparedness kits. I have been using www.foodstoragemadeeasy.net as a resource.
I have made my list and am picking up items for my food storage every time I go shopping. I am starting to work on my 72 hour emergency kit now. You should have one kit per person in your family and should include enough food to last for 72 hrs. Some examples are:
Tang
Instant Oatmeal
Granola Bars
Cocoa Mix
Canned stew or pasta with pop top
Fruit roll ups
Lipton Soup(envelopes)
Raisins
Beef Jerky
Plastic spoons
Matches
Of course you would tailor the contents to what your family likes. You can put these items into a box,bag or you can cut a milk jug top almost off,fold it back,fill with contents and then tape the container back to its original shape. This is easy,inexpensive and waterproof. You can keep the kit in your house or car. You may want to have a car kit as well. Some ideas for that lit would be: jumper cables,food bars,first aid kit,radio,batteries,water etc.
Of course I may never use these items in an emergency situation but it is better to have them just in case. The food items in your storage will be rotated so they will not go to waste. It gives a sense of peace knowing that I am preparing these kits now in the event that I may need them later.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Food Strorage Made Easy

2009-06-05T00:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a website with ya'll that my sister had told me about last year. I signed up then for their newsletter and visited their site a few times over the last year. It was not until a few months back I started to think about this site again and I went back and bought their E Book, Food Storage Made Easy. With things being the way things are right now in this country I started thinking about food storage for emergencies. When we lived in Florida every hurricane season would would make our supply boxes and buy our batteries etc. but this girls take it to a whole other level. THEY know their stuff. God forbid our economy collapses or we are hit with another terrorist attack but being prepared is not a bad idea. The girls help you set up a 72 hr. kit,a car kit and then a longer supply of food but not just canned meat and crackers they have recipes and all sorts of ideas to help you through an emergency and they break it down to just add a little bit to your budget each week. They also give you ideas of where to store your supplies especially if you do not have a lot of space. I have started on my plan and wanted to share it,hopefully we will never need it.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

The 912 Project Week Four

2009-06-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority,not the government.

Marriage/Family "It is in the love of ones family only that heartfelt happiness is known. By a law of our nature,we can not be happy without endearing connections of a family" Thomas Jefferson

Well put Mr. Jefferson!!!

Keep the FAITH,

Marie

It's A PARTY where EVERYBODY wins.

2009-06-01T12:09:00.001-07:00

That's right EVERYBODY wins at the Grand Opening of I'm An Author Writing Workshop Online Version. Check it out at www.kidswritebooks.com You could win the entire online package. Check it out for details but hurry this party only last for two weeks.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Sweet Summertime..... Almost

2009-05-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

I know summer does not officially start until June but it feels and looks like summer here in Montana. I know many people think that Montana is like the North Pole. It is true some parts of Montana can get rather cold but where we are has relatively mild winters. Actually where I live here in the Bitterroot Valley is called "The Banana Belt". Anyway it has been in the low 80's with a slight breeze,just awesome weather. We have been working in my garden and flowerbeds. When I say we, I mean my mom and myself. She comes up every year from Florida and stays the summer with us. We have already started our corn,cabbage,beans and tomatoes inside and we are going to start some onions tomorrow. I have not grown onions before so we will see. Gardening in Montana is much different than Florida. Not only the obvious shorter growing season but the ground is much harder and dryer here so every year we learn something new by doing the wrong things. My sister and nephew will be here to visit on July 3rd. We are going to Mount Rushmore,Crazy Horse,Devils Tower and the Little Big Horn Battlefield. We have been all of these places once before but my sister and mom have not so I am looking forward to going. There is something to be said for seeing something through someone else's eyes. My brother and his family will be coming about 4 days before my sister leaves. We do not see him very much so it will be nice to visit with him. We will also do plenty of camping and ATV riding this summer as well. We have hundreds of National Forest roads and forest all over to ride and camp in. I am always amazed that within one hour in any direction we can be so far back in the mountains that you do not even see another person. Last summer we stayed in a fire lookout tower for the night. You can rent them through http://www.recreation.gov/. Most people do not realize they can stay in forest cabins and lookouts in every state for next to nothing. We also stayed in a Forest Cabin in Idaho called Magruder Ranger Station. I thought I would add some pictures from both of those trips. Enjoy

Gird Point Lookout--Bitterroot Valley,Montana 2008

The lookout as you are walking up to it from the parking area. This sits about 17 miles up a dirt road on the very top of the mountain.

Inside the Lookout. (It poured down rain and the wind blew ninety to nothing. We thought for a minute we were back in Florida with all those hurricanes!!)

View from lookout.

Clint and Myself.

Enjoying the breeze(before the rain and wind).

Magruder Ranger Station-2008

Jackson and mom

That is the ranger station house in the background. We rented it for about 3 days last summer and have it reserved this summer as well.

Awesome picture of the cabin. It sits about 35 miles back in the woods on a dirt road.

A close up of the cabin. It had all the amenities of home except no TV

Magruder Ranger Station Complex. this picture was taken from the cabin. There is a ranger station office and garage where they keep tools for when they come up to that area to work on the roads etc. The complex was empty the whole time we were there.

Keep the Faith

Marie

The 912 Project Week Three

2009-05-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.

Honesty " I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles,the character of an honest man." George Washington.

What a great quote by Washington and a great goal for all of us to strive for. You know honesty is the best policy but it is not always the easiest policy to abide by. Making a conscious decision everyday to live up to total honesty like Washington is mighty big shoes to fill but I am willing to try.... how bout you???

Don't forget we have the 912 Journal in our store if you would like to follow along and journal about the 9 principles and 12 values.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Online Version of I'm An Author Writing Program Coming Soon

2009-05-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a writing program for next year? Are you looking for a summertime activity for your children?. I have great news!! The I'm An Author Writing Program (Online Version) will be up and running soon. If you are not familiar with the program, I'm An Author" is a 3-phase educational program that teaches children how to find, capture and share their stories through the art of oral storytelling, writing, illustrating and publishing their own story. The program will be entirely web based and will include a teachers page,tutorials and all the tools you will need to teach you children the I'm An Author Program, which will result in a published book for your children. Your children will learn great skills putting their books together and getting them ready to publish. Working in the publishing center and watching their stories come to life will give them confidence in their writing skills. Adding pictures and artwork will allow them to put their own stamp on their book. Parents you can make their own books as well. The publishing certificate in the program allows you to make as many books as you would like and you will pay as you publish them. Here are a few ideas for books.VacationsFamily HistoriesFamily GatheringsBest FriendsHobbiesCollectionsRecipesTributeBaby Boy or GirlWeddingYou only limited by your imagination.More information will be coming soon on this exciting program. If you would like to be notified when we are up and running,comment here with your email address and we will keep you updated.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

"Schoolin" Outside

2009-05-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

This past week has been great weather here in Montana and w have taken advantage of it by weeding our flowerbeds,planting seeds and heading outside for some "Good Ole Schooling". I wanted to share some pictures of our classroom and it's view. What an inspiration!!!

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Honor That Awesome Dad or Husband of Yours

2009-05-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

How do you plan to honor your dad or husband on Father's Day? Why not do something different and show him you love him by making a book and having it published. For neat ideas check out my blog at http:// memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com

"Books may well be the only true magic"

Alice Hoffman

Keep the Faith,

Marie

The 912 Project Week Two

2009-05-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

To start with week one of The 912 Project go here. To become a 912' er go to http://www.glennbeck912project.com/.

Week #2
I believe in God and He is the center of my life.

God "The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained" from George Washington's first inaugural address.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover

2009-05-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how many of you saw Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent but if you have not you need to watch this video.Right now you can only see it at the following address. What a great reminder about judging people by their appearances. Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Keep the Faith,
Marie

Memories for Monday

2009-05-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

In the past few days I have been working on a family history book for my family. Looking through all of the old photographs has brought back so many memories for me. I want to hear your memories,traditions and stories. I love hearing about other people's families and I know there has to be more people like me out there. Visit my other blog at http://memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com this same post appears there. Comment to that post with a link to your blog post where you share a memory,story or pictures. Let's keep our family history alive!!!

"Do you remember when....."bonds people together far more than shared chromosomes.

Daniel Taylor

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Humming Bird

2009-05-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

The Humming Bird

The sunlight speaks and it's voice is a bird:

It glimmers half-guessed,half-seen,half-heard.

Above the flowerbed;over the lawn-

A flashing dip and it is gone,

And all it lends to the eye is this-

A sunbeam giving the air a kiss.

Harry Hibbard Kemp

Keep the Faith,

Marie

The 912 Project

2009-05-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

I was watching Glenn Beck the other day and he mentioned the 912 project so I went to the website to check it out and it really started me thinking about these principles and where we are as a nation no matter what side of the aisle you are on.It is not my intent to be political although I can be. My intent is to share each week the nine principles and 12 values which make up The 912 project. This is a non political movement.The 912 Project is designed to bring us back to the place we were on September 12,2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with Red States,Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans,standing together to protect the values and principles of the greatest nation ever created.

Principle #1. America is good.
America has always been a force for good. Sure we've made mistakes but America is still the greatest country in the world. If you do not believe it ask the people who will risk dying to get here. Enough said??
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Notebooking Really Works

2009-05-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

In our homeschool we use notebooks a lot. Jackson is working on his Civil War notebook right now. He works with his notebook everyday. Whether it is copywork, adding pictures,drawing pictures,adding activities from Hands of A Child Civil War study or just writing down information. What I love about notebooks besides the fact it teaches them so many skills such as organizing,writing,grammar and handwriting is the fact that he is so proud of them. My mom just came to stay the summer with us and one of the first things Jackson showed her ( without me telling him to) was his notebooks and all the work he had done. The fact that he is enthusiastic is half the battle. It is so much easier and more enjoyable when they want to learn about a subject. Notebooks can transform any subject into an exciting journey. Jackson showing my mom his notebooks reaffirmed that we are on the right track and made me a little proud too!!
Keep the Faith,
Marie

A Boy and His Dogs

2009-05-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

My son, Jackson loves his dogs. He has three Border Collies and their names are Molly,Rusty and Maggie. When I asked Jackson what he wanted to write a book about his first answer was about his dogs. There is something great about a boy and his dogs. Jackson will play by the creek and in the creek with those dogs. Molly does not like the water so she runs along the bank,Maggie will go anywhere Jackson goes and Rusty just goes all over the place. Border Collies are herding dogs. Out of our three dogs,Rusty is the only dog that herds and by that I mean he will herd anything,anybody at anytime. If we are outside Rusty is running around and around us keeping us in our place, I get tired watching him. Molly,on the other hand loves for you to throw her a ball,a toy,a small child,whatever just throw something. She will fetch it and bring it back as long as Rusty will run circles around us. Maggie goes and does whatever Jackson does. Maggie's is the youngest at three years old. Jackson has three friends in those dogs and for that I am thankful. Every little boy should have a dog, sometimes three!!!!!!

Keep the Faith,

Marie

P.S. I will be posting more pictures of my addition to my house soon.

Building On An Addition To My House

2009-05-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

As I have said before my house(or part of my house) use to be a stage coach stop so it is an old house to say the least. The previous owners added on and now the owners(meaning us) are adding on again. The new room will be a family room type where we can have all of our school supplies and games etc. When we moved to Montana in 2005 we looked at probably 30 houses,some were brand new but we picked one of the oldest. We both knew when we pulled up that this was the one. The view is awesome and I loved that the house had a past. I am going to go to our museum and look up the history of our house since my neighbor is the curator and says there is quite a bit in the archives. Oh, if walls could talk!! Anyway, here are some pictures of the progress so far. I will post more next week. We are off to the Medieval Festival in Moscow,Idaho for the weekend.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Memories That Bind Business Blog and Give Away

2009-04-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

My new blog is up and running at http://memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com/
It is still under construction so bear with me. I am hosting a give-away celebrating my new blog. The details are on that blog and also at Brenda Sain's http://ourlifestyleoflearning.ning.com/ where I have a two groups(Pen to Paper and Four Season Living). That,by the way,is an awesome website with tons of groups that may interest you. You could win a publishing certificate and story starter so you can start writing your story or your kids story or let your kids write their story or better yeat a story about their wonderful mother!!!!

Hop on over there to http://memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com/ and check it out. I will posting later today on using story starters with your children to get them started in the writing process. Remember everyone has a story they need to tell!!
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Narration, Copywork and Dictation Made Easy

2009-04-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Narration, Copywork and Dictation all important aspects of the CM method but they do not have to be hard and cumbersome. I love Queen Homeschool Supplies(http://www.queenhomeschool.com/)
so most of my CM resources come from them. I also freqeuntly use books from Living Books Curriculum.

First of all we use Aesop's Fables,which will work for narration,copywork,dictation, and Bible. I bought this edition from http://www.livingbookscurriculum.com/. I love this edition because they have Scritpture references with most of the fables so you can use it as your Bible lesson as well. You can download a free sample at their website.(other great samples as well). Jackson love using this book and asked to do it often. We usually print out the fable, some have pictures, so we put those in his Language Arts Notebook. We also we look up the verses from the book and discuss those, he then picks one for copywork and puts that in his notebook as well.

We also use Pictures in Cursive by Queen Homeschool. This is two-fold as well because it has picture study along with the cursive writing and the pictures are of great quality. These are just a few things that we do in our homeschool.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

2009-04-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you how easy it is to use the publishing tool on the Cherish Bound website at www.cherishbound.com. You first pick whether you want to make a book or calendar. After that you pick a template for each page. There are red and green boxes to show you were you can add pictures or text. This is so easy to navigate and would make a great project for your children where in about 2 weeks they would have their own book written by them that they can keep and cherish forever. I am so excited about this. If you would like to start your own story or get your children writing their story,drop me a line. We can help you get started with story starters,keep you organized with notebooks and get you publishing your book in no time.
Please visit my business blog at http://memoriesthatbind.blogspot.com
The blog is under construction so bear with me.

"Truly,preserving our most cherished memories binds us to the people who are most important to us."

This is the front cover of the free sample book you get to publish. These are pictures I uploaded to go on the pages.
More pictures I uploaded.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

I'm An Author Video

2009-04-24T19:00:00.001-07:00

I'm An Author Writing Program

2009-04-24T01:42:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a writing program for your homeschool or Co-op? Are you tired of the same old tired curriculum? I'm An Author Program from Cherish Bound may be just what you are looking for. Your kids will love the fact that they can write their own story and be a published author. (See contents below)

I'm An Author" is a 3-phase educational program that teaches children how to find, capture and share their stories through the art of oral storytelling, writing, illustrating and publishing their own story.

Kit includes:

* Teacher Outline
* Program Outline Booklet for the School
* Lesson Plan & Training Booklet
* Materials CD
* Promotional DVD
* "Sally Bug" hard bound example book
You can easily adapt this program to any age group.

$46.00

I am a Cherish Bound Consultant, email me with any questions or if you would like to order. I accept Paypal (cash or credit) check or mo. Thank you

Keep the Faith,

Marie

The Shop is done......Well Almost.

2009-04-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well the shop is finally here BUT minus one garage door. As they were bring it here on the truck the wind blew the garage door off. Whatever they do normally to keep that from happening they did not do so it happened. Jackson was so bummed out because the guy could not get here until Thursday to fix the door. Clint and Jackson were going to camp out in there on Tuesday night and now they have to wait until Thursday. . Good news though,they did start tearing down the siding to add the addition to the house. We live in a house that use to be stagecoach stop so needless to say it is very old so who knows what we will find or run into. Years ago the previous owners had added an addition which included a bathroom (which is always a plus) and we have since added another bathroom.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the shop minus the garage door.

I thought I would add this picture. I repainted and got a new bed for my extra room. I thought it turned out nice.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

What We Are Up To This Week

2009-04-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a busy week for us. We are having a shop delivered(see pictures below) and we are starting an addition on our house on Wed.(stay tuned for pictures) . Of course there is always school going on. Here is what is happening in our neck of the woods.

Language Lessons from Queen Homeschool ( love anything from Queen)

Backyard Nature Study from Queen

Jackson's pictures using Guide.

Spelling Through Copywork from Queen

Pictures in Cursive from Queen One of the pages from the Pictures In Cursive.

Civil War postcards for Civil War Notebook. Heroes of Progress for Read Aloud and Stories Of The Civil War (both from Queen)

Last but certainly not least, my planner from simply Charlotte Mason( love it,its simple,it works and it has lots of quotes from Charlotte Mason sprinkled through out.

One half of the shop was delivered this morning with the other half coming tomorrow.

I will post more pictures tomorrow.
Keep the Faith,

Marie

Four Seasons Living @ Our Lifestyle of Learning

2009-04-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Do you live where you can enjoy the four seasons or somewhere that is warm all year long. Maybe somewhere in between is where you call home. Share how the seasons of your homeschool change with the seasons on the calender with Nature Studies, field trips, gardening and more. When Old Man Winter is pounding at your door you can log on and enjoy a warm sunny day in Florida ofr the Bahamas. When the heat and humidity got you down enjoy a crisp mountain morning in Montana or Vermont.
I started a group at Brenda Sain's Our Lifestyle of Learning Network called Four SeasonsLearning
.http://ourlifestyleoflearning.ning.com/group/fourseasonsliving.
Also check out
http://4seasonsliving.ning.com

Tax Day Tea Party

2009-04-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

It was cold and windy but that did not stop approx. 200 citizens from taking to the streets in protest of all the government spending. We had great fun and the support was overwhelming by people on the streets. Here are some pictures we took.

Jackson and Mom at Tea Party

Marie and "The Mascot" It really was not planned the pig was outside of a store but I thought it was funny.

This pig was a great mascot(for all the Pork) with Jackson

Jackson

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Tax Day Tea Party CONTEST

2009-04-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

On April 15,2009 all across this country citizens will take to the streets for a "Tax Day Tea Party" to protest all the government spending. One our rights here in America is to protest peacefully when we do not agree with our elected officials. Since I do oppose trying to "spend" our way out of debt, I will attend my local "Tea Party" in Hamilton, Montana. So I am hosting a contest to kick off this event.
Comment to this post why you will be or not be (or did or did not if it is after the fact) be attending a local Tea Party. The deadline for comments is Saturday April 18,2009 at noon MST. I will pick a winner and post the winner on Sunday April 19,2009 by 9:00pm MST.

You must be over 16 to enter.
You must leave an email address so I can send your prize to you.
**Please do not leave rude or nasty comments they will not be published One of our rights in the great nation is the right to have your own opinion, which can be conveyed in a civil manner. I am looking for comments that are thought provoking and original from either side.

For more information about your local Tea Party http://www.taxdayteaparty.com/

What do you win? Now isn't being involved prize enough?? I did not think so. The winner will receive a $10 gift certifcate to THE OLDSCHOOLHOUSE STORE.
Email with any questions!!
Good Luck

Ancient History With G.A Henty

2009-04-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

At my house, Jackson loves G.A.Henty's historical books, heck I love them too. What's not to love? His stories are full of self-disciplined and honorable men;that are protective of women,fearless in battle and scornful of compromising principles. I realize that these books are geared toward boys but I have to tell you, I quite enjoy them myself.
G.A. Henty was born near Cambridge December 8 in 1832. He wrote over 140 books but his most popular were the historical novels for boys. Henty was first and foremost an historian. He was a war correspondent. In his dispatches his patriotism could be detected easily. He followed the drums of war wherever they led.Through all his adventures,Henty was unconsciously storing up material for the books he would come to write. Henty was a man of great honor,manly independence and tenacity.These traits were passed on to his characters in his books.Henty felt that a boy needs to love and appreciate history. His novels usually followed the life of one boy while historical characters and events are weaved in and out of the story which may stir the readers interest for more research in that area. Each story takes place within the setting of an important period in history from the fall of Jerusalem to the Civil War. Characters live their lives during these exciting historical times. Henty provided a detailed account of history while being entertaining.The readers learn in depth history but also vocabulary and literary techniques all while being entertained by what many call,"The Master Storyteller."
Henty wrote over 70 historical novels for boys But I will just list a few which pertain to Ancient History.

The Cat of Bubastes (1250 B.C.)A Story of Ancient Egypt.

The Young Carthaginian(220 B.C)The Story of the Times of Hannibal.

Beric the Briton (A.D 61-70) The Story of The Roman Invasion.

For the Temple (circa A.D 70) The Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem.

As I said before I enjoyed these books immensely and would recommend them to anyone over the age of 10. The vocabulary is extensive but rich. I have the books published by The Lost Classics Book Company and they have a glossary in the back, which we used quite a bit. I am not sure if other copies have that.
I hope this intrigues you a little to pick up a Henty novel.

Keep the FAITH,
MARIE

A Field trip to the Taxidermist

2009-04-10T00:31:00.000-07:00

Our Science Group when on a field trip to our local Taxidermist and Tannery. I have to tell you it was much more involved and interesting than I imagined. The process takes approximately three months to complete and it truly is a form of Art. The kids enjoyed learning what a Taxidermist does. Here in Montana, the Taxidermist stays very busy year round.

Big Bear Taxidermy and Tannery in Darby,Montana.

Some of the kids and parents from the Science Group.

These young men were puttying the inside of the bears mouth. The teeth,eyes and nose are all plastic.
These are the molds used for the mounts of the animals. The animal is measured then the mold is made from those measurements.

Albino Anaconda

The Salt Room. The hides are put in salt to dry them out. One interesting note; you do not use Iodized Salt on the hides because the iodine will turn the hides red.

Jackson

African Black Buck

African Axis
The Science Kids

Keep the Faith,

Marie

Playing in the Sprinkler

2009-04-07T16:25:00.001-07:00

It was 70 degrees here in Montana. today. In fact it has been for the last three days. Jackson played in the sprinkler and his water guns both yesterday and today and I snapped a few pictures.

We have not quit filling the wood rack just yet!!!!!!!

On March 30, I posted the picture below. Take a look at that same plant now, eight days later.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Tomorrow our Science group is going on a filed trip to the Taxidermist so I will post on that later.
Marie

Making a Coat of Arms Battle Shield.

2009-04-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Jackson decided he wanted to start a notebook on Knights and that he wanted to make a shield with a Coat of Arms. He made the shield from wood, painted and designed the coat of arms

On a Coat of Arms the symbols and colors have special meanings. These symbols were usually put on a shield and serve as an insignia to represent a person,family or institution

The axe means execution of military duties.

The lion means dauntless courage.

The bow means readiness for battle.

The shield means military strength.

The color gold means generosity and elevation of the mind.

The blue color means truth and loyalty.

He put a handle on the back to hold his shield

Jackson got the sword for Christmas from Vision Forum.

Jackson with his Coat of Arms

Copywor

Plans for emblems on shield.

Jackson

Keep the Faith,

Marie

A Virtual Field Trip toThe Last Best Place.... Montana

2009-04-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Montana,

I would like to invite you to Part One of our virtual field trip to "The Last Best Place"the state of Montana. Montana is a Spanish word meaning mountainous. When you think of Montana,many people think of open land, cowboys and Indians,cold weather, Lewis and Clark and the wild west. Now it may be some of those things but Montana is so much more. Come along with me on a virtual trip to Big Sky Country.

Statehood: Montana became a state on November 8,1889. The capital of Montana is Helena. Montana has been called, "The Treasure State","Big Sky Country" and " The Last Best Place".

Montana is located in the Northwestern corner of the United States. Idaho is our neighbor to the west,South Dakota and North Dakota to the East, Wyoming to the South and Canada to the North. Montana is the fourth largest state in the nation . In area Montana can accommodate Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and Washington D.C.

Population: In 2006 Montana's population was 944,632 with 2008 estimates at is 967,440. In fact, there are less people in the whole state of Montana than in the city of Phoenix.
Montana is the 48th most densely populated of the 50 states.

Landscape: Montana is a vast and varied state of mountains, canyons, river valleys, forests, grassy plains,badlands and caverns. The eastern third of the state is plains country where the sky seems to find no limits. The central third is plains surrounding what are called "island"mountain ranges. The western third are mountain ranges and valleys. In the Northwestern corner of the state is Glacier National Park with spectacular mountain peeks were cut by glaciers.

Glacier National Park 2008

Bitterroot Mountains in Western Montana 2008

Big Hole Valley 200 8

The people of Montana: Not everyone that lives in Montana are cowboys. Farmers and ranchers make up about 5% of the total population and most of those ranches are still family owned and operated and have been since the 1800's. There are many professionals moving to Montana to enjoy all that Montana has to offer. Montana seems to attract all sorts of people with varied backgrounds

Climate: The weather in Montana is milder than most people think. Montana is very dry therefore it is neither oppressively hot or cold. The state offers many recreational opportunities to enjoy warm and cold weather activities. In fact where I live in Western Montana is known as the "Banana Belt". Now, don't let that name fool you, we do get snow and it can be cold at times but in comparison, to other parts of the state,it is relatively mild. That is one of the reasons we picked to move here. We are from Florida so we did not want to move somewhere that was to the extreme opposite.

Jackson Winter 2008

What we woke up to one morning. 2008

Jackson and myself. 2009

Where we live in Montana: We live in Western Montana about 80 miles south of Missoula,Montana. Idaho is approximately 60 miles south and just over the mountains to the west. We live between two mountain ranges;The Bitterroot and the Sapphire Mountains. We have about seven acres and have lived here for almost four years.

Como Peaks from the driveway. 2008

Rainbow from the backyard. 2008

Our home use to be a stagecoach stop and then a ranch house for a large working ranch. Picture was taken last summer.( 2008)

I hope you enjoyed part one of our virtual field trip to Montana. Part two will include: National Parks, battlefields and wildlife, state symbols and more. We will have facts, figures, trivia and pictures from our travels around the great state of MONTANA.

Keep the FAITH,

Marie

Just Another Day in Big Sky Country

2009-04-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Jackson and I went outside for a walk yesterday. Here are some of the pictures we took while we were out and about.

" Red Rosie"

"The Whole Herd"

Another Picture of the Herd.

Bob and Chuck

Jackson at "Jack's Island"

Jackson with his dogs. ( All three are Border Collies)

Jackson in his fort.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

A Lil Bit of Trivia on April Fools Day

2009-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

The History of April Fools day is uncertain but it is believed that its started in 1582 in France. Charles IX wanted to reform the calendar and the Gregorian Calendar was introduced. This meant that New Years was moved from March 25- April 1 (New Years week) to January 1.

News travelled very slow in those days with some people not being informed until several years later but there were those, resistant to change and maybe a bit more rebellious, who would not acknowledge the change and would continue celebrating the old way. This people were labeled "fools" by the general population and thus began the trickery...... These people were sent on "fool errands", sent invitations to parties that did not exist. The recipients of these pranks became known as "April Fish" since a young fish is naive and easily caught and they use to hook a paper fish on someones back as a joke. So the custom prank playing continued on April 1 every year. How did it get to America, you may ask? Well, it is believed that the tradition eventually spread to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was then introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. This tradition has spread and each country has it's own unique way to celebrate. So as you play your harmless pranks today you will know the rest of the story!!

Spring Has Sprung..... I Think

2009-03-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

My "Forgotten" Tulips

"Old Glory waving proudly in the breeze !!!!! USA

Jackson doing some chores outside!!

Jackson's drawing of the elk on the mountain.

Elk on the mountain.

We went outside today for a walk here around the house. We live in between two mountain ranges in the Bitterroot Valley in Western Montana. I know that the first day of Spring has come and gone but I woke up to about 2" of snow this morning !!! There was a herd of elk on one mountain that had come down to find food. My tulip bulbs that I planted last year and had forgotten are springing up and have buds on them already. The lilies that we transplanted last year are popping up and will soon cover the back of my flower beds. There is still snow on the higher mountains, which we are thankful for, the snow will help later on in the summer when the fire season starts.
Everything seems so alive outside this time of year. I am always amazed how God in his infinite wisdom made the seasons. Knowing that everything needs time to rest and renew before it springs back up to bloom. It reminds me of a saying I have heard, "Bloom Where You Are Planted!!"
Keep the Faith,

Marie

Ultimate Women's Expo 2009

2009-03-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a minute to tell ya'll about The Ultimate Women's Expo and encourage you to go check it out. I have attended the Homeschool Expo for the last two years and really enjoyed all the classes that were offered. I was able to download the seminars, I received free ebooks and tons of resources.

This Ultimate Women's Expo is for us Ladies. It is the Ladies Retreat that never ends. There are no crowds,no makeup,no hotel stays. There are over 20 speakers with over 30 different sessions all for $19.95.

I encourage you to check it out at the link below. Check out all the speakers and subjects.

http://tinyurl.com/cspser

A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord

2009-03-26T23:41:00.000-07:00

The other night before bedtime my son, Jackson was reading Moby Dick. I went over to the book shelf to look for a book. I came across the book Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan. I got the book down and was looking at it when Jackson started looking at it with me. We started singing some of the songs like, Jesus Loves Me, Battle Hymn of the Republic, What a Friend We Have in Jesus and Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty. We laughed and got so tickled trying to get the tune down just right. After we sang each one I would read the histories behind the songs
Later on that night I could not help but think how much we both learned with that impromtu music lesson. Unfortunately I did not learn to sing any better. It truly was a joyful noise unto the Lord ( and the Lord ONLY)
Real Life is full of unplanned learning experiences. Those are the moments that we remember most in our lives. The ones our kids will remember and tell their kids about.
I pray that I do not let those moments pass without taking hold of them and making them mine!!
If you have not read Then Sings My Soul it is a great book. There is also a volume two. There is a link and picture in the sidebar to the book.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Laying Down the Rails: A Charlotte Mason Habits Handbook - Simply Charlotte Mason

2009-03-26T10:13:00.001-07:00

Laying Down the Rails: A Charlotte Mason Habits Handbook - Simply Charlotte Mason

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Notebooking, The relaxed Way To Learn

2009-03-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

"Of course,it is only now and then that a notion catches a small boy,but when it does catch, it works wonders,and does more for his education than years of grind"
Charlotte Mason in her book School Education (pg. 163)

Using Notebooks is a great way to gather and store all their copywork,narrations, pictures, drawings, specimens, and whatever else you can press flat and put in plastic sleeves.

Notebooks are wonderful textbooks created by your children. You can use any subject or topic. This helps to instill a love for learning. Not to mention research skills, handwriting, neatness and so much more. Notebooks are perfect to use with any child.

I have home schooled for over 15 years and have used many many methods of teaching,not to mention, spent a lot of money to try to find that perfect curriculum. I realized as long as I have a notebook, plastic sleeves, books, paper, pencils and a library close by that I ALREADY have the perfect, natural way for my son to learn. The greatest thing is, HE LOVES IT TOO !!!!!
(some of Jackson's notebooks are below).
Until next time,
Keep the Faith,
Marie

2009-03-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Spring! Why Not Begin a Science Notebook?by Cindy Rushton
http://tinyurl.com/dbtxnq

Today being inside just tortures me! It is STUNNING outside! Even the little birds are begging us to go outside.
Are you like me, dying from "cabin fever" and ready for spring? This is the perfect time to begin Nature Notebooks! Not only will you have an abundance of treasures awaiting your exploration, but these are perfect days to try something fresh. Ready? Let me help…
Chances are you already have many things that could be included in a Science Notebook around your home. Look for those "goodies" that do not have their own special place and add them to your Science Notebooks. This is the perfect opportunity to develop "a place" for those "goodies" while developing a nice product for displaying all the growing knowledge of nature all while your children are keeping special memorabilia! One of the things that I like about using supplies intended for scrapbooking is that there are so many products that enable us to keep bulky materials safely inside of our notebooks. Not to mention, scrapbooking makes EVERY notebook so much cuter! J And…to imagine that we call this "school!"
Want some ideas of things to include in your notebooks???
· Sketches...Don’t forget to include date, time, place, Latin name, and common name. Oh! Don’t forget to document where you found it.
· Snapshots…Don’t forget to journal about your snapshot!
· Pressed flowers, leaves, feathers, butterflies, etc.
· Glossary of terms studied…
· Artwork… (Nature art, original drawings, coloring pages…)
· Diagrams…
· Poetry…
· Information about discoveries…
· Lists of new findings…
· Handouts from trips…
· Narrations from trips, outings, hikes, nature walks, books read about nature or scientists/naturalists…
· Timeline…Mark your excursions, inventions, famous men and women, so on!
· Instruction Sheets on "How to Care for..." or "How to Collect..." etc.
· Booklets...
· Project data...
· Bible verses...
· Journal entries…
· Details from outings…
· Favorite quotes about nature…
· Reading list…
· Research...
· Reports...
· Essays…
· Science experiment logs…
· Notes from any Science study…
You can add a lot of life to your Science Notebooks with special supplies you find along the way! I have found that the little touches have made our notebooks so much more fun and in the process hooked my children.
Encourage your children to use die-cuts, frames, stencils, shapes, and edgings galore to make their notebooks fun and beautiful! My children now beg each weekend to work on our binders/scrapbooks. We have taken these simple skills into other projects for our Science studies such as creating books or booklets…making cards with pressed flowers, sketches, poetry and Scripture verses…and displaying our collections. The key is to just have fun and enjoy making your notebooks all yours!
Happy Notebooking!
Cindy
**************************************************
About Cindy Rushton…
Cindy Rushton is the hostess of the Ultimate Homeschool Expo, the very first online homeschool convention. Grab your set NOW and receive her awesome A Quick Start for Notebooking Mini-Set FREE today! Check out all of the details here:
http://tinyurl.com/dbtxnq

Using Whole Living Books to Teach.

2009-03-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

Eighty percent of all books have been published since 1980.Eighty percent of those would have been better off left as trees.(Quoted by Jerry Hanson.)

"My little hobby.Book Collecting. And Yet, old friend, books do not age as you and I do. They will speak still when they are gone, to generations we will never see. Yes, the books must survive"
(The Rabbi in Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place.)

"A child has not begun his education until he has acquired the habit of reading to himself, with interest and pleasure, books fully on a level with his intelligence." Charlotte Mason

Getting started with the ideas of Charlotte Mason are not hard at all. Use Whole Living Books as your curriculum. Whole Living Books are books in their entirety not little pieces that you sometimes find in Literature books. Just use great literature, encourage lots of reading and discussion. Make books important to you and your children we see that in you. Allow the book to teach. Not sure where to find Living Books? Check out these resources:

Books Children Love by Elizabeth Wilson

Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt

Who Should We Then Read by Jan Bloom

Of course the perfect foundation for all studies, is the Bible. It is very simple. The Bible is a great source for History, Literature and Poetry.

Until next time, Keep the Faith,
Marie

Learning, The Natural Way!!

2009-03-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

You may wonder why I posted a picture of my niece, Madelyn. Beside from the fact that she is cute as a button ( bias) and beside the fact that she is now the only baby left in the family, so of course she is brilliant etc. HA HA.

I wanted people to see her face in this picture. Madelyn is only about 7 months old here. Her eyes are open wide,her mouth open in awe. Babies learn at the speed of light. They learn by watching and playing , trial and error. As they get older and reach school age,we as homeschooling parents, sometimes sit them behind a desk and teach them from workbooks and textbooks and wonder why they sit there with glazed over eyes. Charlotte Mason believed that children learn naturally from " LIVING LIFE" Getting your children outside to play and stand in awe of God's creation,exposing them to Fine Arts so they can learn from the masters. Sometimes we squelch the real learning process by trying to get to the next chapter,test or quiz.

Something to think about!!! Post your thoughts or comments.

Keep the Faith,

Marie

So What's Up With Charlotte Mason??

2009-03-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hello from Montana. It is raining outside and a little dreary but it is still beautiful to me!!

I wanted to give you a little background on Charlotte Mason. Who was she? What were her methods of teaching? Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) was the founder of the Charlotte Mason College of Education in England. She believed that education is an atmosphere,a discipline, a life and that our aim in education is to give a full life. These are the 3 key teaching tools used by Miss Mason. These tools were the foundation for all her work.

The first tool is atmosphere. Charlotte Mason believed that children were of great worth to God. That they were free to learn,grow and mature in an atmosphere of value,respect,serenity,contentment and stability. She believed that the HOME was the center of real education. All it takes for learning to take place at all times in a home that is inviting,warm and filled with opportunities to learn at all times.

The second tool is discipline. Charlotte Mason said that the most critical aspect of teaching is the formation of habits. The responsibility for forming those habits are the parents. Children are always forming habits (bad or good). They either form habits of attentiveness, self control, service, excellence,obedience, OR restlessness,wandering minds,dulled senses, non thinking, failure, discouragement and disobedience. We as parents must make the best use of our time to instill habits of a good life.

The third teaching tool is "REAL LIFE." True education takes place in real life with real people, past and present. We need to realize that all of life is the classroom and we will equip our children to become self educated, life long, learners. We must teach our children how their education relates to real life. Artificial classroom experiences stunt growth in their minds. Their mind deteriorates with out the stimulus of ideas. Charlotte Mason believed that children's minds should be fed on the best intellectual food.... God's Word, great literature, fine art, beautiful music, real living history, and direct contact with God's creation. She taught when children were given best mind food they can learn directly from the mind of the author or artist.
Well, that gives us a lot to think about.
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Day Two

2009-03-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

It is actually just after midnight here in "Big Sky Country" so technically it is day two. I have been thinking about all I want to talk about and there is so much I have to remind myself to slow down(which I am NOT good at!) I did post a little information about myself and will post some pictures in the coming days. I always like to see peoples pictures it just makes me fell like I know them better. In my next post as I said I will give you a little information about Charlotte Mason and my own thoughts on her methods. I will also be talking about my most favorite way of learning for my son as well as myself and that is NOTEBOOKING!!! YEAH I love it. I am not sure how many of you know my friend, Cindy Rushton but she is the queen of Notebooking. My next post will give you some information about Cindy and a GREAT FREE GIFT, YES FREE. You can not beat that. So be on the lookout for that post with a link to your free notebooking mini set audio and E book.
Until next time
Keep the Faith,
Marie

Ultimate Homeschool Expo

2009-03-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hey!
I just got an email from my friend, Cindy Rushton. She is "pumped" about her Ultimate Homeschool Expo library. Actually, she is so "pumped" that she has just shared a sneak peek into her Membership Site.
You see one of the neat things about the Ultimate Homeschool Expo is that everything is ONLINE as more than a convention--it is the ULTIMATE homeschool resource library.
With every online event that Cindy plans, she builds a private, exclusive Membership Site that includes everything from the UHSE in one place--it has audios (from all of the sessions and from the bonus gifts that her speakers give to us), ebooks, complete unit study guides, articles, printable notebooking pages, cookbooks, on and on. I can't believe all of the things that we receive for only $99.95. It is truly ULTIMATE!
Anyway, back to the reason that I am sharing with you...
Cindy just sent me permission to give you a sampler of one of her free gifts that is included on the Membership Site. I am so excited to give it to you! It is a audio and ebook set that she actually sells on her website, but she is giving away on the Membership Site. Here is the link:
A Quick Start for Notebooking Mini-Set!
Need ideas for encouraging your young writers and QUICK? Ready for a FUN way to encourage your most reluctant writer to write AND like it??? This fun-filled, hands-on workshop is one that you simply CANNOT miss!! Cindy Rushton, who has become known through the years as THE BINDER QUEEN, uses Notebooking for EVERYTHING! She will show you how to begin whether your child is a toddler or the most skeptical high schoolers. This workshop is sure to light a fire that will equip YOU to help your children deepen their studies and document learning all along the way! TOPICS FOR THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDE: Hey! Do I Have A Chance At This??; Why On Earth Notebook???; Down to the Nitty Gritty...WHAT Do I Need and HOW Do I Do It?; Step-by-Step Through Notebooking; Scrapbooking! YES! You CAN Have Fun Homeschooling; Hey? What is Legal? What All Goes Into A Notebook???; Developing FUN Studies That Teach and Inspire!!; Copywork...Answers to ALL of Your Questions; Taking the Writer From Reluctant to Researching; Ideas, Ideas, Ideas, There’s Gotta Be One for You; PLUS Much, Much More! PLUS! Cindy doesn't stop with the workshop, she also includes the Q/A Session after the workshop AND her handouts/samples of student notebooks. Awesome!
Let’s Try Notebooking Audio Mp3:(Cindy's Workshop)http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/TALNotebookingPartOne.mp3
(Questions and Answers)http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/TALNotebookingPartTwo.mp3
Handouts:http://www.cindyrushton.com/Ebooks/LetsTryNotebooking!.pdf
Samples of Student Notebooks:http://www.cindyrushton.com/Ebooks/SamplesofStudentNotebooks.pdf
Isn't that FUN?
You know the saying that a picture captures a thousand words,well...what about a a gift like this??? And, just think...this is only ONE of the awesome gifts included on the Membership Site. There are hundreds more!
Take my word for it, you will WANT a ticket to this event and access to all of the wonderful resources. Grab your ticket here:
http://www.cindysaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=9J8LLX9D&pid=1
Keep the Faith,

Marie

Day One...

2009-03-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hi,
Welcome to my blog. This is my first entry to my blog. Heck...... this is my first BLOG ever. I feel scared,excited and totally in over my head. But hey, that is what learning is about!!!!
Speaking of learning, that is what this blog is all about.......Learning at home while educating your children. This blog is for anyone who homeschools or wants to teach their kids at home. It is not just for parents who use the Charlotte Mason method although I will be blogging about those methods since that is the method that I prefer these days. Some of you may not even know who Charlotte Mason was and in my next entry I will tell you more about her and her methods and about myself. Until then, Good Night and keep the Faith,
Marie