Where have you put my children?

I came home from Bible study to.....this in the camera, children in bed, and my house TOTALLY cleaned. Tubs, toilets, mopped floors, dusted living room.....laundry done, folded and put away.

I'm guessing the strange characters above had something to do with the transformation. (I know Bobbie Jo's love of cleaning didn't cause her to sneak in and clean because I was discussing the joys of Navy/Air Force life with her at the time this occurred).

Thanks, Jared! You blessed me, greatly.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Jamin's White Piece of Paper

In keeping with Zander's excitement over the "awesomeness" of white pieces of paper.....I took a photo of Jamin with his first receipt for gas. I'm not sure how we let him drive a month without providing him the joy of buying a tank of gas. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Viking Lapbooks

DONE! The boys want to continue looking at Viking books so we may add to these, but I have officially declared the lapbooks finished! I found the booklets for this lapbook free at Homeschool Share. If you are considering lapbooking this is a great spot to start. Each kit we've used has enough research that I don't have to spend a LOT of time (some time) finding answers, the patterns are there and BRIEF directions. NOW - if you need to know how to ASSEMBLE the things - be sure to read the files, visit You Tube, OR be humble enough to throw yourself at the mercy of crafty blog readers. ::grin::

Unfortunately, lapbooking seems to be taking over our school. I'm even wondering if I should bag TOG for the younger boys and do a bunch of lapbooks for the rest of this year. It's funny - because none of the kids here really liked making lapbooks until this year.

OK - with this lapbook I added....rubber cement, SUPER GLUE and tape runners....to our lapbooking adventure. We also added the whole "shape" thing vs. manila folders.

Zander's Viking Book

Note the FEROCIOUS dragon on the right booklet...under the scissors. He especially likes this booklet. ::snort::

I thought this was cute...raiders, captains, traders and sailors

*I* did all the writing and folding on this booklet but he's quite proud of the "boing" effect.

Yes, the books are similar but here are some of Nolan's favorite booklets.

Nolan's Viking Book

Norse Weapons - great job Nolan

The runes are fascinating to Nolan

This booklet labels the parts of a Viking Knorr and a Viking Longboat.



You can see more of our lapbooks at Our Lapbooks Page.

Now....on with the Renaissance!
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Blog Look

I LIKE the black backgrounds because the make my photos POP....but its a bit dreary to be greeted by all that green and black day after day (so it's only been 3 days - I HAVE to have a reason for changing the look again so quickly. ::snort::).

Here's the thing - it's LATE here and I'm tired. ALL color fonts are hard on my eyes. I got Jamin to give his opinion...but if this is truly nasty....I'll go with a different color font in the a.m. He thought black would work well....I thought a bit lighter....who knows....but feel free to leave your color suggestions. We thought white was a bit stark - I left gray in the sidebar - but it seems light too....

Mom, is this better than "putrid green"? ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

Lent...Passover...

Lent is HERE....nearly....Passover...this year is NOT slowing down. Click HERE to download a free 15 page Lenten Activity Booklet (Protestant bent). The author, Miiko Gibson, also has a Holy Week Family Devotional at CurrClick. Miiko is the lady who hosts the annual Inductive Advent Study that we like to use.

THIS is a lapbook on Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. I'm not sure if we'll do this or stick with our readings and the free activity folder.

For those who wonder WHY our family is doing Lent these days - read A Protestant/Low Church Family Does Lent. I wrote this last year and I feel the same this year. I actually wrote quite a few posts on Lent last year as we explored the concept. If you want to read more, enter "Lent" in the search box.

I'm amazed this season is upon us already. I'm determined not to stress over the busy-ness of the next 6 weeks, or trying to celebrate Passover...I'm going to focus on the meaning of this season...for us (being you know - Low Church Protestant) the celebrations of Lent and Passover are aids to focusing on Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.....I intend to focus and be drawn into ever-deepening intimacy with the Savior of my soul.

I DO want to find a cool cross with candles to light during our devotions the next six weeks....

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

The day began bright and early when I heard this.

I gave him a piece to play with and started yogurt in the crock pot.

Zander was very excited. He showed Jamin all his viking books. This is the ferocious dragon book.

I ran to the gym.

Nolan used Zander's pages as a template, and cut out his own.

We did school, put lapbooks together, made hand outs and played. I discovered how useful Mike's workshop can be...Super Glue too. LOL

Spies in disguise....

I attended Mom's Night Out. Dropped off a friend's books for her as she was sick and couldn't stay at MNO.

Discovered really THIN yogur back at home....I'll use it in smoothies...and I'm making Greek Cheese with some of it.

I called Mike but we only said, "Hi, I miss you..." before he had to run.

I'm going to sleep....5:30 comes bright and early.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

REMINDER

If you won one of the books during the Valentine giveaway you need to email me your address at dschoosingjoy@gmail.com - unless, of course, you live locally (2) or are my daughter.

If I do not have you address by Wednesday of this week, I will pick another recipient for your book. I HAVE to do this to keep things moving....and I've personally commented on your blog or sent you an email if you won.

Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.