Book Sorting, Buying, and Wishing Help is right around the corner...Actually right NOW!

I love Tapestry of Grace.  It is full of great books.  However, I can't afford all of them.  Thankfully, I utilize the library all year long for the majority of our books.  However, since my little secret is out (Tapestry is GREAT), other wonderful homeschool moms are using the library.  I don't want to get into a battle of the books, so I need to have on my shelf the literature books (because those are dependent on the worksheets).  I also would like to have the history books that are used for more than 4 weeks.

Confession again, I had a little bit of book money to start stocking up on the books for next year. I love looking at used Amazon.com or the quaint little bookstore called Fireside Books in Palmer, but in the first week of shopping---I ORDERED THE SAME BOOK TWICE! In the past, I also have ordered a book that was already on my nice little shelf.

Not again.

I read reviews, blogs, and customer comments, and decided I was going to put my smart-phone to work (an ipad will do the thing as well).  I bought "Book Crawler".  This app allows me to scan the barcode on the back of the book or manually enter in my older books.  Then it is not only searchable, but my entire library is in my grubby little hands if I am tempted to "repurchase" a good deal at the local thrift store.

Reality, it takes about 1 hour per large bookshelf to enter in the books.  It was painless. I learned to make sure to "tick" or select the slide key called OWN when you scan a book.  Then it places a nifty little check mark by the books I own.

I also can enter my next years books. I just don't mark OWN.  Also, I can add a custom category on a book.  For example, I added a category called TOG 1 (for Tapestry of Grace year 1) or you could add Son 3(for Sonlight grade 3).

You also can push this little blue button on any book that you entered and it will automatically tell you if it is in a library close by.  With another click, you can place the book on hold.  Yes, it is that simple.

To use between two devices (iphone/ipad) I just signed up for dropbox and then push a button and my database is shared.  So, if I am done, I export my database (one button while online).  Then when I open the app on a different device I "import" my database.  That way I don't ever loose my books, and I have the same list of books I am working with.  They "Book Crawler" just opened a desktop app to work online as well.

I love sharing books.  When you open a specific book, you can also tick a LOAN button and type in the person you loaned it to.  I love that.

Hopefully, I will be able to not purchase the same book twice, know what I need with a click of the button, and be able to share my books and not wonder who I loaned it to.

Juggling but Connected, ready to do what He wants

I am knitting again.  Do I have time?  That is a great question.  Not really.

Independence Mine.  Hard being the first time of the season (skate skiing), and a torture coming down because of snow pelting out eyes like daggers.  But, I loved it!

This school term has been a huge blessing of at-home-ness. However, our evening are a different thing. It helps to have pre-cooked items, oven on time-bake, or crockpot meals.

SUNDAY/MONDAY:  The Lord has put on my heart to direct a drama called "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever".  I feel totally inadequate and stretched, but the Lord is my strength and my helper.  Thankfully, I have an amazing group of actors/actresses and lots of help (sets, wardrobe, etc) or it would be a disaster.    *Save the date December 13, 20, or 21st.

TUESDAY: Bronwyn gets a unique advantage by being a student at Louise Farm School.  During this years studies, she gets to learn more about the environment and trees.  She spends 3 out of the 5 hours outdoors.  Great outdoor education put on by Students from Alaska Pacific University.

WEDNESDAY:  I am committed to teach the young girls *8 to *9 year olds in Pioneer Clubs which is like Bible Study plus Girl Scouts combined.  I love it. I do get away to a knitting club that I love (Thank Diana).

THURSDAY:  I get to run to Wasilla for Robotics for Max and Technology Lab/Battle of the Books (I am coaching this year) for Bronwyn. Hannah gets to volunteer at our local Thrift Store Charity shop.

FRIDAY Day: Super Fun!  Co-op.  We have about 4 families using Tapestry of Grace, and we share a discussion/activities centered on the World Event and helping form a Biblical Worldview. Then, Speech Boot Camp- I am coordinating a class with 14 students (Middle School-High School).  Then Art-I just play a video and let atelier art teach.  I do play music in the background.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Life group is one of the special nights where we get to be encouraged and challenge one another.  I love it.

I look forward everyday to what the Lord wants from me.  I am thankful for my daughters new business and the opportunities to show love to others in our neighborhood.

I find time to read my Bible, run, ski, and go to libraries.  Help me Lord to do your Will in the midst of life!

Willow LOVED the snow.  We had to drive 25 minutes up a mountain to find it, but we did.

Lion's Head trail (and a personal review of camping at Matanuska Glacier)

 To get to one of the most rewarding but little effort hike, one must drive toward Glennallen.  Right past the breath-taking Matanuska Glacier, at Mile 103 of the Glenn Highway, just before Caribou Creek, turn right sharply onto a small gravel road. 

You will feel that you are going over the edge but most days you can see the AT&T tower further ahead.  
Don't be intimidated by the closed locked gate. Just park in front of it and call the number (they always answer) and request permission to hike Lion's Head.  They gladly give you permission but they want to know how many are in your party.  

Proceed up the gravel road and take the right fork that leads you directly toward Lion’s Head. A pile of rocks will mark the beginning of the 1-1/2 mile trail that gains about 1,000 feet to the summit, which is at about 3,100 feet. 



I got them all last Friday

when we went to Lion's Head near Matanuska Glacier.  This was not a strenuous hike because we needed to make many stops to fill our mouths with BLUEBERRIES.

Max loves this face

Hannah took her amazing camera and captured the beauty so eloquently.  I guess you can say, this is our classroom.

Sleeping on a deflated air mattresses didn't sour my night in the woods.  A quick game of Jungle Jam, roasting marshmallows, and visiting with foreign neighbors made the relatively warm fall evening a treat.

Starting Slow... Not really

As the rain pours down, I am thankful for both the rain and a new school year.  We have an eclectic start of school.  I thought that it would be so easy, but it is slower when you are entering new books and your restarting some of the brain functions.  I call it Summer Evaporation.

However, I love it.

 This year calls for some added changes.  First, I have not only the white board displaying all the needed subjects for the day, but an Checklist that I have the authority to check off.

The children's books are put in a new place *the bathroom closet.  It has tall sturdy shelves that host the multitude of books.  My linens have found a new home.

I still highly recommend the weekly book sorting that I started last year.  It saved me TONS of time.  I even put my library books that come in early, so I don't spend hours looking for the needed books. ( you can read it here what I wrote last year)

Bronwyn asked if she could do her Bible time with me.  She says that last year she just would skim the Bible and not really apply it.  Yeah!  Of course I will.  So, we find some good corner of the home and pray and read scripture together.  She journals.  I love it.

Since it has been raining all week, it makes it easier being inside.  However, as soon as the sun comes back, we are taking a "Sun Day Off". We never take snow days; however, we take all the sun we can by enjoying the last bit of summer hiking that we can.  *blueberries are ripe as well.

Countless competitions, celebrations, and ceremonies

This term has been great. It was full of countless celebrations, competitions, and ceremonies.  I was shocked myself in looking at all the happenings that went on in 9 weeks.  We also had 5 days dedicated to standardize testing. 

Something that we did new this term was Louise Farm School from 9:30 to 2:30 one day a week.  It was such a hit for a multiple reasons.  First, it gives a change of scenery for the week.  Second, Max learned wilderness survival skills, while Bronwyn's class focused on wolves.  Third, they spend 3 out of the 5 hours outdoors regardless of the weather (rain, snow, etc).  So, Bronwyn learned to have fun in the cooler temperatures.   She spent even the early morning hours just exploring her world.  I believe the lesson of loving her environment is PRICELESS.  Fourth, Bronwyn wrote that she loved it.  She wrote, "I am not too old, or not too young, I am right where I belong."  I realized that being the youngest makes her think she is always behind.  

 Hannah raised money for Compassion International (disaster relief) and Max/Bronwyn raised money for Samaritan Purse (goats for families).  They raise $260 which is 100% for the charities.  (They kept the tips for themselves).  I love Lemonade Day!

Max & Bronwyn both won a free school trip up the Butte plus the Reindeer Farm in Palmer because of their PE get moving award.  They loved their time however Max came up with a priceless statement, "There is a fine line between Elementary Schools and Soap Operas".  (they did get to ride the big yellow bus, but was concern that they didn't have seat belts)

But, I know feel such a sigh of relief that this term and year is OVER.  

However, we have a full summer.  But, God is so good.  We will walk with Him wherever He leads.  The activities we have this summer include:  Vacation Bible School (Hannah is drama)- I am the mission teacher,
Mountain Bike Mondays called SPROCKIDS where James and I are coaches,
Max is doing little league for the first time,
Valley Performing Arts 2 weeks drama camp (three kids),
 Victory Bible Camp (1 week all kids) =THANKS TO THE GRANDPARENTS,
Sunday Adventures *James leads hikes up the mountains with worship,
Kayak trip 3 night,
Seldovia weekend James preaches,
Church campout,
and so much more.

If you didn't know MY PARENTS are here so, we have lots of extra love around!  

Uniqueness of our home

Uniqueness Encouraged.

Today, I spent time cuddled up with Bronwyn reading together under the blanket and comfy chair.  During the independent time, Max was doing laps around the couch between words on his spelling test.  Brownyn was singing a musical while doing her typing with the music so loud I could hear the melody leaking out of the headphones.  Hannah was busy memorizing a sonnet by reciting it out loud with eloquence and drama from William Shakespeare that she picked out.

Did I mention that it was all happening simultaneously in my living room?

We also spent some time around a table and making a blood cell with redhots, sprinkles, and a white jelly bean.  The absolute uniqueness of a Creator God who has a built in recycling center of iron is phenomenal.  I love learning with them.

I lost my temper because of being interrupted.  However, the lessons of forgiveness and grace are important even if I need to humble myself.

The kids ended their day of school playing games at a friend house while I knitted.  After a quick run up a mountain trail with encouraging words from a dear friend.  God is soo good.

We came home to listen to James read to them an epic novel. Thank you for days like these.  The dedication page was added to their books. (of course, I can't find Bronwyn's work...)

Bricks!

by Max Embree

To James. For teaching me that Legos are fun.

I dedicate this book to Ella Embree my super teacher Mom

Dance, Travel, The Grand Canyon, and Pasta

By Hannah Xaris Embree

Don't Skip the Hands-On Activities

Human Anatomy and Physiology Digestion Amusement Park

I know, I know.  You look at your curriculum showing some large, time-consuming project, and you say, "I don't have to do this."  You are correct. It means making a mess. Yes.  You tell yourself, "Will it be necessary?" No, it won't.

However, I plead with you to take the time.  Make the moments available to let your children explore and express themselves in a creative way.

It helps to be in a co-op so that you have other moms prompting you to do the activities.  But, you must not just do things because others are watching you.

Tapestry of Grace has many activities listed for different ages from 5 to 18 years old.  It is easy to pass weeks and do nothing with involved creativity and following instructions.  However, those "hooks" that the activities provide becomes a real platform from which your students will relate the lessons in a book to a real activity.

This term we are studying the Renaissance.  So, we are doing art DAILY.  I want them to practice and get better in looking at life and drawing the world around them.  We will be taking those famous artist and copy their style.  We will end in December with an Art Fair.

The following is two different Digestion Amusement Parks.  Better than bacon.

 

  

Science Comes Alive in a bink (even at the kitchen table or couch)

I don't know where it started, but I am sure others have done this for years.  But, when we got a Kindle Fire (mini tablet), it was sitting right beside me where I was reading from Exploring Creation (Sea Creatures).  The book was giving a great explanation of a deep sea creature, but the illustration looked odd. It was like a knot.

So, I went to You Tube and plugged in Rag Fish and pop.  A most interesting video of a live Hag Fish that words can hardly describe.

My children and I will be impacted by the live action of this amazing creature.  God's garbage disposal creature from the inside out.

However, I now keep a tablet by me when I am teaching so that if we want to see something in action, one quick search and voila!  It comes alive.

choices...less is more

Before starting a school year there is the choices of "extra" activities.  I thankfully have almost finished For the Children's Sake by SUSAN SCHAEFFER MACAULAY. It is refreshing summer read book that I will re-read.  I do value the  principle of keeping the children's schedule free to play and be kids.  In the book, she values highly the effect of being in the outdoors.  We live in Alaska.  So, we need to be a bit creative to keep our kids active during the dark days of winter.  

But, as of now, I am so excited that I will be out of the house ONE DAY a week during school time.  Yes, on two nights, either James or I can bring Hannah to ballet but it is after dinner and gives us some good time to connect with our oldest.  I choose to combine our one day out with a myriad of activities.  So, we will be free to go walk in the park or listen to a concert at the local library. 

enjoying a flute concert at the Art & Garden Fair in Palmer, AK

Not too early to learn about vegetable shopping from local growers.  

Max: (before being eaten by a giant Venus Fly Trap)

Piano

Pioneer Club

Lego

speech share co-op

Science co-op

(later: Swimming)

Hannah:

ballet

youth group

speech share co-op

Science Co-op

Middle School Book Club

knitting

Bronwyn:

Pioneer Club

speech share co-op

etiquete/art/knitting 

(later: Swimming)

 

Oh no, it's Monday. How to begin your week with Tapestry of Grace

Every year and even each quater might look a bit different, but I wanted to share how it looked like on the average week. We love the freedom Tapestry of Grace gives.

We begin by spending some time in the Word and having the children journal the journey.  I really like to have the children share what they observe in the Bible instead of telling them what I think it says.

Then we go to the Kitchen Table

I have the student open up their working notebooks on the kitchen table.

1. Read the page Weekly Overview
2. hand out the books and have them highlight the books that are required reading for that week.
1. I may adjust and add more or less depending on the "load" of that week or if the student has finished early a "required reading" they could "choose their own title."
3. Have the children pick out their activity for the week (or choose for them). Looking at each week, I sway their choices.  They might need to take two or three weeks for one activity, but if they choose it they will love it more.  Some activities are vetoed by me because of weather or cost.  However, most are easy to pull off and my children remember the fun things.
4. We then go over vocabulary for comprehension and sometimes add it to their spelling list (later post)
5. Introduce the writing for the week and give them a deadline for 1st, 2nd and final draft.  I choose to combine Writing Aids with Institute of Excellence of Writing. (I will explain writing in detail later)
6. Then they are off...
7. I use a White Board with the weekly disciplines with a Sharpie but a dry erase of their initials. When they finish a discipline, they show me the work and then they can erase their initial. 

During the week, we often do maps on Thursday. (later post)
Cocoa Time on Friday.  (later post)

Thats how we play our week of Tapestry of Grace.  How do you plan yours?

How to Set Up Tapestry of Grace for the year PART ONE BOOKS

Well, it is how I set up Tapestry of Grace BOOKS.

1) You must purchase Tapestry of Grace.  I am using year 2, so that is the link, but you can do any year at any time.

Tapestry of Grace Year 2 Digital Version

2)  Books...
I know this is the major part.  When I lived in Africa, I just bought all my books because the libraries didn't know what they had and the majority of the time it was chaos.  However, now that I am in USA, I use my books that I have, friends, library, used bookstores, kindle/nook, then I buy some books.  This year I will be buying two books.  Yes!  Just TWO BOOKS.

  
I begin by printing out the primary resources and alternative resource pages from the Tapestry of Grace pages.

I place them in a notebook that is a TOG year 2 working notebook.

Then I see if I have any books- I put a check if I do on either the primary or Alternate resources.  Or if I don't want a certain book, I cross it out.  *there is only two books that we don't like in the Tapestry books so far (America:ready to us Interdisciplinary Lessons and With Pipe Paddle and Song)

I see if my friends have any books. If they do I put their initial beside the book and gather them prior to the start of school.

Fun part (for me at least), I can search two major library districts and I find if they have first the primary and only the alternate if I am missing a book in the primary resources.
For example:  If I needed for Dialectic Literature book "Almost Home" by Lawton and the library didn't have it, I would look up the alternate resource "The double Life of Pocahontas" by Fritz.  I won't have a worksheet for the alternate but, it would cover the time period or the person I was studying.

I then mark on my TOG book notebook beside the book an initial of the library so that I know where I need to request the book from or put it on hold.  Our library has a 30 day checkout period and a two week hold, so I can request way in advance for the books I need.  One weekly trip is all that is needed.

*Look also for the audio or downloadable e-books as well.  If you child gets a break from reading and can listen to the book.  How fun is that!

Then I go through each week, and see if I have any holes.  The major holes I look for is literature because TOG has great interactive sheets for the specific books.  Then I look if I need any history books that is not covered in the primary or alternate resource. I write in the working notebook my alternate book that I want the children to read.  (Very important or you will not remember that you have a different book and you won't ask your child to read it that week)

 However, if I see that UG has a book on Jamestown, and LG doesn't I will just let my younger daughter listen to some of Max's book.  Second, I then see if there is any other books at the library that will cover the subject.  "You wouldn't want to be a ..." series is fun and they are so new that TOG might not of used them because I have been using TOG for 5 years.

Then I type out a list of the still needed books.  This year I created a spreadsheet of the books and then did a cost of purchasing these books (amazon, Bookstore central). I kept that little list around when I went to second hand stores or garage sales.  I found about 4 or 5 titles for .25 cents a piece!

Now, it is almost time to purchase the needed 23 books.  But read on to find out why Palmer Public Library is the BEST.


AMAZING: This year I had about 23 books that I couldn't find, for LG, UG, and D.  I went and filled out a "book request form" at the local library.  They ordered EVERYONE!

I put my books in order from which week and unit on 4 shelves.  So, Unit 1 first shelf, Unit 2, second shelf, etc.

I also order them by weeks so I won't need to search the house for them. (biggest pain). After the school year is over, I make sure these books are around the home so that the children can re-read them. But, not the current year.

This is getting to long.  Part II will come out later.  

Week in our Life

Monday

It was just another gorgeous day here in Palmer.  We are studying Roman mosaics and decided to take the dog and go to the river and collect some gems.  It was a dream.

Tuesday
We painted using Atelier.  I have no idea what happened as my camera was snatched but, I wish I did.

Wednesday
Securing a place for "Squeezed with Loved" my children's lemonade stand for Lemonade Day next to Vagabond blues in Palmer, was top on the list.  They are learning about investing, marketing, and giving.  They decided to buy a goat with their profits for a needy family overseas through Samaratins Purse.

Since it was Rewards day at the Pioneer club at church, Max, Bronwyn and I biked from our home to the church.  It was so refreshing and beautiful.  They all did great on their projects this year. 

Thursday

Bronwyn and Hannah love volunteering.  Hannah has recently been serving at Thrifters Rock a local charity shop sorting items and cleaning the shop.  Bronwyn and I go and serve at the Animal Shelter.  She is so good with the animals and loves helping with vet with the surgeries.  We spent this Thursday cleaning bathrooms as well.

Finishing Strong
Friday became a great day to have school hanging on the golden tree in front of the library.  We had to go out because of retrieving the coolest new bikes for the seasons thanks to Mat-Su Bike n Hike .  This summer the kidos and I will be learning all kinds of Mountain Biking skills and explore the amazing trails right here in the valley.  Monday nights 6 to 7:30!

I also spent time volunteering at the library as the kids finished school.  I wasn't very fast today because so often I get excited and start perusing the books.  I got a book on pebble mosaic and another couple about decks because James is wanting to expand our entertaining area this summer. Here is our children getting into the deck holes.

Saturday

We had a lazy morning, after a 6 mile run with a friend.  Then we went to Hannah's spring dance recital.  She did amazing.  It also was rewarding to see some great friends do their senior dance recital.  We came home for a good discussion about Heaven with our life group. 

Sunday
Spending the day aching and in pain is no fun.  Especially when it is Sunday.  However, a low fever, pounding headache, and lack of appetite meant this girl was sick.  Thankfully, it was only less than a day, and I am able to type and read.