This is a topic that just bothers me. It bothers me more that my girls have had to endure such pointless hatred. Why kids are so cruel to one another is beyond me?!
PF came home from school yesterday in tears because a girl in her class has been picking on her relentlessly. The bullying started when PF sat down at lunch to a lunch with no meat in it. PF packs her own lunch and she is in charge of what she eats. She loves that we are eating healthy and is excited each night when she packs her box. The girl at school does not approve of her choices and calls PF out on it. Yesterday PF hid behind her binder to eat her lunch so she wouldn't be picked on. This didn't help and the girl got other girls to join in with her. The bullying continued on the bus ride home. Butterfly tried to stand up for her sister today and was picked on too.
So if you want to know why I prefer homeschooling, this is just one of the reasons. Education should not be attached to fear. Children should learn in a loving and nurturing environment. I am counting down the weeks until my girls are back home....17 weeks to go!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Chinese New Year!
A couple weeks ago, my SIL let me know about Panda Express's offer for Chinese New Year. They provided a curriculum pack and coupons to their store if you signed up that week. I quickly jumped on it thinking the curriculum would be fun and that we would enjoy a yummy dinner! Well come to find out we don't have a Panda Express anywhere near us...bummer! But I liked the curriculum pack. There were several activities and a DVD with a test to take after watching. 
I gave their girls sugared ginger for an after dinner treat. PF thought it was incredibly spicy.
Ladybug seemed to really enjoy it.
Butterfly ate without complaint and so did Dragonfly. Although after finishing, Dragonfly kept licking my shirt to try and get the taste out of her mouth which was cracking me up.
Coloring the red envelopes call Lai Sai. These envelopes are filled with money in even denominations except 4 (unlucky number)and the children have to beg for the envelopes from their relatives. PF was taking Chinese tutoring a few years ago and really got to play this out. She received some actual Chinese money.
I made veggie stir-fry and brown rice for dinner. We all either used or attempted to use bamboo chopsticks.
I gave their girls sugared ginger for an after dinner treat. PF thought it was incredibly spicy.
Ladybug seemed to really enjoy it.
Butterfly ate without complaint and so did Dragonfly. Although after finishing, Dragonfly kept licking my shirt to try and get the taste out of her mouth which was cracking me up.
Coloring the red envelopes call Lai Sai. These envelopes are filled with money in even denominations except 4 (unlucky number)and the children have to beg for the envelopes from their relatives. PF was taking Chinese tutoring a few years ago and really got to play this out. She received some actual Chinese money.
Chinese finger traps. We had these and I thought tonight would be a great time to pull them out.
Dragonfly had fun coloring but the cutting was a little over her skill level so instead she cut lots of tiny squares.
Butterfly's finished lantern and Lai Sai.
We had a great time celebrating the first day of the year of the rabbit. We discussed what year it was when everyone was born. Ladybug thought it was so cool that her and I share the rooster. Dragonfly was not pleased to be in the year of the boar and insisted she was a monkey.
We have basically taken this year off from learning Mandarin but I am looking forward to all my girls studying Mandarin again in a few weeks. Right now Dragonfly picks up some from watching Ni Hao Kai-Lan. I really have no ability with foreign languages so PF is going to be a great help to me when teaching her sisters the language.
Homeschooling on the go
Today, my Ladybug was home from school. She is fine this morning but I am following the 24hour rule. I had an appointment to get my car clean out this morning. It was in horrible shape after a few trips this fall and last month. It has been so cold that we would just get home and run from the car to the house leaving most everything behind. We finally had a warm day and I cleaned out the rest of the stuff that remained from life spent in the car so now it was time to have the car really cleaned. It took two hours...yikes that says something! I came prepared for a wait and packed snacks and workbooks for the girls. Dragonfly had random preschool sheets and I worked with Ladybug on an English workbook. At school, she is working on beginning, middle and ending sounds plus blends. This workbook was perfect to reinforce that knowledge. She loved putting the stickers on each page as she finished....A GOLD STAR! She almost finished the book.
When we got home, I let the girls have a little free time while I prepared some rice for tonight's Chinese New Year fun!
Today was a great example of how flexible homeschooling can be and why I love it so much. Learning is a constant so no matter where you are you can find a teachable moment. I believe this is true for adults as well. Just because we graduated from school does not mean that God, our supreme teacher, is not constantly schooling us in our Christian walk. I am learning my lessons daily and even through the trials, I am still excited to see what God wants to teach me next.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Water Kefir
I learned about Water Kefir only recently and have been slowly gathering everything that I need to make it.
*Water kefir is made from kefir grains, also known as sugar grains, tibicos, tibi, or Japanese water crystals. The grains make up a cultures of various strains of healthy bacteria and yeast, held together in a polysaccharides matrix created by the bacteria. The symbiotic relationship of the microbes produces a stable growing culture. The microbes feed on sugar and produce lactic acid, alcohol (ethanol), and carbon dioxide, yielding a fermented carbonated beverage. The alcohol content is usually very minimal, less than 1 %.
*I am making water kefir for the probiotic health benefits. There are a few issues that my girls have that I am hoping by drinking this, these issues will be eliminated.
First you need to rehydrate the water kefir grains which is what we did tonight.
Dissolving our "sugar" in water. This is not processed white sugar but an organic cane sugar.
Sugar is dissolved.
We added the kefir grains to a bag to make them easier to strain later.
Into the jar they go. Add a covering (coffee filter) and a rubber band and we are good to go for a couple days. We will then take our hydrated grains and starting making the water kefir drink. We have chosen to make a grape flavor to start with but that juice won't be added until after fermentation.
*Water kefir is made from kefir grains, also known as sugar grains, tibicos, tibi, or Japanese water crystals. The grains make up a cultures of various strains of healthy bacteria and yeast, held together in a polysaccharides matrix created by the bacteria. The symbiotic relationship of the microbes produces a stable growing culture. The microbes feed on sugar and produce lactic acid, alcohol (ethanol), and carbon dioxide, yielding a fermented carbonated beverage. The alcohol content is usually very minimal, less than 1 %.
*I am making water kefir for the probiotic health benefits. There are a few issues that my girls have that I am hoping by drinking this, these issues will be eliminated.
First you need to rehydrate the water kefir grains which is what we did tonight.
Dissolving our "sugar" in water. This is not processed white sugar but an organic cane sugar.
Sugar is dissolved.
We added the kefir grains to a bag to make them easier to strain later.
Into the jar they go. Add a covering (coffee filter) and a rubber band and we are good to go for a couple days. We will then take our hydrated grains and starting making the water kefir drink. We have chosen to make a grape flavor to start with but that juice won't be added until after fermentation.
I can't wait to see the positive effects that this will have on our family!
There are so many health benefits it amazes me:
1.Strongest natural remedy against any allergy
2.Strongest natural antibiotic without side effects
3.Treats liver disease
4.Treats gallbladder, dissolves gall bladder stones
5.Clears the body of salts, heavy metals, radionuclides, and alcoholic products
6.Cleans the body of chemical antibiotics
7.Treats kidney stones
8.Good bacteria in kefir are able to fight off pathogenic microorganisms
9.Lowers level of LDL cholesterol
10.Cleans the gastrointestinal tract
11.Irritable Bowel Syndrome
12.Treats gastritis
13.Treats pancreatitis
14.Treats ulcers
15.Prevents and treats colon cancer
16.Improves digestion
17.Improves the body functions
18.Improves the human immune system
19.Cures Candida
20.Cures hypertension
21.Stops growth of cancer cells
22.Speeds up healing process
23.Treats psoriasis
24.Treats eczema
25.Treats inflammatory diseases
26.Reduces size of tumors
27.Treats heart disease
28.Reverses calcination of blood vessels
29.Clears the blood vessels
30.Boosts the bodies energy
31.Natural “feel good” food
32.Treats lung infections
33.Normalizes metabolism thereby can be used as for weight loss
34.Cures acne
35.Has anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties
36.Nourishes hair
37.Treats the gum disease parodontosis
38.Lessens effects of medicines
39.Replenishes body of good bacteria after antibiotic
40.Balances the microflora of the body’s digestive system
41.Regulates blood pressure
42.Lowers blood sugar
43.Lowers blood lipid levels or cholesterol and fatty acids
44.Treats diarrhea
45.Treats constipation
46.Promotes bowel movement
47.Anti-stress properties
48.Treats sleeping disorders
49.Treats depression
50.Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
51.Improves the brains neuro functions like reflexes, memory retention, attention, the five senses
52.Reduces flatulence
53.Lactic acid fermentation enhances the digestibility of milk based foods. People who cannot otherwise digest milk, can enjoy the vital calcium rich Kefir.
54.Treats yeast infection
55.Eliminates vaginal odors
56.Cures wrinkles
57.Treats arthritis
58.Treats colitis
59.Treats gout
60.Cures migranes
61.Treats rheumatism
62.Treats other stomach disorders
63.Detoxifies the body
64.Improves protein quality of milk, and enhances absorption and digestion
65.Good bacteria manufacture B vitamins such as B3, B6 and folic acid.
66.Aids in treating tuberculosis
67.Treats stomach cramps
68.Treats chronic intestine infections
69.Treats liver infections
70.Treats asthma
71.Treats bronchitis
72.Treats sclerosis
73.Treats anemia
74.Treats hepatitis
75.Healing effects on catarrh, digestive nodes, astral nodes, bilious complaints
76.Treats leaky gut syndrome
77.Prevents metastasis
78.Cures bad morning breath
There are so many health benefits it amazes me:
1.Strongest natural remedy against any allergy
2.Strongest natural antibiotic without side effects
3.Treats liver disease
4.Treats gallbladder, dissolves gall bladder stones
5.Clears the body of salts, heavy metals, radionuclides, and alcoholic products
6.Cleans the body of chemical antibiotics
7.Treats kidney stones
8.Good bacteria in kefir are able to fight off pathogenic microorganisms
9.Lowers level of LDL cholesterol
10.Cleans the gastrointestinal tract
11.Irritable Bowel Syndrome
12.Treats gastritis
13.Treats pancreatitis
14.Treats ulcers
15.Prevents and treats colon cancer
16.Improves digestion
17.Improves the body functions
18.Improves the human immune system
19.Cures Candida
20.Cures hypertension
21.Stops growth of cancer cells
22.Speeds up healing process
23.Treats psoriasis
24.Treats eczema
25.Treats inflammatory diseases
26.Reduces size of tumors
27.Treats heart disease
28.Reverses calcination of blood vessels
29.Clears the blood vessels
30.Boosts the bodies energy
31.Natural “feel good” food
32.Treats lung infections
33.Normalizes metabolism thereby can be used as for weight loss
34.Cures acne
35.Has anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties
36.Nourishes hair
37.Treats the gum disease parodontosis
38.Lessens effects of medicines
39.Replenishes body of good bacteria after antibiotic
40.Balances the microflora of the body’s digestive system
41.Regulates blood pressure
42.Lowers blood sugar
43.Lowers blood lipid levels or cholesterol and fatty acids
44.Treats diarrhea
45.Treats constipation
46.Promotes bowel movement
47.Anti-stress properties
48.Treats sleeping disorders
49.Treats depression
50.Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
51.Improves the brains neuro functions like reflexes, memory retention, attention, the five senses
52.Reduces flatulence
53.Lactic acid fermentation enhances the digestibility of milk based foods. People who cannot otherwise digest milk, can enjoy the vital calcium rich Kefir.
54.Treats yeast infection
55.Eliminates vaginal odors
56.Cures wrinkles
57.Treats arthritis
58.Treats colitis
59.Treats gout
60.Cures migranes
61.Treats rheumatism
62.Treats other stomach disorders
63.Detoxifies the body
64.Improves protein quality of milk, and enhances absorption and digestion
65.Good bacteria manufacture B vitamins such as B3, B6 and folic acid.
66.Aids in treating tuberculosis
67.Treats stomach cramps
68.Treats chronic intestine infections
69.Treats liver infections
70.Treats asthma
71.Treats bronchitis
72.Treats sclerosis
73.Treats anemia
74.Treats hepatitis
75.Healing effects on catarrh, digestive nodes, astral nodes, bilious complaints
76.Treats leaky gut syndrome
77.Prevents metastasis
78.Cures bad morning breath
No work today
I was in the middle of setting up Dragonfly's activities for today while she was watching Letter Factory, when I received a call from the school nurse saying that Ladybug was running a 102.7 fever. I went into the other room to grab Dragonfly and she was sacked out and running a fever as well. So we grabbed Ladybug from school and now they are both cozy in my bed enjoying snuggle/movie time with mommy. But here are the activities Dragonfly was going to do today.
Size hearts. Largest to smallest.
Heart toothpicks. I made these by putting a toothpick between to form sticker hearts. I saw on another blog that someone found plastic hearts on a stick but I haven't seen them at the store. I also figured I could make my own.
Heart graphing.
Covering the letter V with form sticker hearts. These are the Faith version. You will find phrases like Jesus Saves, Jesus Cares, God's love and so on.
My sick girls curled up in my bed watching a movie. Last week Butterfly was sick and now Ladybug is home from school. I am enjoying this one on two time with my girls even if they are sick.
Size hearts. Largest to smallest.
Heart toothpicks. I made these by putting a toothpick between to form sticker hearts. I saw on another blog that someone found plastic hearts on a stick but I haven't seen them at the store. I also figured I could make my own.
Heart graphing.
Covering the letter V with form sticker hearts. These are the Faith version. You will find phrases like Jesus Saves, Jesus Cares, God's love and so on.
My sick girls curled up in my bed watching a movie. Last week Butterfly was sick and now Ladybug is home from school. I am enjoying this one on two time with my girls even if they are sick.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Valentine's Activities
I am so excited for a new month and to pull out the heart related activities. Dragonfly and I had been in Target this past month and found some really fun Valentine items.
I found a heart shaped mixing bowl that will be our sensory bucket for this month. I have a few different things to put in it but for this week it is filled with little plastic hearts. I also found heart shaped measuring cups. Dragonfly had the best time filling the cups and putting a plastic heart in each heart shaped spot in the ice cube tray.
The other ice cube tray that we have, I filled with a numbered heart. Dragonfly counted out the correct number of red beads into each heart.
Another counting activity using form hearts.
V is for valentine. Dragonfly used a valentine stamp to fill in each dot.
Cutting between the Love stamp. Dragonfly loves to cut so she was really excited to have a cutting activity today.
She needed very little help today. I love to watch her develop this new skill.
I found a heart shaped mixing bowl that will be our sensory bucket for this month. I have a few different things to put in it but for this week it is filled with little plastic hearts. I also found heart shaped measuring cups. Dragonfly had the best time filling the cups and putting a plastic heart in each heart shaped spot in the ice cube tray.
The other ice cube tray that we have, I filled with a numbered heart. Dragonfly counted out the correct number of red beads into each heart.
Another counting activity using form hearts.
Heart Matching. This was a little tricky for Dragonfly but I am sure she will catch on to the difference quickly.
Thank you to a fellow homeschooling mom who posted some great worksheets that we enjoyed today. Click HERE to print your own sheets.
Thank you to a fellow homeschooling mom who posted some great worksheets that we enjoyed today. Click HERE to print your own sheets.
V is for valentine. Dragonfly used a valentine stamp to fill in each dot.
Cutting between the Love stamp. Dragonfly loves to cut so she was really excited to have a cutting activity today.
She needed very little help today. I love to watch her develop this new skill.
We had a very successful first day of February. Can't wait to spend the whole month talking about love. Most importantly God's love for us!
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