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Dec 30, 2009

Hit Life Harder Than It Hits You! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

This is a quote I made up "Today I will Be Better Than I was Yesterday"! We can always do better, think better, love better, learn better. We must always do our best and more importantly always raise our goals and standards so we can achieve more than we ever thought possible!

Life is not easy sometimes, but I have come to realize it is not meant to be easy!

It is how we handle the tough times that gives us certain results! If you want to get different results than you need to do different things....."The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over expecting different result!" Albert Einstein

If you haven't seen this movie go do it. This is the best part of this movie another great one to watch!





When life hits hard then you hit harder, don't let adversity stop you!

To Your Success!

Dec 29, 2009

I Hope You Had A Great Christmas With Your Family

I can't believe the year is almost done, time goes by so fast but I probably don't have to tell you that lol!

I hope you all had a great Christmas and can start the New Year out fresh.

I know for me I want to get more organized with my home and school stuff, I would like to get more schedule oriented as well. All things we need to work on, I can't stand it when things are unorganized it just makes my brain cluttered as well.

I want to get a few more containers and some shelving with small containers. I need to go threw all of the finished school work and keep what I want/need and chuck the rest.

I wish you all a Happy New Year and home schooling success!


Dec 21, 2009

The Christmas Story!

Nativity scene, Christmas scene, Christmas, Holidays
Merry Christmas!

    Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of the Christ. The holiday was established officially by the Church in AD 354 using the date of Dec 25 as the day in which to celebrate the most holy of days the birth of Christ. It is unknown exactly what day Jesus was born and whether in winter or another season is debatable but according to tradition handed down to us we celebrate this holy day in the winter.

"We also know that some Christians had been identifying December 25th as Jesus' birthday at least a century and a half before this time. Around A.D. 206, St. Hippolytus of Rome wrote in his Commentary on Daniel that: "The first coming of our Lord, that in the flesh, in which he was born at Bethlehem, took place eight days before the kalends of January." In ancient Roman time reckoning, the kalends was the first day of the month, and if you count back eight days from January 1, you arrive at December 25."  (For more information read: 7 Top Myths About Christmas by Jimmy Akin Secret Info Club jimmyakin.com)

Taylor Marshall also has some wonderful insights into the day of Christmas in God's Birthday.

For Christians Christmas, which also bears the name of Christ is the beginning of Christianity, truth and pure love! The word Christmas in Middle English is Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass. On this day we remember what God has done for us and how much he loves us, he has given us a son.

Isaiah 9:6 sums it up well for us...

"For there has been a child born to us there has been a son given to us and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulders and his name will be called wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father. Prince of Peace."

The Nativity Story

It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary his wife who was pregnant. She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night, and the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were afraid. The angel said unto them, Fear not for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

This shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, let us now go unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. They went with haste, and found the babe lying in a manger and worshiped him, they brought him gifts fit for a King, Gold Frankincense and Myrrh.

When they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told to them concerning this child and all who heard it wondered at those things which were told to them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart, and the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

You can read the story from scripture in Luke 2 and Matt 1...


Gifts Fit For A King

GOLD: This carries obvious significance. It's precious and worthy across all cultures and times. It's a gift fit for royalty. It says to the Christ child, You will be a King!

FRANKINCENSE: Frankincense has been touted for its medicinal and soothing properties. Herbalists say it is calming, restorative, gently clarifying, and meditative. Frankincense oil is thought to have stimulating, toning, and warming properties. The ancient world used it for treating depression. We recognize the word incense in its name. Ancient people burned frankincense, believing it to carry their prayers to heaven. Its use as incense illustrates Christ's role as our Priest.

MYRRH: This is perhaps the most mysterious of the Gifts. It is a resin produced by a small, tough, scraggly tree that grows in semi-desert regions of North Africa and the Red Sea. Myrrh is an Arabic word for bitter, and it is considered a wound healer because of its strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Calling it mo yao, the Chinese used it for centuries to treat wounds, bruises and bleeding and to relieve painful swelling. The Egyptians made it famous in Biblical times, having acquired myrrh about the fifteenth century B.C. from Africa where cammiphora trees were abundant. It was used in incense, perfumes and holy ointments and also medicinally as recorded in the Ebers Papyrus. But its most notable use to them was that of an embalming material, used in Egyptian mummies. As an embalming ointment it signified that He was born to Die for the world. In fact, Myrrh was one of the burial spices of Jesus (John 19:39).

Christmas is a time when we can soon start the new year hopefully with a greater appreciation for each other. Christ teaches us about love and leads us to our family in heaven, and teaches us to love and respect our families on earth. With this I say please do not hold grudges towards one another, place problems in the past where they belong this is a new day and soon a new year. The past is gone, tomorrow does not exist yet, all we have is today, and this very moment, use it wisely, be grateful for all the things you have even if you feel it is not much!

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Also check out:

God's Birthday

The Hanukkah Story

Dec 9, 2009

The Hanukkah Story

Happy Hanukkah!

menorah, menorah candles, hanukkah candles, happy hanukkah
Hanukkah begins at sunset on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, and ends at sunset on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. 

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. In Hebrew, the word “Hanukkah” means “dedication.” The name reminds us that this holiday commemorates the rededicating of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.

In the Jewish Temple there was an eternal flame that burned day and night as a symbol of Jewish faith. After many Jews were killed and the the inside of the Temple and the eternal flame was destroyed by the Syrian-Greeks. A small band of Jewish farmers, shepherds and teachers was led in a fight against the kings army by Judah Maccabee.

They had no experience as soldiers, very few weapons, and was ten times smaller than the kings army. But they believed in what they were doing, fighting for there right to practice their religion and this belief gave them strength, courage and hope!

After three years winning battle after battle the Maccabees reached Jerusalem and reconquered it. Saddened by what had happened to their Temple and eternal flame, they fixed the Temple and at last were ready to rededicate the Temple to God.

The problem was they only had enough oil to light the lamp for just one day, but instead the oil burned on for eight days! It was a miracle! With joy the Jews proclaimed " Let us celebrate these days every year so that The story of the Maccabees victory over the Syrian army, and the miracle of the oil will never be forgotten!

We have come to love the story of Hanukkah and learn more about it every year, it is another reminder of the miracles we are given everyday by God.


Want some great Hanukkah activities you can do with your family?

Hanukkah Color Pages
Printable Hanukkah Worksheets
Hanukkah recipes
Learn about Traditional Hanukkah foods..



Light the Menorah!

A Menorah is a set of nine candles, eight of the candles represent the eight days the light stayed lit in the Temple. The middle candle is the helper candle and is lit first and used to light the other eight candles from left to right. On the first night the Shamash lights one candle, on the second night, two, on the third night three candles and on until the eighth night when all candles are burning brightly.

The candles are lit from left to right, so that the last candle added is the first lit.


Prayer is given to God on each day a candle is lit....

Blessed art Thou, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.

Blessed art Thou, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has wrought miracles for our ancestors At this season in days of old.

Blessed art Thou, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has kept us in life and sustained us And enabled us to reach this season.


All three prayers are said on the first night, but on the other nights only the first two are said.


Learn about Hanukkah this is the best time to do it!


Happy Hanukkah And Many Blessings!

Dec 8, 2009

Free Christmas Color Pages

More Coloring Fun!

Free printable Christmas color pages, many to choose from fun for the whole family!

Christmas Color Pages

Many Wishes!

Free Printable Winter Color Pages

Great Winter Color Pages For Your Family!

Stay home with a cup of hot chocolate, crayons and color pages on the table! A great way to spend a cold winter day!

Here are some winter time color pages your family will love!


Printable Winter Color Pages From DLTK

Winter Color Pages From Apples 4 The Teacher

Other Winter Worksheet Activities


Happy Coloring!

Dec 7, 2009

Free Printable Super Mario Color Pages

I was looking for these for my son who loves Mario Brothers!
Do you have a little guy or girl who would like to color the Super Mario Bros?

I just thought I would post the links just for fun, we love to color!
Super Mario brothers color pages, free printable Super Mario color pages,
Super Mario brothers color pages, free printable Super Mario color pages

Dec 6, 2009

Free Printable Poinsettia Flower Craft

Free Printable Instructions For Great Holiday Crafts!

Hello, I found this great holiday craft idea, it is easy to make and would be great as Christmas decorations. Paper Poinsettia Flowers, for ages four and up, great for your home school. Get a book about poinsettia flowers and make it a whole learning experience as well as fun! My kids loved this and yours will too!



poinsettia flowers, poinsettia craft idea, poinsettia crafts for kids

Free Printable Christmas Worksheets

Hello, looking for Christmas worksheets?

I love this site , I always find what I'm looking for on this site. On this site you will find a
ll kinds of free Christmas printables like, Christmas word search, Christmas word jumble, Christmas cross word puzzles, Christmas mazes, and so much more!

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas from my family to yours!


Christmas trees, Christmas tree,

Dec 2, 2009

Positive Letters

poinsettias, christmas flowers, Merry Christmas, holiday flower
Hello, I wanted to introduce you to one of our friend's, Hilary. We met her at an event last year and she was so very nice. She has a wonderful blog called Positive Letters, it's full of great stories and information. She reminds us that in life each and every event is an opportunity to learn something new and we can do it all year, every year, any day!

Take a look!

Christmas tree, Merry Christmas,

Home Based Charter Schools

      A home based Charter is a public Charter school that offers a home based schooling program available to us in our town. They do use state curriculum and all rules apply the same as any public school. The difference is the parents not teachers or schools are in control. 

We get several curriculum choices and can use the curriculum as we see best for our child. We have an advisory teacher for support and to help us use and choose curriculum if we need it. We keep attendance and have to turn that in as well as 3 work page samples once a month, which is very easy and the requirements are very reasonable. 

Not unlike what we would have to do anyway if homeschooling privately. They also offer extra curricular classes and events which are not required but an added bonus. Our advisory teacher who is a certified teacher also home schooled her own 3 children so she knows the game! 

California is a low regulation state for home schooling see Home School Regulations.
We have chosen to use the Charter program so I wanted to give you an update on how it's all going. What are your Home School Options ?

With this program we have a advisory teacher who is available during the week and we see about once a month. She was a home school mom to her three children, they are now grown. She assist us in curriculum selection and all curriculum is provided for free from the school, as well as any other workbooks we may need. The also give us vouchers to buy school supplies at the school stores, we love this!

They offer classes for my children to attend and we love the science class at the local nature museum. At the school there is other resources, and materials for us to use as well.

I am thankful to have this program right in our town, there are many home based charter schools to choose from and you would have to check with you state to find programs like this for your family. You may also be able to use a online charter program depending on were you live but I think this is pretty widely available.

The problems with a program like this in my opinion is, we do have to use state standard curriculum for now this is fine but in the future I may not want to use a state run curriculum.

We do however get to use any curriculum we choose but we do not have the option of the state paying for it, for example a religious curriculum etc.

Starting in 2nd grade children have to participate in state testing and we do have to turn in attendance and progress records, ideally I do not like it but I understand why it is done, and it helps me to have a record of our hard work.

If you are just starting out like we were last year, then a program like this may be right for you. If you home school already I want to know about your school, do you go threw a program like ours or do something else?

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