Saying Goodbye

To this old friend...

In favor of a lighter version.

And goodbye to this:


In favor of a non-wood color, but that's a surprise.

And hopefully, goodbye to having to take a nap every day. These last few weeks have been rough and it's taken a lot longer for me to recover than I expected. But I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel...and so the projects begin again. (Although I still might take the occasional nap.)

My Father's Dragon projects and activities

 

We are focusing a lot on literature during this first year of school. In the last few weeks we've read The Chronicles of Narnia, Mr. Popper's Penguins, A Bear Called Paddington, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and My Father's Dragon. Besides being the shortest on the list, this last book was by far the most captivating for the five-year old boy set. I found this link for a free lap book full of ideas to go along with this book.

My Mom passed along the great idea of photo-copying the cover of each book and having the children narrate the story on the back. The kids have these covers in their school notebook so they can look back and remember all the books we read this year. It's also pretty funny to hear what they comprehend. Coop's narratives are thorough and provide a nice overview. Sweet A's reveal she was coloring and crafting way more than listening, which is okay when you are only three years old. For Mr. Popper's Penguins I think her narrative went like this (Spoiler ALERT!): "First there were no penguins. Then they came. Then they sailed away on a ship."

As you were growing up, what was your favorite book? I have a love/hate relationship with Carry On, Mr. Bowditch.

Free Audio Book of the Day

No, this will not become a series. Although, who knows?! If you guys keep sending me great links perhaps it will. I seem to get my coolest info from my internet peeps.

Today's deal:
Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss


"How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen!" Thus begins the lifelong diary of young Katherine as she pours out her hopes, dreams, and spiritual journey on the pages of her dear, old journal. Whimsical and charming Katherine is engagingly candid about her character flaws and her desire to know God. As you listen to her share her heart through these journal entries, you will be amazed and delighted by the depth of her character and the womanly wisdom and godliness she develops over the years. From the agonies of being a teenager to the delicate balancing act between being a wife/mother/daughter/neighbor, it is easy to relate to Katherine's triumphs and trials whether you are 16 or 60. Listen to her unforgettable story set in the early 1800's as you are encouraged to "step heavenward," and don't be surprised if you find yourself recommending it to all of your friends and family!

This is the unabridged version of this wonderful classic book, with a great new reading by Theresa Downey, just  published at Librivox.org, and far superior to earlier versions. If you've never read or heard this story before, do yourself and your young ladies a favor and download it today!