Core G Week 20"B" Middle Ages BP Week 5/6 Jan 24-31, 2016

Core G Week 20 "B" 

Middle Ages 

BiblioPlan Week 5/6 (66th week on Core G, her eighth grade year)

Jan 24-30, 2016

Don't you love looking at other people's book shelves? I do!

One Social Week!

       Sunday, Jan 24th, we were invited over to Doris and Charles house for hospitality with them, and the other homeschooling family in our church, J & C and their son and daughter.  It was really a lovely time.  I had had a migraine on Saturday and didn't help make the apple cake we brought over for dessert, but Dh did a great job!  I was feeling exceptionally weak on Sunday--that migraine really took the wind out of my sails!  But, I so very much wanted to go to the lunch they invited us to---and was glad we did.   It was really lovely, and SO kind of them to invite us over.  My husband reminded me that one of our former ministers, and also a co-worker of mine, had also invited us over for a meal back before we had Dd...so that was about 15 years ago!  (Heather L- I had told you no church member had ever invited us over and I had forgotten about that one time.) I really encourage everyone to step-out and invite someone from your church over to your house for lunch; especially a new family.  I can't tell you how much that meant to me.

A Lot Of Visiting Going On!:

1-21-16 We invited "D" family over (their third visit)

1-24-16 We were invited over to Doris & Charles house (see above!) 

1-27-16 We invited the "V" and "DV" family over after band/choir for a super big party.

1-31-16 Dd invited to "G" birthday party with lots of friends

Dd's party lemon-aide, with sluiced, cooked strawberries...so yummy!

Dd making her lemon-aide

As you can imagine I am fairly worn down with all the visiting going on lately!  I don't think I plan on having any visitors this week; as I need to refill my cup!  The visit on 1-27-16 with our band friends was the biggest effort, as we had never had them over before and really wanted to make them feel special.  These are the people that invited us to our first "Girl's Night" back last March (we watched The Giver, and had a bible study).  These people have been extremely welcoming to Dd and myself.  They told us about the band and choir groups, and how to get into the programs.  So, I really wanted to make sure they had a good time at our house.  One car couldn't get up our hill in the snow/ice, so she had to park down on the road and hike up.  But, all the older seven kids (the youngest two stayed inside) got to go for a nice long hike in the snow in the woods.  We had a pizza, red peppers, celery, fresh pineapple, grapes, blueberries, strawberries...and a cream cheese- fruit dip that Dd made. The grapes and pizza were the biggest hit...and the dip.  Dd made a homemade lemon-aide.  She boiled the lemon juice, cooked strawberries in a skillet to make a strawberry sluice to add to the lemon mix...she put in a lot of effort on her drink and it turned out 'a party in one's mouth!' One of the ladies accepted a friendly cup of tea with me!  So thankful for Heather L. showing me how to be a good hostess.  The visit went really well, and I hope my friends had a nice time.  

Monday we took down the big Christmas tree in the sunroom (and Dd's tree in her stairwell).  Agnes, the cat, is so happy to have the sunroom back and has been spending a lot of time in there!  The tree was where the wooden chair is at now.  Plus, Sophie, has a better view of her territory! 

Back on Sunday, Jan 24th, we were invited over to Doris and Charles house for hospitality with them, and the other homeschooling family in our church, J & C and their son and daughter.  It was really a lovely time.  I had had a migraine on Saturday and didn't help make the apple cake we brought over for dessert, but Dh did a great job!  I was feeling exceptionally weak on Sunday--that migraine really took the wind out of my sails!  But, I so very much wanted to go to the lunch they invited us to---and was glad we did.   It was really lovely, and SO kind of them to invite us over.  My husband reminded me that one of our former ministers, and also a co-worker of mine, had also invited us over for a meal back before we had Dd...so that was about 15 years ago!  (Heather L- I had told you no church member had ever invited us over and I had forgotten about that one time.) I really encourage everyone to step-out and invite someone from your church (or neighborhood, or work) over to your house for lunch; especially a new family.  I can't tell you how much that meant to me.  Hospitality has become a fading past-time for many, and it is so nice to get to really know your friends better.



Book sale:
Dh took Friday off, so he could go with us to a Kent County Library book sale.  To say we were disappointed is a huge understatement!  I saw ONE 'classic', which I think was Homer's Odyssey---but that was it.  It was mainly odd paperbacks; lots of romance novels and old fad diet books (low fat/sugar busters).  Dd found one medical text, surgery procedures, which she liked.

Major items this week:

Chair Test in Band: Dd was in the last, sixth chair for the Alto Sax, but now is in the fifth chair!  She was so happy for about a minute, until she realized that the young boy that had just got demoted will be "challenging" her for his chair back!  She said he is extremely competitive...another lesson or two will be coming her way; though I have no idea what the lesson will end up being!  She was happy for the progress on her skills showing themselves even though she was really nervous for the test and went too fast.

House Update: On Monday, driving home, Dh's truck that he bought on 1-9-16 started smoking (from under the hood) on his drive home....so he has been working on diagnosing and procuring necessary tools and parts.  His next step will be to change out that transmission hose; but to do that he has to remove some pan... another words, no work on the house this week from him.  But, he has has an excuse to buy more tools, so he is fairly happy!
Monday, Dd and I finally took down our Christmas tree(s) and decorations---which took hours! Yikes!  Longer to take down than to put up!  But, we are officially ready for Valentine's Day, and have had our Valentine's flag out in our front yard since October, I think!  How can you go wrong with two birds kissing?! Especially when all your other flags are in a box in the middle of a garage full of boxes...

GERD Update: PPI's (GERD medication) have been connected with causing kidney disease, so I have been trying to figure out how to eat without my meds.  I'm almost done reading Happy Gut, and have found this book to be very helpful.   My two friends,"V" & "VB", are following the Trim Healthy Mama plan---about healing your 'gut' and combining foods to aid in better digestion and will let me borrow a book next week.  The first week off my meds I had heartburn every day; this week I only had two heartburn days ( I say "days" because once I get heartburn, it generally takes at least six hours for it to go away.).  I've had to cut out a LOT of my normal foods; including my comfort food--oatmeal.  I've ordered some things from Amazon, and we went to Trader Joe's for some more things that might help.  I think I am going to figure it out, and get a lot more veg and protein in my diet...anyone want a freezer full of bread???

Agnes, our kitty update: Agnes is doing a great job being a kitty!  She chewed through Dd's headphones to her Ipod mini, so Dd bought a new pair ($30), and then left them on the floor "for just a minute" and Agnes chewed through those too.  So Dd is getting expensive lessons from her--ouch! there went her savings!  I'm so glad Dd has "her" own pet; though our dog, Sophie, seems to be missing all the attention she use to get from Dd.  I am trying to be extra loving to Sophie to make up for it.

Sophie, playing in the falling snow.  We got a lot of snow this week, especially on Thursday, but then it all melted with our big thaw on Friday and Saturday.

Winter update and appreciation: This year's winter, SO FAR, has not been nearly as cold and snowy as last year.  I am so thankful that my first year driving in the snow has been so mild.  I know February and March will have lots and lots of snow, but I am just so thankful for having made it this far without having to cancel too many things.


Summary:

As you can imagine; our lessons were untypically a low priority this week!  We learned a lot, but didn't spend a lot of time in our books, but with 'life lessons' instead. We read a little in our subjects, but nothing substantial.  Dd had church and Sunday School each week.  Sunday School, at our church, happens right after the normal service.  Dh, Dd and I all stay where we are seated and have the all-inclusive lesson.  I like getting to stay together; especially while we are still so new.  There is a woman's bible study group downstairs, a "Beth Moore" group, but we are staying together, and will assess more later. We are studying Genesis.  Band and Choir went well on Wednesday.  Our co-op classes went well and Dd had another test in her Government Class, and made new cup cakes in her Cake Decorating Class.  She learned how to make "snowflakes" out of white chocolate! Yum.  Dh took FRIDAY OFF!!!  He wanted to take us to the booksale.  It was great getting to spend time with him.  Dd went to a friend's birthday party on Sunday afternoon, so he and I got to go shopping together. We went to the library twice.  She helped Dh work on his truck, and helped me with the endless snow shoveling!  It has been a very musical week, and she is really doing well.

Our lessons:

Veritas Bible Gospels Homeschool Kit

Bible:Veritas Press: Gospels
Card 98: Gabriel Tells Mary of the Incarnation: Luke 1:26-56: 4 BC

 Completed(readings and workbook)
Card 99: Birth of John the Baptist:Luke 1:57-80: 3 BC
Completed (readings and workbook)

Of note: Augustus Caesar was emperor when Jesus was born, and Tiberius Caesar was emperor during most of Jesus's life.

DC Cook Journey Through the Bible

Journey Through The Bible: pg's 194-199

Survey of the Bible

Survey of the Bible: 138-141


Dd's History Reader:

Son of Charlemagne

Son of Charlemagne by Barbara Willard: completed
Dd liked this book, as well as the other Barbara Willard book we finished a few weeks back--Augustine Came To Kent.  I really liked how this author wrote; it really made me feel like we were there.  Here is Amazon's description: The year is A.D. 781. King Charles of the Franks is crossing the Alps with his family and court on a journey to meet with Pope Hadrian. One frosty night he speaks to his young son Carl: When we come to Rome you will know that I am naming you my heir. One day you will rule over all my lands. . . . But the King already had an heir, Pepin the Hunchback, mockingly called Gobbo. Was he to be dispossessed? Yet Carl sees that Charlemagne is determined to do what he feels is best to serve God and Europe.

Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver

Dd started her new Reader: In Process
Proud Taste of Scarlet and Miniver
Rainbow Resource's description: Eleanor of Aquitaine has been waiting in heaven for about eight centuries to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Finally, the day has come when Henry will be judged for admission. While Eleanor waits impatiently, three people who were close to her in life come to comfort her. As the four reminisce together, Eleanor is distracted from her worry and readers get to see pieces of her life. This is a great fictional account of an extraordinary woman who was front and center in a remarkable period in history and whose accomplishments have had an important influence on society through the ages. 200 pgs. - Rachel S.

Mystery of History Vol. 2 Early Church-Middle Age

Audio: Mystery of History: Vol II: The Early Church and the Middle Ages by Linda Lacour Hobar
Chapters 39-47
39: Invasion of the Vikings -793 AD
40:The Vikings: Their Families, their Homes, and Their Faith 800-1000 AD
41: Methodius and Cyril, Missionaries to the Slavs- 863 AD
42: Alfred the Great, King of England --871 AD
43: Lydveldid Island (Iceland)--874AD
44: The Maori of New Zealand - 900 Ad
45: The Great Zimbabwe of Africa - 900 AD
46: "Good King Wenceslas" - 929 AD
47: Otto I and the Holy Roman Empire--936 AD
* We listened to this disc two times on Monday as we spend most of the day taking down our Christmas decorations, and wanted to still incorporate some "lessons" into our house work.  One of the things I like about MOH is that they include Church History into their program so nicely---if Church History is important to you, I highly recommend BibioPlan's Companion.  http://www.biblioplan.net/2011/04/introduction-to-biblioplan-companion.html
It is similar to both SOTW and MOH, but, in my opinion, it feels geared towards older children for best comprehension.  We have heard SOTW so many times, and are ready for a little more 'meat' and BP does a really great job.  Just thought I'd share that since I have talked to many other hs families that are wanting a guided study of history that also includes a thorough incorporation of church history.  I guess I should clarify that I'm just a hs mom that has no ties to any curriculum, but just like sharing what I'm impressed with.

BP Medieval History Hands-On Maps Advanced

BiblioPlan Advanced Maps: Medieval
map for Week 6: France United



History Read Aloud:

BiblioPlan: Medieval, Renaissance & Reformation Companion (2 Book Set)

Item #: 049791

BiblioPlan Companion (Medieval):
pg's 97-111


Monks and Mystics: pg's 11-27 (What was the Medieval Church?, and Gregory the Great: An ape Who Became A Lion)

Monks & Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church: History Lives: Volume 2

Mindy Withrow, Brandon Withrow

Christianbook's book description: Let history come to life---just the way it should be. Read the stories of Gregory the Great, Boniface, Charlemagne, Constantine Methodius, Vladimir, Anselm of Canterbury, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Sienna, John Wyclif and John Hus.

From people of the Medieval church you can discover how the young Christian church moved on into another era of time. From Gregory I through to Wyclif and Hus you can discover about the crusades and the spread of Islam as well as the beginnings of universities and the Reformation.

As the church moves on through the centuries you can see its people struggling against persecution and problems from inside and out. Learn from their mistakes and errors but more importantly learn from their amazing strengths and gifts. Marvel at God's wonderful care of his people---the church---the Christian church.

Written in a modern and relaxed style this is a book that will introduce you to history without the tears and with all the wonder. Extra features throughout this book include looking deeper into issues such as Islam; Division; The Crusades; the first university; Creeds and Councils and the Renaissance.

We first read Peril and Peace, and now are reading Monks and Mystics...then there are two more books in this series.  BiblioPlan recommends this series and I've really enjoyed it too.  It is very easy to read, and super interesting!

Archers, Alchemists and 98 Other Medieval Job

Add-In Reader: in process
Archers, Alchemists & 98 other Medieval Jobs You Might Have Loved or Loathed (click on link for description)

This week's cupcakes that Dd decorated in her 'cake decorating class.' She also made two batches of cupcakes to bring in for the class to use for their practices.

Baking:
Made two batches of cupcakes for Cake Decorating class
Cooking:
Made Strawberry-Lemonade from scratch...stove-top recipe
Concoction: Made a fruit dip, with cream cheese, powdered sugar, strawberry sluice, and a little vanilla.

Drawing:
Drew her Hobbit village at church
Meadow Lark bird....who knows what else is in her sketch book!  

Music:
Definitely a big music week.  She had her chair test on Wed. and had practiced a lot preparing for it, then had to practice extra b/c she fears the young man she passed will want to challenge her a lot...and soon!  She did a lot of piano this week, as well as her choir and alto sax.  Good week--I really love hearing her play!

Rosetta Stone French Version 3 Level 3 with Audio Companion Homeschool Ed.

Item #: 043585

Rosetta Stone: French
1-2 sessions of 30 minutes
Our new headphones are working---thanks for the tip Christie!

Logitech H540 981-000510 USB Headset


Language Arts:

Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook

Mar 30, 2010

by Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer

Dd has been reading, and very much enjoying, this book that helps learn how to write better stories.  She got it for a Christmas gift, and was so surprised one of her writing buddies is also reading it.

All About Spelling Level 7 Materials

All About Spelling 7: Still on Step 10!
We are working on the 'additional words' list, doing well at them.
Government Class at LINK Co-Op:

The Everything American Government Book: From the Constitution to Present-Day Elections, All You Need to Understand...

Plus writing assignments for her class.  memorizing Romans 13:1 & 2

Cake Decorating at LINK Co-OP:
working hard and enjoying it.  Spent 2 hours making cupcakes to take in for the class to decorate.  She has been practicing her moves!

Nursery Volunteer at LINK Co-op:
Dd had a tough week, as there was only one other mom to help during her hour, and was a tad overwhelmed with all the babies!  Some days are crazy like that.


Math: Math U See: Algebra
Week 9: in process
We had a really, super tough lesson this week---normally Steve Demme only gives us ONE new thing to learn in one lesson, but this week we had to learn 2-3 things.  We literally watched the video four days in a row!  She did 9A, questions 1 and 2 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Saturday and Sunday, Dh got out our big dry-erase board and spent a lot of time going over the lesson with us until we both had it down.  I'm SO thankful for his help with math.  I took Algebra in college, but I don't remember this section.  We will continue to do lesson 9 next week, and will see how she does on the test---we might need three weeks on this lesson.  Trying to not feel pressure to move her too quickly, as this stuff is hard!

ADD TO CARTADD TO WISHLIST

Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2 Vol, 2nd Ed.

Dr. Jay L. Wile

Apologia: General Science: read 74-77
I had planned to do a LOT more Science this week, but that didn't happen....next week!

General Science Notebooking Journal

Student Notebook: 68-71
started the Study Guide for Module 3
no experiments this week.  I had scheduled us to finish this module this week, but that just didn't happen...like a lot of things I had "planned" to get done this week!!



This week we had our friendly little opossum come over to our library window feeders repeatedly.  It was a lot of fun taking lots and lots of pictures of him.  For some reason, I thought Chelle, in NZ, might be interested in it---do you guys have opossums?

This picture is to show it's rat-like tail.

It is eating the sunflower seeds that have fallen on the ground, in the middle of the day (usually nocturnal).

From it's profile, it looks like a big mouse (or rat).

I tried to get it's little feet--so cute and widely spread fingers.

Dd's drawing of a Meadow Lark---this was the first day.  She added color and made the drawing even better.  She did a super job getting the bird drawn very accurately.

The finished Meadow Lark

.............