Free Lapbooking Resources

Some Lapbook resources I found through Jimmie's Collage blog:


Egypt and daVinci lapbook free downloads at Handle on the Arts

Lapbook templates - free downloads at That Resource Site
There is also a free kangaroo lapbook at the bottom of the page.

More templates at Gidget's Homeschool Networking and Fileshare Site

Enjoy!

5K Official Results

Our official times from the Emmett Green Run 2009.

1 Mile Run
James Wagner 9:43
Suzanne Wagner 12:08
I was really amazed by the little ones' results. They ran hard! And they hadn't trained at all.

1 Mile Walk
David Wagner 15:23
Emily Wagner 19:24
Robert Wagner 20:03

5K Run
Lisa Wagner 34:55

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 28

For Today... September 28, 2009

Outside my window... sunshine on the wet leaves and grass, some trees are beginning to turn color, and WINDY!!! When I typed this earlier, there was sun - now it's just cold and gray and still windy!

I am thinking... about how God is meeting every need, if I just bring it to Him in prayer. It's quite amazing really.

From the learning rooms... handwritten assignment sheets instead of done on the computer

I am thankful for... sweet and generous birthday wishes!

From the kitchen... frozen pizza for lunch and COFFEE! We had oreo cookie cake yesterday for my birthday. The kids had hot cocoa when we got back from the rain-soaked soccer fields.

I am wearing... [9:30 am?] black polo shirt, jean skirt, bare feet right now and wet hair [10:41 pm] PJ's, robe, wool socks

I am reading... listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Disc 15 of 48) by Diana Gabaldon (#6 in Outlander series). Also reading Ted Dekker's The Slumber of Christianity and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas for book club.

I've been watching... Armageddon (had never seen it before!), The Soloist (loved it!), and The Count of Monte Cristo

I am hoping... David's coach will call and cancel his windy cold practice tonight. But that's not too likely. [Note: The practice was indeed windy, cold, and uncancelled.]

I am creating... a class list for my new Spanish class. It will be right after the current class - consolidating my time out of the house. Two classes in a row, one set of lesson plans! Whee!

I am hearing... Some faint humming machinery, wind in the trees whipping twigs against the windows, the kids banging around in the yard, and someone chatting in the kitchen

Around the house... a pile of books & DVD's to sell

One of my favorite things... A new book by a favorite author - it's the anticipation of something delicious! Case in point - Diana Gabaldon's An Echo in the Bone.... I can't start it yet, but I lovingly placed it on my shelf awaiting its turn to be enjoyed!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Teaching Spanish, Soccer practices and games for David, Suzy, and James. Field Trip to an orchard. Art class for E & J. Bob working M night, Th/Fr daytime!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.
Suzy grabbed my cell phone and snapped this picture of the wedding cake my sister-in-law made for her daughter's wedding on Saturday.

David's Soccer Team

Spanish Classes Available

Local Spanish classes now enrolling! Please feel free to share with other homeschooling families.

Please read the following basic information and let me know if you are interested in enrolling. Classes are reasonably priced and meet in my area.

About the classes:
The first class is designed to help home educating families fulfill the foreign language graduation requirement. Beginning students ages 12+ will learn Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and conversation through written and oral exercises, games, songs, and conversational practice. Students must be willing to devote 15 minutes a day outside class to language practice and homework. Required text is Spanish is Fun by Heyward Wald. (I can obtain the text for less than $10.)

The second class is for the beginning student, ages 6-11. This fun and relaxed class will cover Spanish names, colors, numbers, basic conversation, some basic vocabulary, and more. Songs, crafts, and games make this class an enjoyable introduction to an important and practical language. No previous Spanish is necessary and no homework is required, although practice suggestions will be given. No text is required, but a $5 copy fee is needed for handouts.

About the teacher:
Since the age of 8, Lisa Wagner has been fascinated by the Spanish language and culture. She graduated from college with her teaching degree and an endorsement in K-8 Spanish. For more than twenty years, she has enjoyed teaching Spanish to both kids and adults. She is also a home-educating mom of 4 kids ages 7-14 and a homeschool group leader in Lapeer County. Spare time is scarce, but Lisa likes to spend it reading, writing, scrapbooking, and watching movies. Her goal this year was to run a 5K for the first time.

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 21

For Today... September 21, 2009

Outside my window... it is dark and very muggy

I am thinking... about the Spanish classes I will be teaching.

From the learning rooms... somehow my lesson sheets are erased from the computer or just buried deep within the file system - ANNOYING!

I am thankful for... two children old enough to babysit and for my husband's new part-time job (details to come)

From the kitchen... I sauted frozen pierogies. Yum!

I am wearing... light colored jeans, black tee with pirate skull, and yes, I do have makeup on and I curled my hair.

I am reading... listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Disc 6 of 48) by Diana Gabaldon (#6 in Outlander series). Also reading Ted Dekker's The Slumber of Christianity and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas for book club.

I've been watching... X-Men Origins: Wolverine, old corny Bibleman VHS tapes

I am hoping... that the Tae-bo videos I bought at the thrift store today will be challenging

I am creating... lesson planning sheets.

I am hearing... the kids talking about their new library books, except James who is sliding around in the bathtub. Yes, I can hear him squirming around in there.

Around the house... David moved his bedroom out into the large landing at the top of the stairs, so James has the bedroom all to himself now

One of my favorite things... My small town library. The librarian held a book aside for David just because she thought he'd like it. She also heard me and David discussing our DVD selections and gave me the new DVD she was holding for herself.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Soccer board meeting for me, Teaching Spanish, Co-op, Bob's first day of work, Soccer practices and games for David, Suzy, and James, finding a job for me and a better one for Bob.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.

My library - isn't it cute?

Running Green

From Emmett Day 5K

Today I ran my first 5K. The kids and Bob ran or walked a 1 mile course before the 5K. James and Suzy ran most of the course. David walked all of it, I think, and Emily ran a little and walked most of it. Bob, of course, walked with his cane, and had the distinction of finishing last, having declined a ride to the finish line. He got applause though!

I was able to run almost the whole thing; just a few times I slowed to a walk to catch my breath and then right back to jogging. I didn't feel overtaxed or tired, but took it easy since this was only the second time EVER I had jogged 3.1 miles. I was pleased with my time - just under 35 minutes, if Bob heard right. I had the 80's rock blaring in my headphones. lol

The weather was perfect - sunny but not hot and there was a bit of a breeze. We ran on a road, at the beginning it was packed gravel, but the bulk of the course was pavement. At 1.5 miles, we were offered water. There the course doubled back on itself, so the second half of the course was the first half in reverse.

We all got medals for running and the winners got trophies. No tee-shirts, since this was a "green" race. They asked everyone to wear green and it also kept the cost low. Just $5 for the 5K and $1 for the 1 miles. Afterwards there was water, apples, pretzels, and cookies for the participants. The race had a nice small-town feel. 89 people participated in the races and the spirit was encouraging and friendly.

Yes, I will do another 5K! Know of any good ones?

First Day of Lessons

Long overdue this post is....

From School Year 2009-10

Here they all are on our first day of lessons, more than a week ago now. Our first day is generally a Bible lesson, a treasure hunt (complete with clues) with school supplies as the prize, and ice cream sundaes for lunch. This year was no exception!

From School Year 2009-10

From School Year 2009-10

From School Year 2009-10

From School Year 2009-10

More photos HERE:

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 14

For Today... September 14, 2009

Outside my window... Sunshine

I am thinking... about putting my kids in government school. Someone ELSE can listen to them whine. And I can go get a job where people tell me I'm doing well. And get paid! Just kidding. I think. Or not.

From the learning rooms... not enough lesson sheets, but plenty of rotten attitudes

I am thankful for... my family - reunion was yesterday

From the kitchen... Apples and granola bars, and Diet Coke

I am wearing... red and navy checked capris, navy tee, haven't gotten to the hair and makeup yet

I am reading... listening to A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon (#6 in Outlander series). Also reading Ted Dekker's The Slumber of Christianity and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas for book club.

I've been watching... Nothing all the way through, I don't think.

I am hoping... that the 5K race goes well on Sunday

I am creating... lesson plans for Spanish class

I am hearing... James crying over his math, Suzy whining about her reading, David mumbling over Algebra and Emily is blessedly silent for the moment. Oh wait, now she's telling David to stop telling HER that she needs mental help. What a joyful morning here at Cornerstone! @@

Around the house... a twin bed we brought home from GR, a bunch of laundry to fold, my box of Spanish stuff.

One of my favorite things... Ice cream bars!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Soccer practices and games for David, Suzy, and James, finding a job for me and/or Bob, Keepers Club and an eye dr appt for Emily,

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.

During James' soccer game, Suzy played sweetly with three little boys - all toddlers or preschoolers - for the whole hour! (pic taken with cell phone, sorry for quality)

Tailgate Sales and Thrift Stores

Today I headed south with my strong sons to a tailgate book sale. The sky looked threatening and, since the tailgates are attached to our vehicles, I hoped for no rain! It sprinkled slightly as we pulled into the parking lot, but that was all the rain that came. I sold a few things and bought only 4 books - one of which I needed for David and was a huge bargain. (Apologia Biology for $3!)

David needed some jeans, some shoes, and a winter coat, so we headed over to the thrift store. It used to be my favorite, but the last couple times I went, I noticed the prices had skyrocketed. Today, everything seemed way out of my price range. There were NO jeans in David's size among the eleven or so pair on the huge rack filled with dress pants and khakis. 17.99 was the price on one pair of tennis shoes. USED shoes, need I point out?

So, we left empty-handed and drove to another, more reasonably priced thrift store just a few miles away. (Same kind, lower prices - odd, huh?) I found a couple pair of Levi jeans for David and a shirt, as well as 3 Bibleman videos James wanted and a couple books (an RSV Bible and a book on menu planning by Emilie Barnes - not pictured, oops!).

Then on to Walmart for groceries. Now the pantry is well-stocked, the son is well-clothed, and he can learn Biology.

I bought a one year Spanish program as well, and I think I'll teach it to David and Emily this year. I know he wanted Japanese, but that's just not happening right now. lol

Tomorrow? Another book sale. Then I'll regale you with the amazing total of my sales.

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 7

For Today... September 7, 2009

Outside my window... it's getting dark as I am doing this quite late

I am thinking... about my rollicking Outlander friend and wondering how she's doing..... She's awfully quiet lately.

From the learning rooms... ice cream sundae fixings for our first day lunch, new folders and school supplies

I am thankful for... hand-me-downs. (Got any?? lol)

From the kitchen... roast in the slow cooker and mashed potatoes and I didn't make any of it! Whee!

I am wearing... black yoga capris, NaNoWriMo tee, bare feet, no makeup, messy hair (sick all day)

I am reading... still listening to Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon - almost done and ready to move right on to A Breath of Snow and Ashes. Also reading Ted Dekker's The Slumber of Christianity and getting ready to read The Count of Monte Cristo as soon as I get it from the library.

I've been watching... Lars and the Real Girl (LOVED it! Watched it twice), Wishbone (PBS series from the 90's), 17 Again (yes, again - lol), Pride and Prejudice (the new one), tried to watch Cloverfield but it was terrible as was Welcome to Mooseport.

I am hoping... for a miracle

I am creating... an essay for a contest for a magazine.

I am hearing... Bob talking, insects buzzing outside, someone's car starting, kids scuffing around upstairs.

Around the house... Fall clothes and coats strewn all around, mixed amongst piles of summer clothing to weed out

One of my favorite things... book sales!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Soccer practices and games for David, Suzy, and James, finding a job for me and/or Bob, 2 book sales, Co-op, Science Club for James, and a family reunion

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you.
Emily took the pic on her digital camera. It's blurry, but I liked how the four of us are walking side by side. Bob and I were swinging Suzy.

The Second Game

David is playing on a travel soccer team this fall. He went back and forth about whether or not he should play. When he finally decided to do it, it was still a source of much angst. I was glad he decided to do it, even though it means a lot of driving for me.

Practicing is not his favorite thing, but he does love playing the game. He is with a bunch of nice guys - all Christian homeschoolers. His coaches integrate prayer into the practices and have challenged each team member to read the Bible and discipline themselves physically.

Their second game was Friday night. They played a very good team and lost 3-0. Our guys played rather sluggishly during the first half and gave up those 3 goals. The second half showed stronger playing, but they couldn't come back from that deficit. Apparently the other organization's varsity team won state last year. We played their JV team! LOL



Dialup viewers - I apologize for the slideshows you cannot see. I do hope that if you click on them and go to the Picasa website, you can see the photos.

A Whole New World

From 09-01-2009

The boys have needed their room to be painted for a while now and a few weeks ago we took the plunge. The girls had removed all their belongings from their horribly messy room in preparation for painting, but were unable to agree on whether or not they actually OUGHT to paint. So, we put everything (well, not EVERYTHING) back and then decided to do the same for the boys, whose room didn't QUITE equal the girls' in horribleness, but came close.

So, we pulled everything out and bought a gallon of sand-colored paint. Why sand colored? They wanted to paint Tatooine on their walls. What? Tatooine doesn't ring a bell? It's the home of Luke Skywalker, of Star Wars fame.

Anyway, the sand color apparently was just for the BOTTOM of the walls. This concept was not communicated clearly to the buyer of the paint (me), but seemed quite clear to the actual painters (boys). They wanted a gallon of sky blue too. That seemed pricy to the keeper of the finances (dad), so we paused for a few days. Remember, everything was out of their room, except their beds and some scattered debris.

Finally, I had the idea to ask on freecycle if anyone had some leftover blue paint. JACKPOT! Two different people had about half a can leftover and kindly donated it to my sons' painting project. Bob mixed the blues together with a little white, I think, and the boys headed up to paint some more.

Did I even go upstairs? NO! Do you know how much I detest painting projects? A lot! lol But David is meticulous and James is energetic and they accomplished it with little distraction.

So, now we have a room as blank canvas - smooth sandy landscape for the bottom half and a restful blue sky to top it off. Now, David can get creative and paint his favorite Star Wars scenes all over his room. Every Star Wars fan's dream room....

Stay tuned!
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