tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58077052142264659892024-03-12T19:35:01.947-05:00The McDowell Family BlogThe daily happenings in the McDowell householdThe McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-9841433023243998232010-09-23T17:07:00.007-05:002010-09-24T06:42:26.091-05:00Field Trip: ArboretumI have mentioned before that we are apart of a local christian homeschool support group. I get emails every week, if not every day, about fun field trips we can sign up for. And one thing that I really like is that the whole family is welcome! On Tuesday, the kids and I went to the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.dallasarboretum.org">Dallas Arboretum</a> with our group. We have never been there and it is a beautiful place to walk around.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520438736822180290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35_GIHdgryt4d00Z_e7gpUTicvx2npcFZnajBIo7I150N4NuKQA92u9kuGCs3g4keSKYELA1ea3luSOs_m7jaLfbpCFuuQWzouB_NU2lOu-7sJF5uXOTJpF3NJ7GocLNMfg-e4O74HGtM/s400/Arboretum20090115.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520438726837108514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaxZ7fMhVFPX2-4dYHmuuk9X5SK33o1UzklAb9Fg7lgZDTVgfpuFMIcnErsOz1WU_VwBtf2nRjmOWohQU_wxYLwGcR3WJp4oBYojCUZCbpj_uNOFPJRMqlnBVbEdBO4zZA_AJ6xcB89t_/s400/Arboretum20090115_1.JPG" />During the Fall they have pumpkins EVERYWHERE throughout the arboretum. Also they have a pumpkin village with houses made out of pumpkins.<br /><br /><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520437995629766386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPItqCLyj33BTkv8UW9dkVBpFe5gjzjbxnpVA8D9VJsPXxuFC06u4ToMEdzc9IPX6jU5W1Ww9Q7WJ_bGK4xJxqSyUcpJxL4-bJ6NRMhZVrYJVUf8YQtHxHWUdw9H1ovO1dEg-xGCdhGiwU/s400/Arboretum20090115_3.JPG" />Charlie is sitting inside a pumpkin house in this one. This picture kind of remind me of an old school picture where the kids are looking off in the distance smiling (minus the melon of course).<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520437984503896626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB5gPoxL8NsIdQwiiuB_JB2qS9ZEMKAAy63xH2ztfEwAL0tBDP8icNdaxSUtAS8T6eWMrKbCANIQ178np7iW_c2N5NjopqNgJ6b-XcZGwaDl6faybKrMO_7BWmWdb9EzXh7ClMdNUcYk1/s400/Arboretum20090115_4.JPG" />The arboretum is definitely the place to go to take pictures. We saw 4 brides getting their bridal pictures done, and a few other photo shoots going on as well. I had it in my head that I would get a great shot of all three. But this was the best I was getting:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520438725755193650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aNGqyBivD4mC4aGOnLtytikwV_gWRyO-bJQ2GbnEraHfT9eBQR0_uwRiy_Gg82dAelkEMq8qhnw7EOKZ-E7q3LK2OiR90rTYXvRd2zPfEdFkyVMqrL2Hw06gUw8PGLeSrLXLd43d1OIc/s400/Arboretum20090115_2.JPG" /> So I gave up and let them get their faces painted.<br /></div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI_Cw9inq2zcZRadFygiSamgcY1GdNFG75NjoFMqR7by9xUJNmB5D_uPHKd5UWgLdHDgLB9RfcVZkfJMzrT1QLJrNLTzuTg-Fd3p-gyHqkHUt-T4gJU8cmIkem-bEr5oHhvGl2kHIC5EU/s1600/Arboretum20090115_5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520437980847302786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI_Cw9inq2zcZRadFygiSamgcY1GdNFG75NjoFMqR7by9xUJNmB5D_uPHKd5UWgLdHDgLB9RfcVZkfJMzrT1QLJrNLTzuTg-Fd3p-gyHqkHUt-T4gJU8cmIkem-bEr5oHhvGl2kHIC5EU/s400/Arboretum20090115_5.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiWGG2Q4j4OhFjqyeZhzOGOGxFbq5pUcRsRgfOzJU2Z1E32pkBwPYcER8gFD7HfwPkruV5NzXrxTqL2AdgSitQziuAAvRO652PxIhotQkACUZsgygSH11PK30efKora4vpVj9sEhFLvJu/s1600/Arboretum20090115_6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520437976332451042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiWGG2Q4j4OhFjqyeZhzOGOGxFbq5pUcRsRgfOzJU2Z1E32pkBwPYcER8gFD7HfwPkruV5NzXrxTqL2AdgSitQziuAAvRO652PxIhotQkACUZsgygSH11PK30efKora4vpVj9sEhFLvJu/s400/Arboretum20090115_6.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDBTqTSkdFBCDqHZgcNF1hGl6V-TMCQIVbUMLOgO3alN2ECked3E-B0-cxSzFX70-SvrWsLp7sY0FAxO6-8P6I4BmOfpM-IaPCBTZOK8kMBPue5-1UFtuXt3Wfr-VX5Un6C4T5runLGn5/s1600/Arboretum20090115_7.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520437973172579682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDBTqTSkdFBCDqHZgcNF1hGl6V-TMCQIVbUMLOgO3alN2ECked3E-B0-cxSzFX70-SvrWsLp7sY0FAxO6-8P6I4BmOfpM-IaPCBTZOK8kMBPue5-1UFtuXt3Wfr-VX5Un6C4T5runLGn5/s400/Arboretum20090115_7.JPG" /></a> They really did have pumpkins everywhere, even floating in some of the water features, which the kids thought was neat.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLY8tUl80ag_MXRrFMDt4IPveH1tAwA-WjLLA5r_IREljA00JG3KDSrSaVO2KfbadeGjrKGBLGok1GokgiV8thvAsBb8_QskMwjZJOUq5iFTffewopUpYrLfMYAAIRwQvSYvBHiX-GgdM/s1600/Arboretum20090115_8.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520234892869421874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLY8tUl80ag_MXRrFMDt4IPveH1tAwA-WjLLA5r_IREljA00JG3KDSrSaVO2KfbadeGjrKGBLGok1GokgiV8thvAsBb8_QskMwjZJOUq5iFTffewopUpYrLfMYAAIRwQvSYvBHiX-GgdM/s400/Arboretum20090115_8.JPG" /></a> There was a village set up with cabins and a tee pee and a wagon for the kids to explore.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520234888406553362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4z4wVWJcBlM2EQJmHg7vropewl0-xi0kKHx80pDB1YEgwnnvxLBBuMSQCbnf2Ypl0CgH-sS9hLATO-qizU9HU4V7lp3XMVB-l-K4-xQpCxojheFXm5cwFbVq5ftZB1EVHHQoE5IG8JPT/s400/Arboretum20090115_9.JPG" /> <div>Emma spent most of the day enjoying the view from right here:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAUDb1AVdBAWktQ20VvpKbjbcz85DWVD-YXc35bBRxoVinMhmkxIiPM0H_GXOBv_adLPJBYRD2_85JaL_6t5iHfXIm6zaqU_0Il82mgAnDxJcUo2pbnLF0rwCCCUhVFtKSmRIgZmKb2Vq/s1600/Arboretum20090115_10.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520234885334515314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAUDb1AVdBAWktQ20VvpKbjbcz85DWVD-YXc35bBRxoVinMhmkxIiPM0H_GXOBv_adLPJBYRD2_85JaL_6t5iHfXIm6zaqU_0Il82mgAnDxJcUo2pbnLF0rwCCCUhVFtKSmRIgZmKb2Vq/s400/Arboretum20090115_10.JPG" /></a> Near the end of our day, Spider man started to melt:<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520234876463099394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg011RRZ7bjQZ8ZL-bs8OTJms7e_12Ku6KI2cpcyPrSusfA78vqi1zgkZgiBioD1z3lp3WUX3aW8tT1O8tDtnJ8PM4q01Sn4Dt0smYaXwaoQQo0s5fIXmpQpX3CCT4snXS97C66W-9tB0CX/s400/Arboretum20090115_12.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtVuppBOydoXfC7fGhXHrBuGNcy-3ZEB5kXaihO8xg4vkFWAqPDL5zpX04ySwxLXBiGwPB6nKeEkVQQFb_NlVqtp4fY4N7TagC_un6SpffgQKqUHcKffkurmCtl0sX3A5MsWa2E81RMew/s1600/Arboretum20090115_11.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520234879618220898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtVuppBOydoXfC7fGhXHrBuGNcy-3ZEB5kXaihO8xg4vkFWAqPDL5zpX04ySwxLXBiGwPB6nKeEkVQQFb_NlVqtp4fY4N7TagC_un6SpffgQKqUHcKffkurmCtl0sX3A5MsWa2E81RMew/s400/Arboretum20090115_11.JPG" /></a> It was a fun field trip! It is a great place to take the kids and hopefully we will go back there soon. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-21588841546138386482010-09-22T05:47:00.005-05:002010-09-22T06:08:30.815-05:00Zoo DayWe are part of a great playgroup through our church (that includes <a href="http://4txnsnnc.blogspot.com/">Ginny</a> and <a href="http://theprincessandherpeons.blogspot.com/">Catherine</a>) We meet twice a month and I love getting together with them! Last Friday we went to the Frank Buck Zoo in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gainesville</span>. The <a href="http://themcdowellfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/frank-buck-zoo.html">last time</a> we went the kids were a lot smaller, so this was like going to a Zoo they had never been to for the kids and they had a lot of fun with their friends. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhXlIEWIY_Stfz3_w4Ji6DbCQN-KvjSKB27IgMFgc7S8BzF11C77Vorc3IgyP1lr0wpnoIiVXPUa0XbMatbZI9A18TTAkwACs53-w9KarA9_JVyGuYstTRpmjy3QeweCba2LET8YelYUL/s1600/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519689435227825762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhXlIEWIY_Stfz3_w4Ji6DbCQN-KvjSKB27IgMFgc7S8BzF11C77Vorc3IgyP1lr0wpnoIiVXPUa0XbMatbZI9A18TTAkwACs53-w9KarA9_JVyGuYstTRpmjy3QeweCba2LET8YelYUL/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111.JPG" /></a><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519688731277744802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8RGNVllBNknGYKsGxXaKvD_JPwyMsE6c-aLe04Z86e6w6jjlSlBTOb5mect95Yv5F_wECTzeLiCQXyrOEnu2xclBzx_ooLP6iAUYukpKg41yRIii3A3jha-1067dhgWDT3YiJgHn40ZI/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_7.JPG" />Frank Buck Zoo is a small zoo, great for this age group, and the big attraction there is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">giraffes</span>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqHOYaGwbl1S8CSLxBYmaxWLWCeIA7AVq0_ll5uvBU7wJQ6S4otgzVF_WUbV0v8UbsQRX8IEgBt4MOuHpPmw1OU5Di-PsIormwZWga83MMsIJvob2XKz2nEhSXEJOsdvw5s9km1NF7SpB/s1600/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519689427638379410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqHOYaGwbl1S8CSLxBYmaxWLWCeIA7AVq0_ll5uvBU7wJQ6S4otgzVF_WUbV0v8UbsQRX8IEgBt4MOuHpPmw1OU5Di-PsIormwZWga83MMsIJvob2XKz2nEhSXEJOsdvw5s9km1NF7SpB/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_1.JPG" /></a> The kids even got to feed them! They were suppose to lay the lettuce on his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tongue</span> and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">giraffe</span> would then curl his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tongue</span> around and eat it. Charlie did it just like that. Macy was a little apprehensive and would just throw it in the general direction of his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tongue</span>. He did have a long <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tongue</span>!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6y8L_zWBFVmT1RwonzN_KfmiGtdX0ngYtobAyQDTuiD6xbw5UPdOEUnY657oVneyU9Up5fLHHe7HkB0riRSXcgmJazCplHy2XhtHjVgCTfVGrCbHeURrZ7rWxjoCJX03VrY-1DwmyvLg/s1600/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519689425514491874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6y8L_zWBFVmT1RwonzN_KfmiGtdX0ngYtobAyQDTuiD6xbw5UPdOEUnY657oVneyU9Up5fLHHe7HkB0riRSXcgmJazCplHy2XhtHjVgCTfVGrCbHeURrZ7rWxjoCJX03VrY-1DwmyvLg/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_2.JPG" /></a><br />How often do you get to take a picture of a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">giraffe</span> from this angle??<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9Kf2x7hglMD_G3CndEZXC_Z84AilD_AmvL1KtMLmsMc0MiP5s-VGAh9u51HVElBoZSglHSWviVaPmkThwn1jDNJmOaE565K67rk3JTbfvlpgfg7Kvk8H7gDABDykUtToRJBLnYZYOQkc/s1600/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519688760439394962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9Kf2x7hglMD_G3CndEZXC_Z84AilD_AmvL1KtMLmsMc0MiP5s-VGAh9u51HVElBoZSglHSWviVaPmkThwn1jDNJmOaE565K67rk3JTbfvlpgfg7Kvk8H7gDABDykUtToRJBLnYZYOQkc/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_3.JPG" /></a> After walking around the zoo, we enjoyed a picnic together.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5CVQ8EADDLT7v_1IfDRsQ3KGeb63DnPf_8sfexTgBAFtPv54s8ivzel55HHMpp0FJN5gNZnj4UNqNTaKiO_K9Jb8QfOpiFKcmXTldiKEp6bJtY4VisUrLZ0g2Nrxl4hken0VlODnn1mm/s1600/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519688754448383938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5CVQ8EADDLT7v_1IfDRsQ3KGeb63DnPf_8sfexTgBAFtPv54s8ivzel55HHMpp0FJN5gNZnj4UNqNTaKiO_K9Jb8QfOpiFKcmXTldiKEp6bJtY4VisUrLZ0g2Nrxl4hken0VlODnn1mm/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_4.JPG" /></a> And rode the train around the outside of the Zoo.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTgyQU2tBvLisq7ur2D4MgPcmbE0U4QdURI2P8DUGAOp4t3oYGLOQDCeCm102bBZ5WwT5xlFLRM-TgaYg8RX9J3ysfT_9X_VpqU0kJY2RcqFOhllf8_LgZDBhW9qNeWIujWUF_L-nkzn_/s1600/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519688744841414850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTgyQU2tBvLisq7ur2D4MgPcmbE0U4QdURI2P8DUGAOp4t3oYGLOQDCeCm102bBZ5WwT5xlFLRM-TgaYg8RX9J3ysfT_9X_VpqU0kJY2RcqFOhllf8_LgZDBhW9qNeWIujWUF_L-nkzn_/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_5.JPG" /></a>And then finished our playgroup by playing at little bit at the nice playground outside the zoo.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs3w1OZz1Eq7ZVRZJi1kgNy5iY6ScKB_hl1mHfR-_CK0f0XW7barGyhNZrA9ysk-teewn5Neb3LiBvVhYbbQxoZsFIh6FRgENRmIyWZfoBnhDh_UohauNVNKYktbuDQpemo4V74WvfJj9/s1600/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519688736551972450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJs3w1OZz1Eq7ZVRZJi1kgNy5iY6ScKB_hl1mHfR-_CK0f0XW7barGyhNZrA9ysk-teewn5Neb3LiBvVhYbbQxoZsFIh6FRgENRmIyWZfoBnhDh_UohauNVNKYktbuDQpemo4V74WvfJj9/s400/Frank+Buck+Zoo+Playgroup20090111_6.JPG" /></a> It was a fun morning!</div></div></div></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-50255885421334387802010-09-08T20:22:00.006-05:002010-09-08T21:03:24.617-05:00Ist DayWe had quite an eventful day for our first day! Our day was filled with rain, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tetanus</span> shot, a double rainbow, flooding and even a tornado warning and somehow we even fit some school work in.<br /><br />Macy was really excited about her first day!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK1YYD_KZPiPhROwSkumdK4VzEpe8jwUA9bOO_Sh9zqJW-XxvMCgy60UvG6IQUAF9a-HeJ33IfP3kLNSFQwMx95VAiPkZyjJ-kVV16kjwreh-PabxM3ZuMhubA5vWXl-nr6DWhnJoHhyf/s1600/+1st+day20090102_10.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514721073930827554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK1YYD_KZPiPhROwSkumdK4VzEpe8jwUA9bOO_Sh9zqJW-XxvMCgy60UvG6IQUAF9a-HeJ33IfP3kLNSFQwMx95VAiPkZyjJ-kVV16kjwreh-PabxM3ZuMhubA5vWXl-nr6DWhnJoHhyf/s400/+1st+day20090102_10.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSs1KbpS04rybbRaJXBS1vyzctdArXUds5agX96kKxp51OofL9mmZBKbQzzbl3VscDyjq7D7qGzuIae8M_uc6PNGnkZctj7ppGK-ABxwveEbnCvSiJGSMl2wXTTGmkXrSZaipWDppbTJFg/s1600/+1st+day20090102_11.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514721066592587058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSs1KbpS04rybbRaJXBS1vyzctdArXUds5agX96kKxp51OofL9mmZBKbQzzbl3VscDyjq7D7qGzuIae8M_uc6PNGnkZctj7ppGK-ABxwveEbnCvSiJGSMl2wXTTGmkXrSZaipWDppbTJFg/s400/+1st+day20090102_11.JPG" /></a> I left the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">schultute</span> on the table for her to see in the morning and she was sure excited! It was a big hit, and she somehow managed to eat almost all of the candy in the morning.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Upiy0bAtdyuRcFxf4PX_AhXVuwPYxKGRueFB4ukHA8Lzau9EXwHrYFK0ElCyFAWD3KBxYs7YBwUyvJS6EcpAT8_UpBEi_LgyapST5fDEXOUmL3ZNmOn5-WtsAJfDuC0VwATxE-fuFuT4/s1600/+1st+day20090102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514720620938899410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Upiy0bAtdyuRcFxf4PX_AhXVuwPYxKGRueFB4ukHA8Lzau9EXwHrYFK0ElCyFAWD3KBxYs7YBwUyvJS6EcpAT8_UpBEi_LgyapST5fDEXOUmL3ZNmOn5-WtsAJfDuC0VwATxE-fuFuT4/s400/+1st+day20090102.JPG" /></a> It was pouring like crazy here today, so we had to skip our walk and instead the kids got extra time to play while I caught up on some cleaning. Macy read to Charlie and Emma during that time.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw2NrzKTJEwCBeG334IQycrLutJ259hbhU-RFiohb6UE7F_OhO_rKBL-JFQWz7nT1U6Mif-koq29LUS0r9LdpCsSoG2i7TW9Oysgu5LvHQvBxr0chUgbgefkyx87z_HuJyIrnypksJPZo/s1600/+1st+day20090102_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514720609629460402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw2NrzKTJEwCBeG334IQycrLutJ259hbhU-RFiohb6UE7F_OhO_rKBL-JFQWz7nT1U6Mif-koq29LUS0r9LdpCsSoG2i7TW9Oysgu5LvHQvBxr0chUgbgefkyx87z_HuJyIrnypksJPZo/s400/+1st+day20090102_1.JPG" /></a> We had our first morning board time followed by Bible.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bQZALtkf1UzJ778mq7yftntdliqpz9tQiJZ5asncDGLjYf4kEpo9BvgJMvUMEJKsFPEHY5rRNGqq6c43Z2ed7D1hl221FL03lSMBNRCWizUbfyQdU8y-yr5HSorURJTEZKyToA2vgwNK/s1600/+1st+day20090102_3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514720589473090930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bQZALtkf1UzJ778mq7yftntdliqpz9tQiJZ5asncDGLjYf4kEpo9BvgJMvUMEJKsFPEHY5rRNGqq6c43Z2ed7D1hl221FL03lSMBNRCWizUbfyQdU8y-yr5HSorURJTEZKyToA2vgwNK/s400/+1st+day20090102_3.JPG" /></a> The kids then had snack and more time to play. Emma was sort of a grump for most of the day.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsDuu2nYaW2_XPMEBDrUAQycYXBqvdpnkPyRl4WImcfzxTg1IhzYThMScnwTDyU975j3TrN4r-3Df6M9V_1wERcliWtT0aupkMdAJCyrOBHT-krbsp4AsqPgEzaoLfK1geybjc2HswqQJ/s1600/+1st+day20090102_4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514720584408884130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsDuu2nYaW2_XPMEBDrUAQycYXBqvdpnkPyRl4WImcfzxTg1IhzYThMScnwTDyU975j3TrN4r-3Df6M9V_1wERcliWtT0aupkMdAJCyrOBHT-krbsp4AsqPgEzaoLfK1geybjc2HswqQJ/s400/+1st+day20090102_4.JPG" /></a> After snack we had our craft time. Earlier in our bible time we read the creation story and so for our craft we talked about how God created the beautiful world and everything out of nothing and we created beautiful pictures. Looking back, I should of said to "paint your most favorite thing that God created", oh well. We made homemade puffy paint that you put in the microwave, the kids seem to really like and even Emma got to do it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEtQ3i5JcLz40xKmHk6UvS63nAn7aGd8AluDq73LygzU8Ecdi_2ZfdUDomCfFN3-2-OgtJqV1hu9n-_-G0ve90-ecPTMnNG9jp0Vv9vIGYmje8JSDIsOKHHd8fZ5JXBtigpavcY1Hnvb5/s1600/+1st+day20090102_5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514719228538754850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEtQ3i5JcLz40xKmHk6UvS63nAn7aGd8AluDq73LygzU8Ecdi_2ZfdUDomCfFN3-2-OgtJqV1hu9n-_-G0ve90-ecPTMnNG9jp0Vv9vIGYmje8JSDIsOKHHd8fZ5JXBtigpavcY1Hnvb5/s400/+1st+day20090102_5.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkisjDR-dktOtKp1Pkv17ZYSwSqfap9kIZo0qUBQ4aXCSldvUmlkhfInXQ8CsMhGx8pU7KI9CTivn6mEYx-MWiiFC_O7lPbKevT7NAk8BNXzP0rWOhyphenhyphensiQdRUjLYAmR40IOfEkAMX3zIB/s1600/+1st+day20090102_6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514719218218458258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkisjDR-dktOtKp1Pkv17ZYSwSqfap9kIZo0qUBQ4aXCSldvUmlkhfInXQ8CsMhGx8pU7KI9CTivn6mEYx-MWiiFC_O7lPbKevT7NAk8BNXzP0rWOhyphenhyphensiQdRUjLYAmR40IOfEkAMX3zIB/s400/+1st+day20090102_6.JPG" /></a> Our finished artwork: (clockwise:mine, Charlie's, Macy's Emma's).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKqlB7ndvjEvxmg71aJDdnXUjwK-f5chv257ZuXMBmxq_mppr_6IhmXlnIU66QHTEBPtns2gXg1Hao3WlGn9m7Y_towwDm45CiPUT0rto5lX1VFHLNsl2JRzThJe7WCFymPLSuiMxMdWk/s1600/+1st+day20090102_7.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514719217001646722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKqlB7ndvjEvxmg71aJDdnXUjwK-f5chv257ZuXMBmxq_mppr_6IhmXlnIU66QHTEBPtns2gXg1Hao3WlGn9m7Y_towwDm45CiPUT0rto5lX1VFHLNsl2JRzThJe7WCFymPLSuiMxMdWk/s400/+1st+day20090102_7.JPG" /></a> Then we had extra time, so we took our first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">official</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">field trip</span> as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschoolers</span>! We went to drive around in the rain. Like I said <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">earlier</span>, it was POURING, so we wanted to go look at the water behind our house. It was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> flooded and the most high I had ever seen it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-SIfjPLLyI0g957ieGCmAk_RaofJkkoxG0Vo60fjzxS0__XRDP-KyyQnSrtUC03edsvdQSBf2bhJE5LnYo7ARFQ3xK6evjS1I7VBVjKqdle30xYRK5UL7ZPIghIdHtCrTkZLQX503Vh_/s1600/+1st+day20090102_8.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514719208819804626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-SIfjPLLyI0g957ieGCmAk_RaofJkkoxG0Vo60fjzxS0__XRDP-KyyQnSrtUC03edsvdQSBf2bhJE5LnYo7ARFQ3xK6evjS1I7VBVjKqdle30xYRK5UL7ZPIghIdHtCrTkZLQX503Vh_/s400/+1st+day20090102_8.JPG" /></a><br />The kids thought it was pretty exciting.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh2FAgPqnz9iwO3azgGarF3GYc3YprSUOV804f0DHY99l86VXst4_laXUvsr0MGuKw7Hi7jUJ-jVxLnd1my5Csxnb5cgXPUGbT8vGC04AJyB4oQ3B6GNcdhz_de-wgxJ2BVrFyKJw0K9y/s1600/+1st+day20090102_9.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514719197502466482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgh2FAgPqnz9iwO3azgGarF3GYc3YprSUOV804f0DHY99l86VXst4_laXUvsr0MGuKw7Hi7jUJ-jVxLnd1my5Csxnb5cgXPUGbT8vGC04AJyB4oQ3B6GNcdhz_de-wgxJ2BVrFyKJw0K9y/s400/+1st+day20090102_9.JPG" /></a><br /><div>When we got back, I was starting on lunch, opened the pantry and stepped right on a thumb tack. And I managed to use all my weight when I stepped on it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> was all the in and was totally painful. I had to hold my breath to pull the thing out. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bandaged</span> myself up and continued preparing lunch and the thought crossed my mind about possibly needing a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tetanus</span> shot. So I called the doctor's office, just to ask a nurse if she thought it was something I might need to get a shot for since I can't remember the last time when I had one or if is something that I don't really need. Long story short, she said I did (which of course she is going to say to cover themselves), so after lunch, Sethw as able to stop by and I put <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Charlie </span>and Emma down for a nap and I took Macy with me to the minute clinic at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">CVS</span> and quickly got one, no waiting or anything, it was nice! So we had our second <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">official</span> field trip as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschoolers</span>. </div><div></div><div>After all that, we did Math. We counted Cheerios with the "The Cheerios Counting Book" and she did a couple pages out of her workbook and then she read me one of her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Abeka</span> readers. We didn't worry about the other stuff today since we had already had a busy day.</div><div></div><div>Plus we had a tornado warning when Seth got home, but then we saw a double rainbow and went out for ice cream. I am worn out and my foot and arm hurt, but really glad that I am able to be Macy's first teacher! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-33701764560741638462010-09-07T19:54:00.003-05:002010-09-07T20:16:52.636-05:00Tomorrow is the Big Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXP-yW4AFEiYPAts2uVb5lbgtEB9KlgXjyGrBIOgfpnyBXO1YLHbfbmngC44yOorKkZafFhMXd8-dudzjxrFfqe9CukJ4UpzqzVdYObX8E1aX7lOju7EV1xM46EV9L2rDL-vQEwLZ_ryk/s1600/Night+before+1st+day20090102.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514340387277872130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXP-yW4AFEiYPAts2uVb5lbgtEB9KlgXjyGrBIOgfpnyBXO1YLHbfbmngC44yOorKkZafFhMXd8-dudzjxrFfqe9CukJ4UpzqzVdYObX8E1aX7lOju7EV1xM46EV9L2rDL-vQEwLZ_ryk/s400/Night+before+1st+day20090102.JPG" /></a> Tomorrow will be our first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">official</span> day of Kindergarten!<br /><br />I wanted to start a family <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tradition</span> for when the kids started school, so I made her a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schultuete"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">schultute</span></a>! I spent many years in Germany growing up and a tradition that they have for their child's first day of Kindergarten is to present them with a big decorated cardboard cone filled with candy, school supplies and a little toy, etc to make their first day extra special. So, to honor my time there, I thought this would be a fun thing for our family to do.<br /><br />Traditionally it is just for Kindergarten, but I think we will make it a yearly tradition. To read more about the history of these cones, you can click <a href="http://fanzone50.com/Oberstein/schultueteHistory.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWlTypESx5-GATow84JTPpFonHfFWH3Rdb6yMOed51EEXEGhwz_qMyg0PDmpyVa9F7VAoG7KZXzhbZYP-0Ey7P_XD2opJ9zYEipou726I0AAilyA6aJviCZ0W1V6FUQ44CKxiJHVogBW-/s1600/Night+before+1st+day20090102_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514340382885826418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWlTypESx5-GATow84JTPpFonHfFWH3Rdb6yMOed51EEXEGhwz_qMyg0PDmpyVa9F7VAoG7KZXzhbZYP-0Ey7P_XD2opJ9zYEipou726I0AAilyA6aJviCZ0W1V6FUQ44CKxiJHVogBW-/s400/Night+before+1st+day20090102_1.JPG" /></a> I am excited about tomorrow and will post an update at the end of the day!<br /><br /><div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-51484569352632866782010-09-04T18:57:00.009-05:002010-09-04T20:19:28.714-05:00Our Chore Pack SystemThis week, we started our Chore Pack System! I don't know why I have struggled with implementing a formal chore system. I seriously have been meaning to do this for about a year.<br /><br />Months ago, I ordered and read Managers of Their Chores.<a href="http://www.titus2.com/ecommerce/products/prod_listing.php/1150"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513219668163890802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-zGKGhxIRYTt-qQSZU1-gwL3xAUKgY4D61083FIjvJbgPud0q1HWsAR91e7uC1Dvo3bqP5dxVLMBu9N8H8Ff6XSsIh9_3RNZI7YPlprxfuL_r-woX0LujzdpN0RwN9I2HzRyTWbnrR2m/s400/chore+pack.jpg" /></a><br />This is the same system that the Duggars use and it is a great book and I highly recommend it if you are wanting to teach your children about doing chores. I was stuck though because I wanted to combine it with Dave's Ramsey's Financial Peace Jr ideas. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513220438485133554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H6T3T2d-fjZIYnnaiF0Co7IabezROgTAjvn8hl2J_kzp5dZ0aaNZpefPD6Z2a2IOyaPBK5LrG7Ghwi9itx4c2mkcU_mwgBYdG5O2WTgchrjUK0LrXWlP0IUDGJ555122URtupo2R2Dl5/s400/FPjr.jpg" /> We definitely wanted to include some of the Dave Ramsey's ideas of "work=pay, don't work=don't get paid" in our chore pack system and teaching our kids how to correctly handle money; giving, saving, and spending. Anyways, so that is where I got stuck for awhile, I just wasn't sure how to combine it and I was making it too difficult, so I didn't even start. However a few weeks ago, I saw <a href="http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/2010/07/vlog-my-chore-pack-system.html">this post </a>on one of my my favorite blogs: <a href="http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/">Women living well</a>. And she showed how she combined it with getting paid, so that really helped me get started.<br /><br /><br />Last week, Seth and I came up with a list of chores that the kids were capable of doing and I took pictures of them and made cards with a gold star and "Done!" on the back and laminated them.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513213251502883378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeT101EWDydlWxwfwYEqKdzRC7XARfmXiU6tj-amng2znadOeBlXf5NGLEbMtQHrHuRZq9Eb-IAxRtLGblDY_QnOz2dR6EhRRUBUTSetOpAQuDkbQ9JLaQprAUD30_P3NpcZGe-mU1BG0/s400/Chorepack20081229_1.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513213239076980306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIh6jFPRUAK_r4jus7tSQU1iryK4KDStyZsFK9LqMkTXsSCbq7HqMkApfqYoNs4q6_5327pmrNJ4howkvvRJzadHs7yTHlm9VHInmWTMj61q_qHdPusN2FwIm7FsHtgLNwElRFkNpOesN/s400/Chorepack20081229_2.JPG" />We found some credential holders at an office supply store and I also made a daily chart to use and had it laminated as well, so it would last awhile.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513213225711262946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp_lPFetuQ8A3R8COphxvmsakCCW19934yA0trprqEq9muJWGkwz92RRTCIvYF7k_6T48mkqv8ny5hsC4ca0FdG0TrA8XffwJfiuPcMdIB_QoyUMQtA9zO0R1-JtfESDzOIcZ-TbAEqNu/s400/Chorepack20081229_4.JPG" />Macy and Charlie were really excited about it! Especially since they knew they were earning money!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513217979503878530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQovx-WGVvlzQIC1fq28sShJkyLtcSwQFDYwZ3uERuoHSV7KhqlGR9r1TknThuq43R2S1tiXpLO6s4luk93XFX_0SrJyS_aupBPgZlXAujc24SmQESg029tARfDHtETMV1EfVCLVdtKy5E/s400/Chorepack20081224.JPG" /><br />They worked really hard and Macy especially set a good example for Charlie with having a good attitude.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513217971409839778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz2jELxBre3sc5CY4ct2PjdfX1-f333w9hEI-x-KzyEXGGQzD9jV6jZYY8Fqb6ScB1B4Hbu1-9Z7KQuEr7y9IYJa2jX8FCUjNrFY4lnxJDVseGUmjWCEJpv2hkhVRjCaQDDoJTgf6HGqy/s400/Chorepack20081227_1.JPG" /><br /><div>Charlie had one day where he just flat out did NOT want to do his chores (the chore he was working one was putting the shoes neatly in the cabinet, which would of taken a total of 3 seconds to do, but he stretched it out to about 10minutes.) Thankfully after daddy intervened, he got back on track. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513217965759338946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2Cw7bfGJpKTg0LX3346KX24t0Lvw79RG-YNQpCo4acCtbY0gowkDZ7KaCqtl33AzuJJ664y7QHA2E7gQ-AFaPFyRy3Lx_cDQEMcWZA7-13Myai_tSNIA4hzKnKz6UhGsHxfaohqJrTBg/s400/Chorepack20081225.JPG" /><br /><div>Every morning and afternoon they had chore time.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513217958327161890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs8elIoEUANmmjkhEkdjZWrb3-8vZ0MVojGgz5kI4J9-FKGYmTOh3Goahn3gwf1dPc2ybKDzdLFsg30BqAvn3wO75g0qXt9EAr3dGXWjDli4LgCr6ihHzuIeH2uE63S64BpkzvZQoiCRC/s400/Chorepack20081227_2.JPG" />Charlie's chores were pretty basic: put pillows back on couch, put silverware away, wipe the table, etc. Macy had a little bit more: feeding Bailey, putting away laundry, wiping bathroom sink, etc. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513213254893144738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHhPojaBreVGzegj0mXCUZxxSovHLJoto1p51Y1Tn53aIsdk1eKWc233zNgOkETQQu0kpawH_77Egq0iU7ZFN_obRyIrft86T7DkF_kVlZjQ1iJPbXdDO_Jeq0VfBVolmAPooDyChM_FV/s400/Chorepack20081229.JPG" /> <div>I also included made this chore card: <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513213232192794386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLLhIChEk9I5ArV_nNodPlqpXUoFp6Sr0g62jx5lvLNc8hmMrg0ZUt8Pq3AuO13bqmNST23L_lmPHQgyfzRj_C-HeQDb39frbstcMzg_fEA2W96WHlhJ6wSz2KG3cvBNT0TcY9k18jTn3/s400/Chorepack20081229_3.JPG" /> <div><div><div>We used it a few times and they were SO EXCITED to get it. After they did what the special chore was and if they did it with a happy heart, they got a little piece of candy. </div><br /><div>Today, after all their chores was payday! I had ordered these banks earlier this week <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002HRWBQ/ref=oss_product"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513227604687814690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAqE7-MXBBxeh218KqtZvzq6o6juNlIdeYCN_wF3p2zRtpYau_-ZatWIVLsV-TgD8c9c0rMgGWyMJc8DYf5VhLsow48KPzJtPDHVSdQ_DuRMphJCW53rpHGocJv6wN1KXQdA4JTHuWZHb/s400/bank.jpg" /></a>but they did not make it in time, so we just used envelopes today. We talked to them about what we do with money in a basic way that hopefully a 5 year old and 3 year old can sort of understand and they put the money in the envelopes after we split it up for them. We put 10% for church, 10% in save (like for a big toy they want), 10% invest (we told them this was for their car, waaaayyy in the future), and their favorite: 70% in spend. Macy was paid a 0.20 a day and Charlie 0.15 a day, plus we told them they would get an extra .25 for the week bonus if they had a good attitude. So Macy's got a whopping total of $1.45 and Charlie $1.15. Hey, we have to start somewhere and wanted to allow room to give raises, etc... Seth took them to Walmart with their "spend" money and they both happily bought a package of gum and are excited about taking their "give" money to church tomorrow. Macy said she is saving for a Barbie Jeep, that should only take about 500 weeks, but I didn't tell her that. :) </div><div></div><div>Overall it was a great first week with the chore packs and I really glad that we started it!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-1035071658881664682010-09-01T05:40:00.020-05:002010-09-09T06:29:47.767-05:00The All-American Postcard Swap!<span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj6FCIzSVpRh52vH8OYj-6QQ7I8mEhKDmbLMrC6pYoEGSnmWThFlfw0VfJBeEBEuf8EOD_EmMzUOc1faogNzp4Lh0hjXWhW1HlhNWg-65i4V9gVLaC2Z87JW4Mx3mbRfhSy0OpnZ7Aa4k/s1600/postcard+swap.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511371509684793506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj6FCIzSVpRh52vH8OYj-6QQ7I8mEhKDmbLMrC6pYoEGSnmWThFlfw0VfJBeEBEuf8EOD_EmMzUOc1faogNzp4Lh0hjXWhW1HlhNWg-65i4V9gVLaC2Z87JW4Mx3mbRfhSy0OpnZ7Aa4k/s400/postcard+swap.jpg" /></a> I mentioned earlier that I will do going a geography notebook this year with Macy and to make it more fun, I have decided to host a postcard swap!<br /><br /><strong>How it works:</strong> A family from each state will swap postcards over the next 50 weeks. Each state will be assigned a certain week to mail out their 49 postcards. We will go in alphabetical order. In 50 weeks, your family will have received 49 postcards from all over the United States! Please include one or a few interesting facts about your state on the postcard.<br /><br /><strong>To Join: </strong>Please check the list below to see if your state is available and if it is, please leave your state and email address in the comment section and I will email you to get your name and address.<br /><br /><strong>Other Info: </strong>Please do not sign up if you do not intend to send the postcards out. Also, please keep in mind that you will have to purchase (or make) 49 postcards and postcard stamps. But in return you will get a postcard a week for 50 weeks! You don't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessarily</span> have to live in the state you are sending out a postcard for, as long as you are able to get 49 postcards from that state and can include something interesting about it on the postcards.<br /><br />States List:<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">1. Alabama-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">2. Alaska-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">3. Arizona-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">4. Arkansas-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">5. California-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">6. Colorado-TAKEN<br /></span>7. Connecticut<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">8. Delaware-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">9. Florida- TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">10. Georgia-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">11. Hawaii-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">12. Idaho-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">13. Illinois-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">14. Indiana-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">15. Iowa-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">16. Kansas-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">17. Kentucky-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">18. Louisiana-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">19. Maine-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">20. Maryland-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">21. Massachusetts-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">22. Michigan-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">23. Minnesota-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">24. Mississippi-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">25. Missouri-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">26. Montana-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">27. Nebraska-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">28. Nevada-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">29. New Hampshire-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">30. New Jersey-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">31. New Mexico-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">32. New York-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">33. North Carolina-TAKEN</span><br />34. North Dakota<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">35. Ohio-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">36. Oklahoma-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">37. Oregon-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">38. Pennsylvania-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">39. Rhode Island-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">40. South Carolina-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">41. South Dakota-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">42. Tennessee-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">43. Texas-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">44. Utah-TAKEN<br /></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">45. Vermont-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">46. Virginia-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">47. Washington-TAKEN</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">48. West Virginia-TAKEN<br /></span>49. Wisconsin<br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">50. Wyoming-TAKEN</span><br /><br />If you know of anyone in another state who might want to participate, please pass along the word!<br /><center><a title="All-American Postcard Swap" href="http://themcdowellfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/all-american-postcard-swap.html/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/Mrsmcdowell02/postcardswapbutton.jpg" /></a>"/> <center><br /><br /></center><br /><center><textarea id="code-source" rows="3" name="code-source"><center><a href="http://themcdowellfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/all-american-postcard-swap.html"><img src="http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd373/Mrsmcdowell02/postcardswapbutton.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>"/></center></textarea></center></center><br /><br /><div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-23699761965014590282010-08-27T06:00:00.004-05:002010-08-27T06:38:07.600-05:00Texas State Requirements for HomeschoolingThankfully Texas is one of the most homeschooling-friendly states, so there aren't really any requirements at all. I do not even have to notify that we are homeschooling. We are legally considered a private school. If we were pulling the kids out of public school, we would have to submit a letter about why we are taking them out, but since they have never been enrolled, they will have no record of us.<br /><br />Here is a map of homeschool regulations, so you can check out where you live:<br /><a href="http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509676474118432242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CGKGGEt8R5kIbCbBYjSgrM4C35TPFPIFmoZvUxj_3ODokeGRsOitNlGpUmo1xf0kbQ_3hlNwgY6O0wXhjl4i2HLQju6LTdHSnzXzxCmHY9CkqpwDBoRuQPeqmxlsksjuNqaEdGYihARz/s400/USRegulatoryMap.bmp" /></a> <em>Red are high regulation states (really glad we aren't in one of them)-they have a number of requirements including state testing, curriculum approval, home visits, teacher qualifications of parents and professional evaluations. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Orange are moderate regulation states- they are required to notification, test scores and/or professional evaluation of student</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Yellow are low regulation-you just have to send notification that you are homeschooling</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Green-No requirements for parents to initiate contact</em><br /><br />I do plan to keep a notebook from each year with samples of the kids work, so we will have some sort of record if needed. When they are in high school there are resources to help create a transcript.<br /><br />Also, next year we will join <a href="http://www.hslda.org/">HSLDA</a> which is the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. For those who are/were teachers in OK, it is like APOE but for homeschooling families. Basically, it would help us out if there were ever any legal issues with us homeschooling. We didn't join this year because Kindergarten isn't even required in Texas, so we are saving our money for a year.<br /><br />That concludes our homeschool mini series! I will be sure to post about our first day and week!The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-72063345288073693922010-08-26T06:00:00.004-05:002010-08-26T06:08:45.007-05:00Our Daily Schedule-At least this is what we are shooting for..This is our goal for a week day at home:<br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>5:00</strong>-I get up have my quiet time and go to the gym, or if it is a Monday I go grocery shopping. <em>Thanks to my years as an Army Brat, I like to get up early.</em></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>6:15</strong>-Shower and get breakfast started.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>7:00</strong>-Everyone up, get dressed, make beds, have breakfast</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>7:30</strong>-Family devotional time</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>7:45</strong>-Clean up breakfast, say good-bye to daddy and go on a walk, weather permitting.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>8:30</strong>-Morning Chores, <em>We will be starting our new </em><a href="http://www.titus2.com/ecommerce/products/prod_listing.php/1150"><em>chore-pack system</em></a><em>, as seen on the Duggars, this Monday, so if we all survive the week, I will blog about that at the end of the week.</em></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>9:00</strong>-Morning Circle Time with all kids</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>9:15</strong>-Bible with all kids</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>9:30</strong>-Snack and free time to play</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>10:00</strong>-Craft, cooking, library, ladies bible class, playgroup or free time depending on what day it is.</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>11:00</strong>-Start getting lunch ready</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>11:30</strong>-Lunch</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>12:00</strong>-Recess</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>12:30</strong>-Emma and Charlie go down for Nap</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>12:30</strong>-Macy and I do the sitting down part of school, Math, phonics, handwriting, geography and whatever else we need to do. I am hoping to do a workbox system (I'll blog more about that at another date.)</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>1:30</strong>-Macy has quiet room time, I will take an hour to rest as well. <em>I read something from an experienced homeschooling mom and she said one of the best things to do is an hour rest time every day, even for the older students, so the mom gets a break and everyone gets a break from each other.</em></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>2:30</strong>-Macy, Charlie, and I up. Snack time followed by TV time. T<em>his is contingent on if they were quiet during rest time.</em></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>3:00</strong>-Emma up and has her snack, </div><div align="justify"><br /><strong>3:05</strong>-Read aloud time together</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>3:30</strong>-Macy and Charlie do afternoon chores. </div><div align="justify"><br /><strong>4:00</strong> (or when finished with chores, I don't think they will take very long)- Free play time</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>5:15ish</strong>-Dinner Time when Seth gets home and Family Time</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>6:30</strong>-Baths</div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"><strong>7:30</strong>-Bedtime</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong>7:30-?</strong> Seth and I have kid-free time.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"> We will have to fit in Ladies Class on Tuesday, Library on Wednesdays, Playgroup two Fridays a month, lots of field-trips, and one morning a week I would like to go to the gym at 8:30 am, so I can attend a class instead of going at 5am that day. I am not sure how that is all going to work, but I am hoping we will figure out something as we get going. I am sure I will have do lots of tweaking as time goes on and I know that it will be a rarity if we actually complete the schedule as typed out, but at least we have something to shoot for. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> On Saturday, there will be no school, but we will still have chores and naps. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> Whew! That seems like a lot, but getting it typed out makes it seem like it isn't that bad and maybe even do-able. </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> As for a yearly schedule, I am not setting one right now, we will take off when needed and probably go into the summer. Seth's day off is Thursday, so on some Thursdays will do things as a family and will not worry about school on those days. I love that we can be flexible with homeschooling! </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div>For scheduling help, a great book that I recommend is:<a href="http://www.titus2.com/ecommerce/products/prod_listing.php/1100"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509370564372108674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgPoer4XZTLbZv_syWrfx0kcUOfyArZGwGEcwcPjRGYGxnOoY_T90YRko9gk_RV6gkrW0gBJUqgzPipbek3jCSEVgKs79-PpBsBkcrcMY4M_RyGzpQWN_weatQpXOhoRKYrLHMsUM5vh6/s400/Mangagers.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Tomorrow's post... What are the state's requirement for homeschooling in Texas, and how do you plan to follow those?</em>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-51144646937447089362010-08-25T06:00:00.005-05:002010-08-25T06:19:35.415-05:00Our Homeschool CurriculumWe will start officially in September homeschooling, but I thought I would go ahead and share with you the curriculum that I will be using.<br /><br /><strong>Bible</strong>:<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509051273073914466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzG18B953SVWCZmHG9WRbS4ORCI_SFPbQ0r0sep0SBHFFRfVvaZPuJLxv1KbKTRRerOO8lE5l9Tn1bAQdILeoaNxTaIbwUn19oAKBebuITgSwfwk_ttv4gLc6f3LTJrVIC0eUiIu5VXbZ4/s400/bible.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Time-Bible-Pictures-Kenneth-Taylor/dp/1414315775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282673882&sr=8-1">Family-Time Bible In Pictures </a>by Kenneth N. Taylor. We will read a story daily out of it. I took this from Sonlight's curriculum.<br /><br /><strong>Phonics, Reading and Handwriting:</strong><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509046064810887122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NsqSOVsAtUObFSvQIGMA4NOsKX76DPaP8vgTg3WTnjB49zjztqcv08Wcu5J17L8kIjYy5dfAjNUssUX8nBNoB3yNnlNMEIBPzFgOqHzbVyqOqxM9q6HU7TxlfPgwc4GUvg5dtiVN0yNv/s400/abeka.jpg" /><a href="https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=68993">Abeka</a><br />It took me awhile to decide on this. First, I wanted to look at a variety of curriculums since there are so many great ones, but ultimately decided on Abeka, since I have taught it in the past and I liked it then. Then, I couldn't decide on bumping Macy up to 1st grade in language arts or not since she is reading fluently already. However, after talking to some more experienced homeschoolers, they recommended keeping her in Kindergarten for the moment, but if we finish all (not just the language arts) of Kindergarten quickly, then going ahead to first grade. But they also reminded me that our goal in homeschooling is not to graduate the kids by they are 13, but to take time to build a strong foundation. So that is what we are doing! I imagine we will pick and choose out of the phonics part since she we already did "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 165px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509046851247164898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUrAmfaJ4qseIzoj5t-7PPADqMWxD-m9EjmWBo0r8qouNLcE0BlFXC4cDQ_gdB7_-_ZbwuOuUL_WtrqArWFzHLfDuURIrzDiPhx6T-hu_DBPFGcr0n7XkvnrFcYu7hcT_jgL_sBJSwlyP/s400/abeka+cursive.jpg" /><br />For handwriting, I have decided to do cursive first with her, so wish us luck in that. I am hoping she will have beautiful handwriting (unlike me) since we are starting with it first rather than printing.<br /><br />Also for reading, I have typed up a reading list from recommend books from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Childs-Heart-Gladys-Hunt/dp/0310242460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282678370&sr=8-1">Honey from a Child's Heart</a>, <a href="http://www.sonlight.com/">Sonlight</a>, <a href="http://www.fiarhq.com/">Five in a Row</a>, <a href="http://www.bfbooks.com/">Beautiful Feet</a> and a couple other places. We will continue our weekly trip to the library, and will have this list as a guide of books that I want to read to the kids or have Macy read aloud.<br /><br /><strong>Math:</strong><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509048297980136210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9XlTl2_dMyQog0Tiq27ni6bxdq-LNY5TpKig4igFCGv2N-XL17VgKvVkN4IKivxEPbNtJamIvBO32DP6_yw-UN-GOVqqusgjQC6mDy3-F2FYhCYJLSRLMklp-ZxoP78wN6-g_am-kcbz/s400/horizons.jpg" />We are using <a href="http://www.aophomeschooling.com/product/jkc120/">Horizons Math</a>. It is an award winning curriculum, so I am hoping that we will enjoy it. To save money and as recommended by some other homeschooling moms at the big home school convention, I didn't buy the teachers edition, but I flipped through it and it doesn't look to hard. :)<br /><br />In the mornings, we will do a circle time, where we will do a calendar, days of the week, memory verse, counting, weather and a few other things. When we get going officially, I will blog more about it.<br /><br />Those will be our main subjects that we will be focusing on this year. In addition to those we will do a little bit of the following:<br /><br /><strong>Character</strong> - I thought about doing a character trait a week and doing an activity for each, but I think I will hold off until next year. Instead, we are going to focus on doing chores, being obedient and also we will have a day a month that is purposed to do some sort of service activity (visiting residents at a retirement home, making cookies for someone, buying groceries for a food pantry, and some other age appropriate things that I can think of or find from other people.)<br /><br /><strong>Geography</strong>-we will do a notebook of the 50 states. The objective will be to identify that there are 50 states. We will have a coloring sheet for each state, just mainly identifying that there are 50 and learning where they are located. Also, I plan to ask some of you to send us a postcard from your state.<br /><br /><strong>Science</strong>- We have an ant farm, so I plan to order some ants and we will get to watch them in action.<br /><br /><strong>P.E</strong>-Lots of playing outside, going on walks, and going to the park. We have decided not to do a formal activity for the first few months of homeschooling, just so we don't have another thing to keep up as we are getting use to homeschooling, but maybe we will enroll Macy in gymnastics in a few months. When Charlie is old enough to attend, the YMCA here has a home school PE class, so we will probably do something like that in the future.<br /><br /><strong>Home EC</strong>- I plan to set aside a time each week to do a cooking activity. Also, she will be doing chores. I have also looked at a couple books that are geared towards little girls Macy's age for Home EC, I haven't ordered anything yet though.<br /><br /><strong>Arts and Crafts</strong>- We will do a craft/art time each week. Nothing formal, I just plan to get ideas from either other homeschoolers blogs, my old education stuff, or making something to go along with our bible lesson.</p><p><br /><strong>Music</strong>-Again, nothing formal this year. I just plan to check out a wide variety of CDs each week from the library and play them for everyone to listen. Also, my mom just told me she ordered this book for us <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Orchestra-Listen-Instruments-Composers/dp/1579121489/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IX2522BOU4UWL&colid=3UTQ5ANWICWYZ"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509300710816683202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjU_XvF3a-urhV86N7cXrGRJt-KCabO9_xZIUJQsHfjl7zWrjJe2vnEyFedF0NH4Ty-gaz6sPjT39vhFB-En94g4Fn8uQPZQgW71wx5jTMUTBbfx3jtqKRfQtr58664w6_TJUNQt7M0LXm/s400/orchestra.jpg" /></a><br />which I think will be really good and I am sure we will work our way through it.<br /><em></em><br />There you have it! That is what we have planned so far.<br /><br /><em>Tomorrow I will post a schedule of our daily routine.... stay tuned.</em></p>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-31423735827012791372010-08-23T17:00:00.000-05:002010-08-23T17:08:49.311-05:00Emma's First HaircutToday Emma got her much-needed first haircut! It seems like it was just yesterday when Macy and <a href="http://themcdowellfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/charlies-first-haircut.html">Charlie</a> got their first haircuts. Unlike Macy and Charlie. Emma did not cry one bit! She sat there so well and just quietly looked around (there was quite a bit to look at in this kid-oriented salon.) <br /><br />Before (I should of got a shot of the back, it was especially bad):<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynqxsF3YHiSY4U8kWrXmNBj0VzNLuxvHuzpczutM1JekeYppOpEkC8lfAdeqhcoiHiJVWDeTEnv7g9RKug6Z_IDRcEGsMXFAhe_MAEjLmRlA2RpwRcB5p1Gdlzf6eQ1_W430LUhZwx89M/s1600/Emma+Haircut20081217.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508728670491932290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynqxsF3YHiSY4U8kWrXmNBj0VzNLuxvHuzpczutM1JekeYppOpEkC8lfAdeqhcoiHiJVWDeTEnv7g9RKug6Z_IDRcEGsMXFAhe_MAEjLmRlA2RpwRcB5p1Gdlzf6eQ1_W430LUhZwx89M/s400/Emma+Haircut20081217.JPG" /></a> During, being so good!:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0d8YyhOM9KUPKEJrBMN4fnhxzXMfVSf3t_o927RmMiQ5t-rWQk36UoljGn-ZwttBWEw2UUaBERzsFEQCjRkbjE6PAeshM2bWXDnVQ5KRDeHIqd48sDuSAEMuaKGDBM1OjSbt0zMcDYOv/s1600/Emma+Haircut20081217_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508728668075028274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0d8YyhOM9KUPKEJrBMN4fnhxzXMfVSf3t_o927RmMiQ5t-rWQk36UoljGn-ZwttBWEw2UUaBERzsFEQCjRkbjE6PAeshM2bWXDnVQ5KRDeHIqd48sDuSAEMuaKGDBM1OjSbt0zMcDYOv/s400/Emma+Haircut20081217_1.JPG" /></a> She would not smile at all, but I still like this picture:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy6U-fMwYxnpYsO5CSzV9DUVyvQbNJglaXfMdGeUXLubvKDTPCR-QzLLHCcIJH2iceZsUiRcDFpeIO-MpiTykR6dBQj76R5zGGDuVof6A61Pgzd3bHM7hyphenhyphenqudWQsoCnlGueQ4f-CshI1T/s1600/Emma+Haircut20081217_2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508728658821713714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdy6U-fMwYxnpYsO5CSzV9DUVyvQbNJglaXfMdGeUXLubvKDTPCR-QzLLHCcIJH2iceZsUiRcDFpeIO-MpiTykR6dBQj76R5zGGDuVof6A61Pgzd3bHM7hyphenhyphenqudWQsoCnlGueQ4f-CshI1T/s400/Emma+Haircut20081217_2.JPG" /></a> After, enjoying the sucker and saying "Cheese!":<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gBfROu1_dIKY1EefZF0i-rRLII9_RYmQoU0kebeCe1ioQzuroHfr-vEs3yBLelH7ukl_faTedIZNvuiDVAwfIBGvGGkTtguZ74ZMyJlIDheLneb7AoXY9k4dlcD1ORPjDFI6J2PC8I4K/s1600/Emma+Haircut20081217_4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508728649909514322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gBfROu1_dIKY1EefZF0i-rRLII9_RYmQoU0kebeCe1ioQzuroHfr-vEs3yBLelH7ukl_faTedIZNvuiDVAwfIBGvGGkTtguZ74ZMyJlIDheLneb7AoXY9k4dlcD1ORPjDFI6J2PC8I4K/s400/Emma+Haircut20081217_4.JPG" /></a></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-89916704866437834682010-07-09T15:54:00.005-05:002010-07-09T20:40:07.488-05:00Some Blogs That Are Better Than MineOver the past few months I have found some blogs that I really like to read each day, I normally will turn on my phone when I first wake up and look at a few of them while I am waking up and since I like to find great blogs, I thought I would share in case any of you like to do the same (these are not necessarily in order):<br /><br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/">Women Living Well</a> - This is really one of the best on my list and normally the one I check first. She has a lot of helpful and biblical advice for wives and moms. She has a lot of videos on the left side of her blog, check them out if you have time.<br /><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/">Like a Warm Cup of Coffee</a>-This is another one I look forward to reading every day. She talks about many things from being a homemaker to sharing about having an abortion years ago.<br /><br /><br />3. <a href="http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/">Confessions of a Homeschooler</a>-A homeschooling blog with lots of good printables and ideas.<br /><br />4. <a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">Raising Homemakers</a> - A blog for mothers of daughters. This is only a couple months old, but already has had some great posts and I look forward to checking it every morning.<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/">The M.O.B Society</a>- A great blog about raising boys.<br /><br />6. <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/">Skip to my Lou</a> - A blog with fun crafts for kids. The kids and I made the sidewalk chalk paint this week that she has on there and they loved it! I plan on stealing a number of her ideas.<br /><br />7. <a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/">Homeschool Creations</a>-Another great homeschooling blog full of good ideas that I plan to steal.<br /><br />8. <a href="http://heartofthematteronline.com/">Heart of the Matter Online</a>- This one has a number of contributors focusing on homeschooling and has a number of helpful articles. It is a great resource for new homeschoolers.<br /><br />9. <a href="http://1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a>- Another homeschooling blog, this one focusing mainly on the younger kids, preschoolers, etc. Also the author of this blog has a few other great homeschooling blogs that you can find on her site.<br /><br />10. <a href="http://gironlife.blogspot.com/">Along the Way</a>-Another homeschooling blog with great ideas. Even if you aren't homeschooling, the homeschooling blogs still have great ideas on them!<br /><br />11. <a href="http://clutchtalk.blogspot.com/">Clutch</a>- A blog for wives married to men in ministry. I have only looked at this one for a couple weeks, but enjoy reading the posts from women whom I have a lot in common with.<br /><br />12. <a href="http://www.babywisemom.com/">Babywise Mom</a>- I do not check with one daily anymore since we are moving out of the Baby stage, but she still has great advice for raising kids and so I do like to click on it every so often. We used Babywise with all 3 kids and this is one of the best resources I have found to go along with the Babywise books and have recommended it to a number of people.The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-20163997490395990302010-06-23T06:02:00.003-05:002010-06-23T06:12:57.894-05:00All Boy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCp2hAVBjE42rX_xPyayHC7tjzXg1-_0fzXydPs3ZFMyFXdhFwy0F3L0ceIdJMJHrr_luhqUJ3oPN4pBOUvBnXq_RGqVfjRBSqpehhn1vCdpqQ_cO7oZILorupjOyiT596titQyhN6_r-/s1600/Charlie+Ballgame20080823.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485923382617910802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCp2hAVBjE42rX_xPyayHC7tjzXg1-_0fzXydPs3ZFMyFXdhFwy0F3L0ceIdJMJHrr_luhqUJ3oPN4pBOUvBnXq_RGqVfjRBSqpehhn1vCdpqQ_cO7oZILorupjOyiT596titQyhN6_r-/s400/Charlie+Ballgame20080823.JPG" /></a>The last couple posts have been rather <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span>, so I thought I would post a video of Charlie to even things out and he is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> all boy! If he isn't playing baseball or golf, playing with his cars, trains or trucks, he is either chasing imaginary monsters around the house, shooting things or jumping from high places (I am trying to prepare myself for seeing Charlie with a broken bone, I imagine he is going to have a few of them in his childhood.) He prays for the "ballgame" when he says his prayers, every single time. He is especially excited about getting to go to the ballgame with Daddy by himself in a couple of weeks and the other night he prayed "Thank you God that I get to go to the ballgame with daddy....and not Macy." Seth and I tried to correct him afterwards and tell him that wasn't very nice, but we were laughing, so I doubt it had much impact.<br /><br />Here is a video that I took a few weeks ago:<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jWa2QlGj2cw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jWa2QlGj2cw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />He is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> our favorite little boy!The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-64734355178178595042010-06-20T18:22:00.004-05:002010-06-20T19:27:53.682-05:00RecitalThe big recital was this weekend! I was the stage mom, so I wasn't able to take pictures or videos from the audience since I needed to help get the girls on stage and stay with them in the back, etc. (they only allowed pictures and videos during the dress <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rehearsal</span>, so Seth couldn't get them either, boo.).<br /><br />Anyways, here are the ones I did take. Macy and her classmates getting ready backstage to go on stage during the dress <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rehearsal</span>:<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485002221699484562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VMDkgARb-h0NBB0D2JyvrSrXiDtKPROP7MzFbPa7g2OZklQZIHlFjqr6S6j4965fgmKKuFoUe16ZViG_2mEqsCtTDn7UE0IwlbHjLhOni5oFhsPjJ15UhlITEzdWPophsjdZRJtn5Ndv/s400/Dance+Recital20081012_3.JPG" />Waiting on the side as the big girls are dancing:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485002192254638082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsiQhidXQetiCcK7lRxMHMCCG6JjGMfKolut8N-pw0NuX1_1Dptl4vr7bHjqlLZZpQN0F_leUybZtbCxAheHzYZKAB-C8YCNoCQoTeevFKuo_HdyBAuLliHb5kEzIw0-qdrqoA9szP3rk/s400/Dance+Recital20081012.JPG" />On Stage! I was standing right where the teacher was standing doing the motions, so that is why they are all looking at my direction:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485002198701818450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkVpi-xqU99nstAzWSbZJpVlMwXMRQO4lv7tFfw_Fa69I7ihZvTmVz9gYOwgK5fEkZr62NKReIB4tq5HJbVclDlIL2AOTNBZleK21xQdpH3IyC6eSbSoCAge3fmL9r5ltFg1VIpDlh4Gp/s400/Dance+Recital20081012_1.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485002213094554162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3ZBNlvOHFHAQ1Sh7VBryi2xlFK3uYgSgOvZ3HxNiOhOcAgp764x0a1luFv7YUBO9ztBgdZJl21-o_YG_py2B2hBd6fw68OF8QP2Ak70mbjOGcQ0WTNyzS9zIdRyW06R_JBQMQzmsP3-N/s400/Dance+Recital20081012_2.JPG" />The day of the recital, Macy and a friends twirling in their dresses backstage in our room:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485004969251771938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijepC-9OcPkbFhyaS4QzVGSz5gGlNAqlxVAd78aDaWaRsqPTWT6KnvglzZ7p5V3A43A2457dBjBjtqRTSOiRi0SDQo5FbEaTtzzyCJ1qT4fHcbdU1DE-X_V6c2vnjqMCBr1Xd03N-g9lfS/s400/Dance+Recital20081013_2.JPG" />We were back there for 2 1/2 hours, so we kept busy coloring and playing with toys and games. They were all really good:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485004962577625826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibksttKHOsL8m4gQwFcUozoJ47DJJe05bJDeAxol_7C5l1y8PcZnplqxV6xNdFCWctWvc84lVE4ipiaEtf_YZFRe-adkOuPNfJArAXUFxgcc6ry5trmMzTaOaCIISWPL49mrU0PscMmcb-/s400/Dance+Recital20081013_1.JPG" />Getting ready to go on stage:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485002226869792466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQNwTWZViweAF8vLiOevPLloFaTt5pPWo7wVRLl8qqWyyrkl_USLS4f0vLaWpHbv2UU-deZAuBXoqegf8Ph3fFFAoJ-FfseYOdzuN81dbLHl1rXeAJpwwPKUmuIGIA05flpCnVfghytpd/s400/Dance+Recital20081013.JPG" />Seth's parents were able to come and see Macy performance and we were able to all go out to eat afterwards. Macy was so excited to get to wear her dress to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">restaurant</span>!:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZw4WFUJCmNKM51wwiDoZLlvojdf5Vbx7GsNCoLhK85vMee-QJh8xN9RMzytc7aqevG2ASHXFsRfjvbp0vvPAXWarm3_yDpyLaE_GBOPRfKIG_i3MiEqvrHxAu2livLLcX8ULWDQcc2-L/s1600/Dance+Recital20081014_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485005003239313938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZw4WFUJCmNKM51wwiDoZLlvojdf5Vbx7GsNCoLhK85vMee-QJh8xN9RMzytc7aqevG2ASHXFsRfjvbp0vvPAXWarm3_yDpyLaE_GBOPRfKIG_i3MiEqvrHxAu2livLLcX8ULWDQcc2-L/s400/Dance+Recital20081014_1.JPG" /></a>Family shot. Too bad Emma wasn't looking:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvHDBgXaA7uBJabtI5dE5SVez3Ds-H2bKBo-PJrC86a4GoQh5jyyTvJUclMiipzml0KwcNNLcf4Nc48RYZXS1mIqxKysdPx8Qp46pu5ItdsWlLIxsyKBrKzvrG6DoIHncmgiq108ULWxw/s1600/Dance+Recital20081014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485004994136383474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvHDBgXaA7uBJabtI5dE5SVez3Ds-H2bKBo-PJrC86a4GoQh5jyyTvJUclMiipzml0KwcNNLcf4Nc48RYZXS1mIqxKysdPx8Qp46pu5ItdsWlLIxsyKBrKzvrG6DoIHncmgiq108ULWxw/s400/Dance+Recital20081014.JPG" /></a> I wasn't able to film at the performance, but I did film on picture day a couple weeks ago as they were practicing. Enjoy!<br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xAEtlomLVr4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xAEtlomLVr4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />Way to go Macy! You are our favorite tap dancer!The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-78308861195720321002010-06-12T19:13:00.005-05:002010-06-12T19:39:00.672-05:00Dance Class Picture DayMacy has been in dance class this year and has loved it! She had her pictures this week, and I was the cheapo parent and didn't pay for individual expensive pictures, so I just snapped a few before we left. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482045954797234962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hE0Ga7yPP1XIdLExk9LPUIj53cJ8Dc3WYoqHNqzs9HbbZ97g5vfFe2utz8vBMbLeGTFdnHhyphenhyphenmo90BTfQKXp2M2e8VAy4dV7rvIPWD_GV__Jf1PVhnWFmdZzb0dEtR8pazoEfNpesO98G/s400/Macy+Dance+Picture+Day20081004_4.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482045934801630146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVYM8d3NMbOEHle4vwolIE0iQZuQRDWobtNRBolTDV8-7XP3b0kl5nxVJRWrx0w3fIhxzUCGTNmH9vAqB__QCM5a2Wp5nSGJP_mhzcVmGj_zHY7Wu9e3sJrZ9f4tNud7hJfKMVUHCKb61/s400/Macy+Dance+Picture+Day20081004.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482045942085112658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kfYwwHj668tzHdnSaBtn9jJj0s66uqYaZUeIvqitPl96L209lVyCyX5ygXaKhGKBBDRpltVOlYIk0QSkbkiM1IciAJI6Q0aNEzSu81ozleZa3EOGKL5-6C5xYPm918Qw1pGzKMaoPDnl/s400/Macy+Dance+Picture+Day20081004_1.JPG" />Look at this one and notice Emma on the left. Haha. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482045969404760258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jou6Vxn0HtYELMYvI2fXuk37nFOr2hL4u9qD70dIMpxzwn2Fx_50pzVc3eKloDNKlmCyVgZ7Ljs0J5kXrTkyTQTvBQ1nN4uS7XJUiMBr7uodZc3oIU-Eh64oerSpDsBRXdVGXDb-TSEH/s400/Macy+Dance+Picture+Day20081004_3.JPG" />The whole time I was taking pictures Emma was right up against Macy, wanting to touch her dress and saying "Ohhhhh Pretty, Ohhhhh pretty", She was quiet impressed with the dress and I could hardly keep her away from it. I cropped her out of the top pictures, but I thought this one was pretty funny. <div></div><div>Her recital is this weekend and I will try to post a video of it on the blog. <em>(Don't worry, it will not resemble the "Single Ladies" Dance performed by 6 year olds that was in the news a few ago. )</em> They are tap dancing to "Rockin' Robin". The studio we have used is a Christan studio and many of the songs that are performed by the older kids are church songs. </div><div></div><div>It is has been a good first year of Dance for Macy!</div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-77608563586623933592010-06-10T06:31:00.003-05:002010-06-10T08:03:45.146-05:00Spalsh Park Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu64lrXS5KKKe6fhnXofZYbYt51L8Ap8xtbIWafPOb_ygarBpWAqlxYYpyhkYZTsYVA2ZDHqxd4R-2KSJVwt2IC3fi5Fsza-08PLNepuonpEwB_c7FEPS6osGG5ALzB5pjCiSjqROvn4-X/s1600/Splash+Park20081002_12.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481128952685356178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu64lrXS5KKKe6fhnXofZYbYt51L8Ap8xtbIWafPOb_ygarBpWAqlxYYpyhkYZTsYVA2ZDHqxd4R-2KSJVwt2IC3fi5Fsza-08PLNepuonpEwB_c7FEPS6osGG5ALzB5pjCiSjqROvn4-X/s400/Splash+Park20081002_12.JPG" /></a><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481107913040586130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WaNPUI7N2Ta2b1Ns4wqDQjCK0IB1zQncNiN8Mn464eiCOrm-oj9AFizNWgprBpkY9ipT12FznCeh5K80AZGd-wTzP29tJg7p1LmUoeaZYSAGsbELH9evBlMXawxMvgCUia_ADm4Msv7h/s400/Splash+Park20081002_4.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblyn3Iz6kDUGxyx1Qnpfr-wl6jUA1dhpoe04eScSMyIftp8jSr7U-1SbVo2sq_ekp-gWoEoXgYuzlAAaqy-G7F6LmbfEceLlyvgU8UuVvsI1ElXJ8PZ1PItG5wpGeNebZvDVVt-qFNQK2/s1600/Splash+Park20081002_11.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481107920600816658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblyn3Iz6kDUGxyx1Qnpfr-wl6jUA1dhpoe04eScSMyIftp8jSr7U-1SbVo2sq_ekp-gWoEoXgYuzlAAaqy-G7F6LmbfEceLlyvgU8UuVvsI1ElXJ8PZ1PItG5wpGeNebZvDVVt-qFNQK2/s400/Splash+Park20081002_11.JPG" /></a> <div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481107896671881794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjP_zan6dmOnBssiaNoZJCEz8rM7ZLJmXLXL3JrGMZOovLmooXlg_G34IvHxQt5-1bHcdpG-jdfnQ_CnkCQfEu8jKGvFLo4RWTxWu9JXs7g-zz0JrPF1ISO2bkJ4Ky-A8WfiqnO_vzWY4/s400/Splash+Park20081002_2.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481107884672568978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcjXeBRq9zzp9z7V3GnifEmbzUDKmPbikWArE72QwdtmLjG-RRPN0W4FiFRR8e4-xDDSb5GhJulZHUZKcC8TwapGd-fIC5b_RpMhN6Zqs0wuFakSETamsmm8SM2ANAyTElui16tgsKA5d/s400/Splash+Park20081002.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWT2wc0UvUK2VLn87_Wxl5x70lXhFF2OxOAJywTmYj4-df73EMy1R493koN1TLsHmhRSoOK5UitK-G-eWqJKF9AcF81XqMVbAkzMZ6yl0EmP5UB901G9nkVEFp_mRoj5aNy7KItJkliXI/s1600/Splash+Park20081002_3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481107904386967970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWT2wc0UvUK2VLn87_Wxl5x70lXhFF2OxOAJywTmYj4-df73EMy1R493koN1TLsHmhRSoOK5UitK-G-eWqJKF9AcF81XqMVbAkzMZ6yl0EmP5UB901G9nkVEFp_mRoj5aNy7KItJkliXI/s400/Splash+Park20081002_3.JPG" /></a></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-15120141196471801362010-06-04T06:16:00.004-05:002010-06-04T06:34:03.110-05:00First Swim of Summer<div>We have actually been a couple times, but these are pictures from our first swim. </div><br /><div></div><div>The kids were sooo excited when the neighborhood pool opened a couple weeks ago! We like to go first thing in the morning since 1) it beats the blazing Texas heat and 2) there aren't a bunch of people there to see me in my swimsuit. (Which by the way if you are looking for a modest swimsuit that doesn't look weird, visit <a href="http://www.christa-taylor.com/">www.christa-taylor.com</a>). </div><div> </div><div>Anyways, here are a few I took of our first visit. It is hard to take pictures with one hand while the other one is holding a 19 month splashing, so I didn't take a but a few. </div><div> </div><div>Emma's first real time in the pool: </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478876791556191122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVVay2I7l8qqJ612BnXhcmnAmmB-M1n7Gpq8qgJ_GafkRmXy-ZM1Q37VBMR4Qqx9qTdzSvktG_Rsthms4oVG1QmotDnWfQAMEkGwRGO5Fuw12BNFAR0FQrQ-UcM9jMXkImC8EoWsNm4yn/s400/First+Swim+of+Summer20080919.JPG" />She was a little leary at first, but now I can hardly hang onto to her! She is either splashing or trying to go around the pool by herself. She doesn't like that I hold onto her. Too Bad Emma. </div><div> </div><div>Charlie in action getting out of the pool:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCHVo9oS4cOya_t9sZp8YRbx65zIgzpEsjv1L1vMJYH3_3f8bss2K3T4pIwe8yfeut_j9oqLCV4N4YIyb4FzBk9GLRj2Ec7IjWYIALa4MY_CqRab-a1Lg5RHRmnoQnS1rOK4etndeLHn9/s1600/First+Swim+of+Summer20080919_3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478877242341014658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCHVo9oS4cOya_t9sZp8YRbx65zIgzpEsjv1L1vMJYH3_3f8bss2K3T4pIwe8yfeut_j9oqLCV4N4YIyb4FzBk9GLRj2Ec7IjWYIALa4MY_CqRab-a1Lg5RHRmnoQnS1rOK4etndeLHn9/s400/First+Swim+of+Summer20080919_3.JPG" /></a> He likes to lay on the ground outside the pool and hang his head upside down in the pool. <br /></div><div> </div><div>Macy:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478876769190804434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEVokDgb4gY3z446P5hIeA7GyRRaxyVqr2xjCcllqsX5JT2dtmC278paiU4rDRwt558IiiheaVCEy9kp24fV7SLPuF_7sImymvh0LtdZdkzBZv9YTEt4_QYbRz1104hGV2er8tIwZOZ4m/s400/First+Swim+of+Summer20080919_2.JPG" /></div><div><div><div>She kept asking for me to take her pictures like this.. Ha. She has gotten a lot better since last year about going under water and will even swim underwater for a few seconds. </div><div> </div><div>One last one of Macy and Charlie doing what they love best (look at Charlie's tounge!):</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefBx99LwZ8x8EZ-IN6gyTHoGHXzX1rpV2naaqWMX4h-BTdRIePRvMVThyphenhyphenpmOuQklXRoIrsZf0W8TGPGklCLkBulB59cBWreV8CHRJqVj1XpWMHYB219JrRGh44AZy87IINt9suMaLbTT2/s1600/First+Swim+of+Summer20080919_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478876781060913650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefBx99LwZ8x8EZ-IN6gyTHoGHXzX1rpV2naaqWMX4h-BTdRIePRvMVThyphenhyphenpmOuQklXRoIrsZf0W8TGPGklCLkBulB59cBWreV8CHRJqVj1XpWMHYB219JrRGh44AZy87IINt9suMaLbTT2/s400/First+Swim+of+Summer20080919_1.JPG" /></a></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-11263482466968292522010-06-01T12:33:00.002-05:002010-06-01T12:42:13.834-05:00Microwave Potato ChipsI came across a recipe to make potato chips in the microwave and gave it a try and they turned out great, so I thought I would share!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />Potatoes, sliced paper thin<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pam</span> spray<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">parchment</span> paper<br />salt or whatever seasoning you want<br /><br />All you do is put is a piece of parchment paper directly in the microwave, spray it with a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">pam</span>. Lay the potato slices on it, make sure they aren't touching. Spray with some more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">pam</span> and then cook for about 3-10 minutes, just until they are crisp and not all brown. Take them out and season with salt or whatever you want and there you have it! A cheaper and healthier alternative to bagged potato chips! You can also use veg. oil or olive oil in place of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">pam</span>. <br /><br />I did it today for lunch and sliced one potato for all of us, everyone really liked them. Seth said he liked them better than bagged <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">potato</span> chips. The only bad thing is you can't do a large batch at once. For our 1 potato, I did two batches in the microwave. I have made "chips" by frying them in oil on the oven, but that takes so much oil and also probably isn't that heatly since they are soaked in them. <br /><br />Enjoy!The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-77755858139785740382010-05-17T20:02:00.004-05:002010-05-17T20:17:01.008-05:00Hail the Conquering HeroLook at what Seth did at work today: <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472410384941016898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbnmTSqAA28PeJxSVgC2QCxD1KXUfBuZE958mdCzeTPfGgKI5pJYdOXMOPUw_E4B1-Z_mxWE50eK_aWOQa4sY4ZzSNwFYbiD6Kk-_Xr6dAvsYJ9qvUOhuKGE53UW_ScWNCrkd6Zb10g7M/s400/Dead+Snake+at+Smotherman20080911_2.JPG" />The other day Seth had hit a snake when mowing the church property and it got away before Seth could get it. But today he was out mowing and came across another snake. After battling the snake while it was climbing a tree, Seth was victorious and he killed and decapitated it. We went after dinner to show the kids; Charlie was really excited and even brought his pop gun to shoot the snake in case it wasn't already dead. Macy wanted nothing to do with picking up a dead snake (as did I), but Charlie didn't hestitate at all at the chance to hold it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbmSEcQKhOJ4otuOrsRMH9WLoi_yEmRdw8y3N9u7SRzTNMp8ooXc2uDV_NcpW88LsRMDAY8c-jqIVuixF-PyTRiHqmHqdMCahtaEExvMpu4XXLjDZLix2J9rMpuCyNAwXNjTrglEBZJzP/s1600/Dead+Snake+at+Smotherman20080911.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472410403255637074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbmSEcQKhOJ4otuOrsRMH9WLoi_yEmRdw8y3N9u7SRzTNMp8ooXc2uDV_NcpW88LsRMDAY8c-jqIVuixF-PyTRiHqmHqdMCahtaEExvMpu4XXLjDZLix2J9rMpuCyNAwXNjTrglEBZJzP/s400/Dead+Snake+at+Smotherman20080911.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXVjG3lJSNWRYK1ogmO4DP_p2SGETXYulxh8ZQxz5sRB-K38OyHZ2vky7_sSxyR51wiWElOldhy55ovgqyY54ZosvJKagVj4Nj-_Iud57rR1qK2NZ_r58EhwmwHDS6UmO2Nco2d4mG2Vm/s1600/Dead+Snake+at+Smotherman20080911_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472410395956496466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXVjG3lJSNWRYK1ogmO4DP_p2SGETXYulxh8ZQxz5sRB-K38OyHZ2vky7_sSxyR51wiWElOldhy55ovgqyY54ZosvJKagVj4Nj-_Iud57rR1qK2NZ_r58EhwmwHDS6UmO2Nco2d4mG2Vm/s400/Dead+Snake+at+Smotherman20080911_1.JPG" /></a>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-33573310386597033312010-04-17T10:37:00.002-05:002010-04-17T10:43:24.258-05:00BluebonnetsSeth has the camera on the Men's retreat, but the kids and I went to look at the bluebonnets this morning. So I thought I would just film a little bit incase we didn't go back this year to take pictures. <br /><br />Charlie wasn't interested in the flowers, he wanted to play in the car. What kind of boy wants to play in the car as opposed to looking at flowers? :) <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zIfILyeh-yM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zIfILyeh-yM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-58142930837110957342010-04-13T06:49:00.004-05:002010-04-13T07:45:04.887-05:00BransonWe took a vacation to Branson this past week and had a great time! We left on Wednesday and came back Sunday. We got a deal to go up there to check out Bass Pro's time share resort, and Seth's sister and her family live about 45 minutes from Branson, so it worked out well and we needed a little time off. <br /><br />We drove up on Wednesday and had dinner at Lamberts! It was good and we were expecting a long wait, but got there are a good time, so we didn't have to wait at all!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rx9aHtRnqcDUAnegASbz1MzcTIV_YzZY90qkwndQUdXCn0Tu-jD_MTw9_b79o23xTMMM6QgHyGtC43FXk8BLy8pg64ICfEAnU1rtyi_OKz5DNLMSZEhu_mLfBFebw1FOnmachxwgmRCi/s1600/Branson201020080802.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459590785333976242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rx9aHtRnqcDUAnegASbz1MzcTIV_YzZY90qkwndQUdXCn0Tu-jD_MTw9_b79o23xTMMM6QgHyGtC43FXk8BLy8pg64ICfEAnU1rtyi_OKz5DNLMSZEhu_mLfBFebw1FOnmachxwgmRCi/s400/Branson201020080802.JPG" /></a> On Thursday morning, we did the tour of <a href="http://www.bigcedar.com/">Big Cedar Lodge</a>, which is pretty awesome, but there was zero chance we were buying a time share. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZrs0GqOFyLzLdesmM2R-HSSzvOXl9Fxe-6pmZjZhAEbSImuZ59iE03Nh3SLMo4oszlsgA3ox9Iy0SVTEpYvV4iXUU3r2m-aTu15Zr1tJzcHAXPJErsr4g_XiFZdIfYy9z-LFwx7lAfl3/s1600/Branson201020080802_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459590774614899138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZrs0GqOFyLzLdesmM2R-HSSzvOXl9Fxe-6pmZjZhAEbSImuZ59iE03Nh3SLMo4oszlsgA3ox9Iy0SVTEpYvV4iXUU3r2m-aTu15Zr1tJzcHAXPJErsr4g_XiFZdIfYy9z-LFwx7lAfl3/s400/Branson201020080802_1.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr54UgMsjvKI-XX9YBCF0RhK-oMPSdaF2DsfTQsP_15ND4IiEWfUEOKqHgOdWbmD_7DL_zxnuu7lPUR39zkiER6nWqR3bvWK5uoLBPghr_lrQt8rLqS7U38ZXIfNOxrgBfUCv0h_8KwULe/s1600/Branson201020080802_2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459590768350633442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr54UgMsjvKI-XX9YBCF0RhK-oMPSdaF2DsfTQsP_15ND4IiEWfUEOKqHgOdWbmD_7DL_zxnuu7lPUR39zkiER6nWqR3bvWK5uoLBPghr_lrQt8rLqS7U38ZXIfNOxrgBfUCv0h_8KwULe/s400/Branson201020080802_2.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uUvei4s1laP_GQ3zy63S6oQDdsQwE7uqWaOYMQ3ipUQaVEb4hNGvgNw-KiQHJRprgXu6YR1fhg6kgk8ii8apeqrs6vGWGXsmJKX1f5QgpKwnXXbfZm6yapMVx18x8KgLJvXAPoO5c8fX/s1600/Branson201020080802_3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459590754937062498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uUvei4s1laP_GQ3zy63S6oQDdsQwE7uqWaOYMQ3ipUQaVEb4hNGvgNw-KiQHJRprgXu6YR1fhg6kgk8ii8apeqrs6vGWGXsmJKX1f5QgpKwnXXbfZm6yapMVx18x8KgLJvXAPoO5c8fX/s400/Branson201020080802_3.JPG" /></a> That afternoon, we headed to Silver Dollar City. This was our <a href="http://themcdowellfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/back-from-branson.html">2nd time</a> to Silver Dollar. If you haven't been, we recommend it! It is a great family-oriented park with hardly any waiting for the rides. The kids loved it! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcvA9uB4N4sNhbp3lvtjiSb4DSea_E_65bJB8qrJQZ68HwflcY6ZrS4Wvg1OdWh4NwM_ilGs5767u96ctgpofXlfkqvH1zmUdg2Jk-Ij2o6zuClXyhq-lO0UmDmWxFMF6pan75tsqtNPL/s1600/Branson201020080802_4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459590744169991570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcvA9uB4N4sNhbp3lvtjiSb4DSea_E_65bJB8qrJQZ68HwflcY6ZrS4Wvg1OdWh4NwM_ilGs5767u96ctgpofXlfkqvH1zmUdg2Jk-Ij2o6zuClXyhq-lO0UmDmWxFMF6pan75tsqtNPL/s400/Branson201020080802_4.JPG" /></a> Last time we went Charlie wasn't big enough for rides, but he really enjoyed getting to ride them this time. Last time I was pregnant with Emma, so it was my first time riding the rides too.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3K6ADDAu7hACpPffZ7TO5Vt2lc6EblS96JUyf6fQhAT6tDYnIwcs7xx1uMgg3XD-ocpk80LgzemNaRkWbaVwLC0_smv3LAlrltmLhIIJ4IcPm1HrPgKR5j75JKLqJcYk5reD95Yt_pTa/s1600/Branson201020080802_5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459589214046113890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3K6ADDAu7hACpPffZ7TO5Vt2lc6EblS96JUyf6fQhAT6tDYnIwcs7xx1uMgg3XD-ocpk80LgzemNaRkWbaVwLC0_smv3LAlrltmLhIIJ4IcPm1HrPgKR5j75JKLqJcYk5reD95Yt_pTa/s400/Branson201020080802_5.JPG" /></a> Macy is in the front, Charlie and Seth are a few rows back:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y4bhnJTUt66Y6V7qMhalSCH1plXOKpsGrHWw9bLE31ZgvJEmmmtmVKnWBqAAgpehEwhOOwk3IajdJrhO9aBc3EeP3tOmNKjKDd4YIMUZi1mqB8vKz0wFOdLWXIWVNbK090UcZvRQr-LU/s1600/Branson201020080802_6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459589207274765986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y4bhnJTUt66Y6V7qMhalSCH1plXOKpsGrHWw9bLE31ZgvJEmmmtmVKnWBqAAgpehEwhOOwk3IajdJrhO9aBc3EeP3tOmNKjKDd4YIMUZi1mqB8vKz0wFOdLWXIWVNbK090UcZvRQr-LU/s400/Branson201020080802_6.JPG" /></a> Emma even got to ride a few!:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-13LkH1rKFqlfuK4gfvvvvf6BoF40_dyGEzMzIyQU2bp-1q74a_8sQtWmtbPUdVWznBOdmsdApJ4p_cqrZViJg53u5DDodURWQPxVqAK1N6UHbhBSfn9yQoWj3TIer61hEblMWOaQ5ro/s1600/Branson201020080803.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459589198057516178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-13LkH1rKFqlfuK4gfvvvvf6BoF40_dyGEzMzIyQU2bp-1q74a_8sQtWmtbPUdVWznBOdmsdApJ4p_cqrZViJg53u5DDodURWQPxVqAK1N6UHbhBSfn9yQoWj3TIer61hEblMWOaQ5ro/s400/Branson201020080803.JPG" /></a> On Friday we went back to Silver Dollar City and then headed to Republic to see Seth's sister. We all went out to <a href="http://www.fantasticcaverns.com/">Fantastic Caverns</a>, the only drive through cave in America. <a href="http://www.fantasticcaverns.com/"><br /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm9w0rYlgNo1qoI-Ke74rfTtijmHW3hN161sN2unyURIthZ2IdKTwspOGV_hHi8uQ1SfwsnItS1BX7eOplU4XWz072raO2ohHKKBL04TZoFuphhBBNIymAk6rmQWrLkeo0uDoqzaZMFmS/s1600/Branson201020080804.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459589190162646546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm9w0rYlgNo1qoI-Ke74rfTtijmHW3hN161sN2unyURIthZ2IdKTwspOGV_hHi8uQ1SfwsnItS1BX7eOplU4XWz072raO2ohHKKBL04TZoFuphhBBNIymAk6rmQWrLkeo0uDoqzaZMFmS/s400/Branson201020080804.JPG" /></a> We stayed with them until early Sunday Morning and headed home. </div><div> </div><div>It was a great trip! One last picture of Macy at home enjoying her Silver Dollar City souvenir:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s0T96wCXn9KRGmKzpqigUxaxViyqT5NyZCrSFGUU6gMXrFNDujgUHdM7c4_z1CuHJVDTOhsNO59vrJVvLiDcXewRyznDayIQjgpxtX85xxrj7BUNjU11v8mepX5MleagBCiVqJpakchu/s1600/Branson201020080806.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459589173277997442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s0T96wCXn9KRGmKzpqigUxaxViyqT5NyZCrSFGUU6gMXrFNDujgUHdM7c4_z1CuHJVDTOhsNO59vrJVvLiDcXewRyznDayIQjgpxtX85xxrj7BUNjU11v8mepX5MleagBCiVqJpakchu/s400/Branson201020080806.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-29773336457214714772010-04-05T21:00:00.000-05:002010-04-05T21:00:00.477-05:00Waffles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pWA7dvgDMpsRU_5mxNUNM4qGWo0PD6o7wQ8v9gZthWDxukSAonP3eNnKL4t_W262MqmTRKTNtwkUaK0J2R4ZCpcbte0rFjGWVM7nlWEj1jAeL73BOSgrALfTcvF4itGV0XwN2QT2iB_s/s1600/Waffles20080708+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456616103647743010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pWA7dvgDMpsRU_5mxNUNM4qGWo0PD6o7wQ8v9gZthWDxukSAonP3eNnKL4t_W262MqmTRKTNtwkUaK0J2R4ZCpcbte0rFjGWVM7nlWEj1jAeL73BOSgrALfTcvF4itGV0XwN2QT2iB_s/s400/Waffles20080708+copy.jpg" /></a> The kids love waffles with butter in the morning. Especially Charlie, he asks me about every morning if we are having waffles for breakfast. I use to buy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eggos</span> or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wal</span>-mart brand <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eggos</span>, but for the last couple months, in an attempt to make them a little healthier, I have been making a big <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeade</span> batch and putting them in the freezer. The kids haven't noticed a difference, except the homemade ones are square and not round, and I enjoy them as well. They are easy to pull out in the morning and throw in the toaster just like the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eggos</span>. Here is the recipe I have been using: <br /><br />1 C. All Purpose flour<br />1 C. Whole Wheat flour<br />4 t. baking powder<br />1-2 T. Wheat germ<br />1/4 t. salt<br />1 1/2 cups skim milk<br />6 T. Vegetable oil<br />2 eggs, separated<br /><br />1, Preheat waffle iron. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and wheat germ. Stir in milk, oil, and egg yolks until smooth.<br />2. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks. Gently fold in egg whites into batter.<br />3. Pour into greased waffle iron, cook, and enjoy! <br /><br />I normally double this recipe and make enough waffles to last about 2 weeks, give or take.The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-19482099867780881592010-04-04T20:37:00.002-05:002010-04-04T20:42:00.519-05:00Our Well-Mannered EmmaThis last week I taught Emma the signs for "please" and "thank-you", she quickly picked up on it and says "please" allllll the time. <br /><br />Since she will probably act clueless if I ask her to perform her newest tricks for anyone, I thought I better get proof (ignore the lady who sounds like a smoker talking in the background): <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jrz3pW4m8QM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jrz3pW4m8QM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-63308570590668306492010-03-31T05:55:00.003-05:002010-03-31T06:03:22.509-05:00Resurrection Eggs<div>I came across these<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454750477280354610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOhe3-b8HbIoxxtrv14sbpqnjlUYHyaTd8n0lh-LBEJbqp-aLapvFBrBqUeadr7dnny6_mulv7U8k282zTRjIYxTw_37-EKPtHUoFVZkzbVT0RCDp1HryZxbqXUQ-WRR2lfbHECnqA-OA/s400/resurrection+eggs.jpg" />a couple weeks ago and thought they would be a really good way to teach the kids that Easter is more about the Easter Bunny. Each day Seth reads the scripture that goes along with that day's egg and then we open the egg and talk about what is in it. So far we have opened eggs that contain things like a donkey, silver coins, crown of thorns, etc. One the last day, Easter Sunday, the egg is empty. We have been doing it every day at breakfast and the kids have really enjoyed it, especially when it is their day to open the egg. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw3D9_bzeYgNuBNv8YNe7bs0UgenLs7p7diWnTPKVY5tIpiGqPF7jRDqKODQhkkVaHPDUZXjKdG8zhz1TBW1bOgTHT_Dqw08bD_408X5CbL1fYKM82FybOUZi9rnM8YZv4edUwGS3xjLh/s1600/Resurrection+Eggs20080719.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454750481414565746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbw3D9_bzeYgNuBNv8YNe7bs0UgenLs7p7diWnTPKVY5tIpiGqPF7jRDqKODQhkkVaHPDUZXjKdG8zhz1TBW1bOgTHT_Dqw08bD_408X5CbL1fYKM82FybOUZi9rnM8YZv4edUwGS3xjLh/s400/Resurrection+Eggs20080719.JPG" /></a> They are currently on sale at Mardel too if you would like to pick up some for next year!</div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-64996703476512628562010-03-17T13:43:00.002-05:002010-03-17T13:47:21.139-05:00Schooling...longest post ever<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">We have made the decision to not send Macy to public school next year, but to home school! Believe me, I never ever thought I would want to do it or actually do it. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">I know I had a lot of questions when I started to think about homeschooling, am I am guessing a couple of you do too, so I thought I would try to answer a couple in this post.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">Disclaimer-My intention is not to bash public schools in the post, Seth and I are both products of the public school system,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have a number of relatives that are teaches and I was even one myself before kids. I just want to answer some questions that we <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>will probably get about homeschooling and also to make a post that the kids will read someday and see what we were thinking when we made this decision.</span></em><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; COLOR: red">When did you decided to home school?</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">- In the past I have said "I would never home school my kids!", or "I just don't have the patience and skill!" but a few months ago something just hit me one that Macy would be going to school in a few months and I did not want her spending the majority of her day there. Not that I don't think she wouldn't do well in the public school system, I believe that she would do very well. She has zero separation issues, likes to makes friends and can sit and obey a teacher. And it isn't about me being away from her, I have zero separation issues as well. Anyways, it just sort of hit me one day, I think I read something about homeschoolers or something that made me think it really isn't a bad idea to home school. So I did research about it and prayed for about a month over it before I even brought it up to Seth. I thought for sure he was going to say "No chance" and that would have to be the end of it. But thankfully Seth said "You have about a 5% chance of me letting you do this.", so I was excited because it wasn't a definite "no" and he had the chance to meet a homeschooling family and is now supportive of the idea and said we can take it year by year. Although, I wouldn't go buy him a "My Kids are Homeschooled" t-shirt to wear just yet. But of course, I wouldn't do this without his approval and support.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; COLOR: red">What are your reasons for wanting to home school?</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">-There are a number of them and here are a few (not necessarily in order): <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">1. More time to "train them up the way they should go", this was a big one for me. It seemed like it would be really hard to constantly combat certain things, habits and other "worldly" issues they would be picking up daily. Not saying it can't be done, but it seems like it is getting harder and harder as the ability to discipline students is being stripped away in the classrooms.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">2. Getting to choose our own curriculum. I have taught in the public schools and private schools and after going to the private schools, I know there is a number of high-quality and challenging bible based curriculums out there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">3. Flexibility. We won't be ruled by the school calendar. This one sounds really appealing to Seth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">4. More time for them to be kids. Kindergarten, for example, should just take about an hour a day. So there is lots of time for playing outside and it is not like they will have a bunch of "homework" since all their work will already be homework. Also, they won't have to constantly deal with the pressures to grow up so fast. They won't have to keep up with the latest TV show, clothing line, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">5. More time together as a family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">6. They won't have to take the TAKS test! That is such a huge deal here and it seems like students are taught for the test.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">7. No watered down (or all together absent) history or science. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">8. Getting to personalize lessons for the kids. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">9. Giving the kids a teacher who spends one-on-one time with them. I read that the average teacher in the classroom spends like 10 minutes a day one on one with a student or something like that. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; COLOR: red">Aren't you worried your kids are going to be doomed to be unsocialized weirdoes?</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">-I was, I am not now. That was my biggest concern at first, but I did a lot of research and met non-weirdo home school kids. One article that particular helped me really helped explained how the idea of kids getting "socialized" in a class of 30 other students their age is a relatively new one and not really the best way to socialize them. The article also went on to remind me that in the real world, you are never only interacting with your peers, always with people of other ages. Plus, we do plan to let them out of the house every once in awhile. And I am embarrassed to admit this, but even when I was teaching I know I said "We are not here to socialize boys and girls, get your work done." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">Macy, Charlie and Emma have never been to daycare, preschool or a MDO program and so far I think they are all well-socialized. <span style="COLOR: black">Macy is just about the most social child I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At church, for example, she’s always one of the first to greet visitors, adults and kids.</span><span style="COLOR: #33cccc"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; COLOR: red">How can you possibly think that YOU can teach them everything?</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">-I will be the first to admit that I am pretty clueless in anything involving geometry, chemistry and basically any subject in the 12th grade. But THANKFULLY there are a ton of great curriculums and guides, as well as co-ops, even lessons on the computer, or tutors. And plus the kids have a really smart dad who can easily breeze through any of the tougher subjects. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; COLOR: #cc0000">What about college, how will they be prepared to enter college?</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">-If we continue homeschooling through High School, they can enroll at the community college while still in high school. I think it would be great to get them in 1 or 2 classes before they go off to college to not only get credits, but also to prepare them to work in a classroom setting, having to work in groups, having different teachers, etc. Also as mentioned above, there are a bunch of co-ops here, but we probably won't join one until all the kids are school age. I know there are home school kids who can't cut it in college but I also know there are public and private school kids that can't cut it as well. I don't think they are at a disadvantage because they are homeschooled. Also, I would ideally want all of them to go to OC or another Christian school, but many universities go out of their way to seek out homeschooled kids nowadays.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; COLOR: red">What about sports and clubs?</span><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">-Sports aren't really an issue until they get into high school and even then they have a number of home school sports leagues here in Frisco that I have found. I have also seen a number of clubs and other activities, including a yearbook, debate club, 4-H, even a prom (sorry kids, we probably still won't let you go to that. :)) and a bunch of things. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia">I know this is a record-long post, so I will go ahead and stop, but if anyone else is thinking about it, I encourage you to look into it! I am excited about the upcoming school year and will be sure to post updates when we get officially started in fall. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Georgia; COLOR: red"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></p>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807705214226465989.post-16616736027252931442010-03-14T06:21:00.002-05:002010-03-14T06:37:00.054-05:005 Years Old!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-iWPRCY_97NAeWhwsYW4i-teT1tA6FEiaARj5mNvQ1LuMY3biTlC305LBiT0KLJ_tfvxrbKaSGE2ZF_f_zhhaKXu4VbcMtdUXT5p3000Ieqgv5-zk_940hjuWSyrsw8bMP3ynKx_SR1w/s1600-h/Macy+Bday20080701.JPG"></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448449540314275282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJeaBfVz2-J3JC1fRlz6I6mkPh6Q16hE_AxcRPnzrRZfJagHj1F8bbHcsMKaaedQW-ckVeVHX1GTBVZVlpzmJCXOSE0-nHkpVMQ3LBVbv3a5rDb3ELzTXHO7VThimnGSRIC-WRpccGLse/s400/Macy+Bday20080701_4.JPG" /> <div>Last Sunday we celebrated Macy's 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday! Wow, I can't believe we have a 5 year old! Both sets of grandparents came to help celebrate Macy's big day. Macy seriously told the entire church that it was her birthday. After church we all went to Babes Chicken (we love Babes!) for lunch. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448449564317150738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ7fOjftdg1VxR03XksJ9QLaWbtPVEVtIzTClSbU1Wbn-BmMw9_CBHltEH6IDnDV-8zOZMJCM1ntm4mXpNLISNWsUirzCRKti3f7t7Q56NzLA_WZRa9x3G57bP1zWrYqZxwNHpvPXuM7Q/s400/Macy+Bday20080701_2.JPG" />The waitresses sang to Macy and she got to do the chicken dance (hence the beak/cup in her mouth). <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448449560076804434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5YdO_ESbxSStQrnD93FwlB4jgnlYta01eVYf3JC32nsphMihGFdrhr6suOXCmBaax0oPk9EVUBQu8CBGds4fqjyo0NKYFeyIFWtUAdB17bOTTz0Rrh2CnIVhpIJLoNiwfODYTFp1I_zD/s400/Macy+Bday20080701_3.JPG" />After lunch, we went back home and opened presents and enjoyed some cake and ice cream. I had <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">originally</span> ordered a cake, but then felt ridiculous spending that much money on a cake, so instead, Macy, Charlie and I made her a homemade birthday cake the day before and had a fun time doing so. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-4Ynmn6tV0biuHxkVCpKY8rnwUr2oPCxcPOd9MZ8bL2L2HsJzOZ-odf1BduQyU2fRXocTO5IP48xMRs5uz0l3tjAO4WC9OBoPxfLwbO1LFT83aYAhLkGIBtIlTA4J4tpcNIkmrPhpime/s1600-h/Macy+Bday20080701_1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448449578695614530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-4Ynmn6tV0biuHxkVCpKY8rnwUr2oPCxcPOd9MZ8bL2L2HsJzOZ-odf1BduQyU2fRXocTO5IP48xMRs5uz0l3tjAO4WC9OBoPxfLwbO1LFT83aYAhLkGIBtIlTA4J4tpcNIkmrPhpime/s400/Macy+Bday20080701_1.JPG" /></a> Happy Birthday Macy!</div>The McDowellshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873434695519320456noreply@blogger.com2