Using games for teaching

I've always like the idea of using games for teaching, but I've found that as the years have gone on I've used them less.  I'm trying to get back more to using them with Issac.  Today I ran across two great games that I think we'll start using.  One is a math game that will work on addition facts.  It's from Frugal Family Home and they show how you can use it either with paper or with felt.  I'm thinking of using it with the felt on our board that we have.  The other game I ran across today is for learning or practicing sight words.  This would also help Issac to work on his jumping as well :)  It's from Creative Family Fun I would love to get my oldest involved in more games, but sadly the only game he wants to play is his X-box (LOL)

How to use your mason jars

I was reading a blog today and ran across a great article about 31 ways to use a mason jar.  Here is the link Keeper of the Home.  It got me thinking about whether or not I use my jars for anything special.  I just recently had a birthday and got a neat gift from my mom.  I had recently seen on Pinterest about how you could drill a hole in a lid and turn your mason jar into a drinking cup. I thought it was a neat idea and was hoping I could get my husband or son to do this project for me.  About a week or so later I saw somewhere online where you could buy a set of these lids already made for you. I sent the link to my mom and she surprised me with them for my birthday. The set included paper straws and 5 lids.  I like the idea, but have already realized the straws will be used up quickly and I'll have to figure out something else to do.  Pretty much I use my jars for leftovers and sometimes pen storage and that's about it.  There are some great ideas here that I'm going to have to start trying.

Prayers for Kadie

I'm writing today because my cousin's daughter was in a serious accident on Friday.  She was riding a scooter that had been modified to go faster.  She ended up with a serious head injury and many broken bones.  She doesn't have a hand or leg that isn't injured.  She is currently in a medical induced coma and is woken up every 2 hours.  She is able to move her hands/feet when told and nods when asked if she is in pain.  The doctors and nurses feel that is a very positive sign.  Every time she is woken and moved the pressure in her head increases. Her breaks were all very severe and her pain level is beyond anything I think most of us can imagine. My aunt told me there are about 20 churches praying for her in her local area alone.  I'd appreciate all that read this to pray for her and pass it alone for others to read and pray for her as well.

Do you use legos to teach school?

I have found that my kids really haven't gotten too much into legos.  When my oldest was little he played with the mega blocks, but after that he really didn't get into them that much.  We bought him a few sets and it seemed that he only liked to follow the directions and put them together exactly like the pictures (LOL) If one piece got lost that was the end of the world :) Today I was reading a blog and ran across a great post about using legos for teaching school. I know many of us have at least one child that needs to be doing some type of activity while learning.  Over at Teachers of Good Things she's got a great post with tons of ideas.  I'm going to be checking out some of these ideas and hopefully they'll be helpful to some of you as well. 

Check out this fantastic giveaway that Homeschooling Adventurez is offering!

Go check out this great review and giveaway.  I recently ran across this blog and I've really enjoyed reading it.  Kelli has a great review and giveaway going on right now, so check it out and share it with all your friends.

Homeschooling Adventurez: Not Just Tacos: a review and a YUMMY giveaway: I'm so excited to share this special giveaway with you! For the last couple of months, we've been enjoying the  not just tacos   aw...

Let's Talk Sugar.....

I was raised in the south and love sweet tea! Over the years I have gotten away from drinking it on a regular basis. In the winter time I love to drink hot tea and that is where I tend to have problems.  I have used sweeteners over the years, Splenda for many, and 2 packs is just perfect for my cup of tea. When I think about going away from using those type of sweeteners I struggle on what to use. When I use regular sugar I feel like I have to put more in than I'd like. I've tried honey and I just don't get that sweet taste that I'm looking for.  I've looked at many of the items on the sugar aisle and they all seem to me to have similiar ingredients, but try to say they are different. When it's winter time I could easily drink 6-8 cups of hot tea in a day, so I really don't want to be adding extra weight to my body with lots of sugar. Yet I don't want the issues that come with sweeteners.  Would love to hear your thoughts.

Quick Ways To Fill Your Freezer

I've had several bad migraines this week and it makes me not even think about dinners:( One night I threw together breakfast and the kids loved that and last night I had some frozen soup and made some quick biscuits.  The other day Issac asked could we have pizza and I thought we have everything to make it so why not.  This morning I was thinking how nice it would be to have some dough already in the freezer. I did a quick search and came up with this site.  Money Saving Mom I was only looking for the pizza dough, but she's got a great little plan for ways to fill up your freezer with lots of yummy stuff.  I think I'm going to work on making some of these items with the kids to help on our busy days or if/when the migraines hit.  I thought this would be a site that many of you would enjoy checking out as well.