Elementary Round Up

I was MIA last week.  Sorry.  I was at a homeschool conference.

But school must go on . . . and it did . . . just the Engineer did it!

In the schoolroom . . .

A freebie 4-D puzzle thanks to Timberdoodle.  Highly recommend this to your arsenal of puzzles if you have a child who gets jazzed for all things jagged.

Lots of phonics and math from Saxon . . .

Science that is a mixture of The Magic School Bus and Answers in Genesis . . . I am excited because we are about to exit space and enter earth!

Still loving our Bible with Stickfigure Bible from Grapevine Studies.  (By the way, even if you don’t homeschool, Grapevine is great to just “do” with your children . . . laying a firm foundation based upon JUST the world of God.)  We are working through the Old Testament and studying the Resurrection as a family, in addition to reading Amon’s Adventure.

And thanks to Nana, Asher has acquired some great “readers.”  It isn’t uncommon to find him nestled into the couch reading his book aloud to anyone and everyone who might listen.

He also discovered that the Engineer has a little game on his Droid titled, “Angry Birds.”  Yea . . . even I get addicted to playing said game.

But what have I loved the most recently from this little boy?  He is helpful, encouraging, and he brings me flowers!

What has been going on in your school room – and if you don’t have a blog to link up with . . . leave a comment and tell me what your family did in the Learning Room!

Guidelines: 

1. Write a blog post about your elementary aged child(ren), first through sixth grade, comprising the activities you did the prior two weeks.  You can include pictures, bullet points, tools used, learning gained, God moments, etc.
2. Be sure to include a link back to my blog.  By doing so, other like-minded readers can hang out in a central location if they are looking for Elementary School ideas.   Publish your post and then head back to my site. 
3. Provide the exact link (URL) of the Elementary Round-UP blog post you wrote, not your blog’s home address, through the provided MckLinky.
4. Optional:   I would love it if you grabbed my blog button over on the side.
5. You can combine this with other meme’s if that helps you to save time (as long as it is OK with the other blog owner). 

BIG IMPORTANT HEART MOMENT:  This isn’t a blog post to WOW other moms . . . the point of this is to help YOU document on YOUR blog what you and your child(ren) are learning.  My link-up is only to provide some accountability.  I won’t come and leave nasty comments on your blog if you don’t link up. 

Inspiring Agility: An Action Figure Giveaway

It’s not a doll, it’s an action figure.

Big difference between the two.  Dolls are carried around and snuggled with.  Swaddled.  They pretty much lead a pampered and boring dusty life.

Not action figures, such as Manhattan Toy’s Boysterous Action Figure.

(Note:  “Matthew” is really a snowboarder . . . but the boys were sharing the action figure sports equipment.) 

“Matthew’s” skateboard is magnetic.  

Here is “Charlie.”

However, “Charlie” received new gear.  Because . . . well  . . . we kind of encourage our boys to be dangerous.  (Thanks to this book.)

So we had to do some gear improvising and I created a snowboard for Charlie. 

I personally think that Charlie will be a little cold; however, I have known people to ski in shorts on a clear, April, Colorado day.

Once Ezra’s action figure was like Asher’s . . . the world was a happy place filled with danger and stunts.

And more stunts . . .

 

And more jumps . . .

With the grand finale of jumps . . .

The four great things about this toy:

• It has its own carrying case that can also be the playing field that can be purchased separately ($30 . . . gulp).  (Great if you purchase all 5 action figures {$18 each} …. which has been hinted at around this house.)

 

• The toys are open-ended . . . which encourages creative play . . . and trust me my boys were creative!
• Serves as a great tool to try “dangerous” stunts out while being relatively safe.  Relatively. 
• Even dad approved of this particular soft toy that is reminiscent of some toys his daughter has that collect dust, are swaddled, and filled with stuffing. 

Want to win a Manhattan Toy Boysterous Action Figure?

Mandatory:  Visit the Manhattan Toy website and tell me which action figure would you like to win?

Optional Entries:

• Like Manhattan Toy on Facebook.
• Like Manhattan Toy on Twitter.
• What age is the Boysterous Action suitable for?
• Become a fan of Granola Mom 4 God.
• Sign up to receive me in your inbox.
• Like Granola Mom on Facebook, even though I don’t have it set up right . . . but hopefully Maureen will continue to help me with that. 
• So . . . give yourself an entry by entering one of Maureen’s giveaways!
• Enter one of my other giveaways (located on the sidebar) and give yourself an entry.

Giveaway ends Friday, April 29, 2011 at midnight.  Only open to those with a US shipping address.)

This is a MamaBuzz review. (You could actually try winning on some other blogs too!) The product was provided by Manhattan Toys for this review.

Spring Into Reading

I’m finally getting around to some of the blog posts that I have been yearning to gather enough  time to post . . .

And though late, here is my Spring Into Reading list.  These are the books that I “hope” to read and finish by June 20!

• Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
• Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell
• Dark Day in the Deep Sea (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pope Osborne
• Max on Life* by Max Lucado
• The Whole Bible Story* by Dr. William H. Marty
• Another Dawn* by Kathryn Cushman
• The Girl in the Gatehouse* by Julie Klassen
• I’d Be Your Hero:  A Royal Tale of Godly Character by Kathryn O’Brien
• Eve of the Emperor Penguin (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pope Osborne
• Amon’s Adventure by Arnold Ytreeide (great book to read prior to Resurrection Day)

• Spiritual Growth of Children by Dr. John Trent (Focus on the Family)
• The Traveler’s Gift* by Andy Andrews
• 1000 Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
• Seeds of Turmoil* by Bryan Wright

* denotes upcoming book reviews

Phew . . . I think that is it . . . actually, I know a few others are sitting on my nightstand.  But I’ve overwhelmed myself.  Not really.  But kind of. 

My Greenhouse

The focus is on regrouping.  Learning from past mistakes and instant successes. 

I envision another square foot garden . . . but with a to-be-determined un-square-like twist.

I left my 4 square and 1 triangle garden behind . . . and acquired a field of weeds.  A space to do anything with . . . make any dream come true so long as my thumb remains green and my husband is willing to work (shhhh!).

The first major change of the gardening season relates to soil preparation.

It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine.  (Ezekiel 17:8)

As usual I am using Mel’s Mix,

• 1/3 vermiculite
• 1/3 compost
• 1/3 peat moss.

However, thanks to some nifty tips from My Square Foot Garden, I scooped out a bucket of Mel’s Mix and added just enough water to make my “soil” moist and clumpy. 

Then, my children plopped it ever so gently into the soil’s new black beds.

Using a sharpened pencil I poked holes for little hands to distribute their personally selected seeds into. 

On a side note, I am pleased to say that they each chose flower packets so that they could bless me with petals this summer.

In fact, today I received beautiful, carefully plucked spring “what’s it called?” flowers during recess.

Back to the topic at hand, when my garden team was  finished, I made sure that each tiny little container had a mound of dirt on top, like so.

Why?

Well, since the soil as already wet, I really didn’t need to water the soil.  So, the mounds remain.  The idea is that by being mounded it creates a way for the water to run off instead of sitting on top of the dirt and harboring a safe refuge for mold to grow.  (Not that this has ever happened to me.)

Besides, it works best to water from below.  The soil and roots can work like a straw.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
   which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
   whatever they do prospers.  (Psalm 1:3)

I’d say that my new method is working. 

In fact, it’s working so well that I kind of have forgotten about my tender shoots. 

My greenhouse has preformed significantly better than previous years.  Now, location could have something to do with that . . .

But I have failed to grow mold this year.

And coming from a woman who enjoys growing bacteria . . . this is saying a lot! 

For the next stage of my growing, per the suggestion of The Square Foot Gardener, I need to submit my plants to a fan . . . in order to make their trunks strong.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  (James 1:12)

All I have yet to do is come up with a design for my garden . . .

Many things are already sprouting . . .

I am most excited about some new additions to our hopeful harvest:  spinning gourds, miniature pumpkins,  birdhouse gourds, Silver Queen okra, Stowell’s Evergreen corn, Rossa Di Trento lettuce, Purple Top White Globe turnips, Crystal Apple cucumbers, and Golden Midget watermelons. 

But what remains is a well-thought out plan . . . a meandering, contemplative green place where real food thrives, children and hearts are nourished, hands work alongside the Lord, and the Hubby sees some profit from his travail.

Psalm 128

¹ Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
   who walk in obedience to him.
² You will eat the fruit of your labor;
   blessings and prosperity will be yours.
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
   within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
   around your table.
⁴ Yes, this will be the blessing
   for the man who fears the LORD.

⁵ May the LORD bless you from Zion;
   may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
   all the days of your life.
⁶ May you live to see your children’s children—
   peace be on Israel.

Many thanks to the Homeschool Village for holding me accountable to document our family table.  Be sure to enter my giveaway for a free flower printable download to complete with your Toddler! 

A Relevant Giveaway: Flower Printable

A Relevant giveaway . . . spring has sprung and sprouts have turned to multiple leaves in my green house. 

And this year is Gabe’s introduction to gardening. 

I found the perfect unit to show him God’s creation and to share in my excitement of horticulture. 

The package that I bought looked so great that  . . . well . . . I bought two!  One for the Granola house and one for your house! 

I also purchased two units from 2 Teaching Mommies because I understand what these moms are doing . . . like me, they are planning on attending Relevant and trying to pay their way via their blog by sharing their gifts and talents. 

So I wanted to bless them in the same way many of you have blessed me.  You see, when you click and purchase a product from my Amazon links or Cultures for Health ad, or subscribe to the Grain Free Meal Plan, Nourished Kitchen meal plan, the Get Cultured Course, or the Reversing Food Allergies Course . . . I earn a little bit of income.

That income is helping me go to Relevant.  

If I go to Relevant . . . I will become a better blogger . . . with better content . . .  able to manage my time better . . . and be a better wife and mom . . . one that shines better more for the Lord.  (Better just worked well for this paragraph.)

Anyhow, want to win the Flower Unit?  Perfect if you are also linking up with the Homeschool Village Garden Challenge.

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me, what is your favorite vegetable.

Optional Entries: 

1. Enter the Little Light Creative Giveaway
2. become a Granola Mom on Google Connect
3. Give yourself an entry if you have some sprouts growing.
4. Give yourself an entry if you linked up to the Homeschool Village Garden Challenge.
5. Tweet about the giveaway:  Garden/flower Unit Printable Giveaway @GranolaMom4God  http://t.co/iwto2K6

Giveaway ends:  April 20, 2011

Open to anyone who has access to the internet.