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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Musical drama camp for families

Bill Nichols of His Kingdom Ministries did a vocal exercise class last year & is willing to come up from Branson to do a
Spring Musica & Drama Camp for our families. The Orientation is scheduled for April 16 and and the 2-day Camp
(followed by a performance on the 2nd evening) is held May 17-18 or May 19-20, to be decided by the group.

The musical drama is called Living Inside Out in an Upside Down World. It is targeted for ages 6-16. Camp topics are:
-Building Vocal Muscles
-Big Ball Belly laugh
-S-t-r-e-t-c-h Voice to its Full Potential
-Exciting games like: Sing, Dance, Freeze; Read My Lips; Fun with Skits

Venue will be decided when we see where most of the participants are based.

Bill has a gracious fee of $45.00 per family, which includes all material & DVD of drama for practice before camp begins.
Half is paid at Orientation & remainder at Camp.

Contact Vienna Schmidt at amomfirst@hotmail.com or 913-220-7233 with questions.

Please feel free to post on other homeschool lists in the Kansas City area.

Easter egg hunt at Shatto

On April 4th, you and your family are invited to the 6th
Annual Easter Egg Hunt. This free event is one you
and your family will not want to miss. Last year we had
more than 400 participants in this fun event, and hope
to get an even bigger crowd this year. The Easter Egg
Hunt starts promptly at 2:30 p.m. Kids of all ages are
welcome. There will be three areas divided by age,
one for children ages 4 and under, another for ages 5
to 7, and a third area for kids ages 8 and older. Prizes
will be awarded to those children that find the “special
eggs”.
There is no charge for this fun event and we suggest
participants arrive 20 minutes before the event, so
everyone has time to check in, find their line and get
ready to go! If the weather is iffy, we encourage folks
to check our Facebook site as we will have up to date
information on the status of the event.
Peter, the Easter Rabbit, will be present, so bring your
cameras and have your child's picture taken with him
and a Shatto Milk Company Cow. Your family can
cherish this for years to come.
If you have any questions or would like more
information about this or any other event, please
contact us via phone at (816) 930-3862.

http://shattomilk.com/newsletter/March_2010.pdf

More websites to check out

Home Science Adventure Products
www.homeschoolscience.com
Ring of Fire
www.scienceforkids.com

First Strokes-The Handwriting Clinic
www.firststrokeshandwriting.com

School day at the K

School day at the K is on May 13th. It is a day of education at Royals stadium. There will be a lesson on weather put on by channel 4 out of Kansas City. Tickets are around $9 for field seats.

Here is the link to check it out.

http://www.fox4kc.com/weather/wdaf-school-day-2010-story,0,4151783.story

Free visit to Powell Gardens May 7

Free admission in honor of National Public Gardens Day

Enjoy the Gardens for free! This event is part of an annual celebration highlighting the role of public gardens as a leading resource on environmental stewardship, plant conservation, environmental education, ecosystem management, species preservation and efficient use of water. Areas to explore include the Island Garden, Rock & Waterfall Garden, Perennial Garden, Heartland Harvest Garden, visitor, chapel and Byron Shutz Nature Trail. Powell Gardens also has two cafes and two gift shops. More information is at 816-697-2600 or www.powellgardens.org.

Fee: free

Date: Friday, May 07, 2010

Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Curriculum Sale in Lee's Summit

LSHE Used Curriculum Sale

Friday, April 9

6:30pm-8:30pm - LSHE Members

7:30pm -8:30pm General Public

Lee's Summit Community Church

1440 SW Jefferson Lee's Summit, MO



$1 Admission fee for all non-LSHE members

Only LSHE members will be allowed to sell

Spring is finally here (I think)



I think spring has finally sprung, and in time for Easter this Sunday. Yesterday it got up to 75 here on the farm, and today it is a little warmer than that. With spring in the air, we got out the egg incubator and fired it up. I usually have it plugged in for a couple days to get the temperature and humidity regulated before I add the eggs.

This week has been a busy week so far. Sunday afternoon our youth minister Dustin was ordained. We had a reception following. Then Sunday evening, the girls and I were in the an Easter contata with our Community Chorus. Tuesday evening we had another performance.

Now, we are getting ready to go bake bread for our passover meal at church. Easter time is normally not this busy for us, but we have enjoyed it.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Final snow?

Last weekend we had, what I hope was our final snow of the season. I am now ready for the farm to dry out enough that I can encourage my husband to plow the garden spot for me. I am making my list of what I want to plant this year. The last 2 days we have had rain, so we have a lot of mud and lots of puddles. The duck and the pigs are content however.

We did have a break on Tuesday with no rain, so Elizabeth, JD and I went out and ripped up the split and rotten boards on the decking of our front porch. We replaced the decking with new decking and got the tools put away just an hour before the rain hit again. That is the major part of that job finished. We still have a couple boards we need to replace, but the worse of it is done, and we ran out of decking. But at least we have started on our spring "to do" list. Next is the garden and to finish the chicken pen project.

It has been a little harder to school since the weather warmed up. The girls are wanting to be outside and run, play and ride bikes instead of studying. I can't say I blame them much!

For the most part, spring has been much waited for, except it did bring a leak in the roof. We had some hail damage last summer, and then with the added winter snows and ice, the roof developed a weak spot that started leaking. But, it is better to repair it now, than when we still had snow on the roof.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Third Annual Post-Secondary Education Fair for Home-schooled students

You are invited to attend the Third Annual Post-Secondary Education Fair for home-schooled students. This event will take place Friday, April 9, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Woodcrest Chapel, 2201 Nifong, Columbia, MO. This fair is a wonderful opportunity for home schooled students and parents to visit with many different universities, four-year colleges, community colleges, and vocational-technical/trade schools at one time. The 2008 and 09 fairs included 45 different types and styles of schools, not only from Missouri, but also from states as far away as Wyoming and Tennessee. The schools in attendance will showcase their degree and certification programs and the relaxed environment encourages students to converse with the school representatives. The fair not only gives students and parents information concerning schools and their offerings to our home- schooled students, but it also allows home schooled students to explore the variety of opportunities waiting for them in post-secondary education.

We will again offer the mini-seminar, "Preparing your High School Home-schooled Student for Post-secondary Education," lead by Cindy Campbell, a home school mom of three. Mrs. Campbell's seminar was much appreciated by the families that attended the past two years. She guides and advises home schooling families as they prepare their home-schooled high school student for college. The seminar will address what subjects and records are needed to assist your students with their college preparation. Mrs. Campbell's oldest child is working as an ASL interpreter and on a master's program to prepare for a career in speech pathology, her middle son is a full-ride-scholarship graduate of Westminster College and is now earning his master's at MU on a full scholarship, and her youngest has attended Westminster and is now attending MU to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

Woodcrest is located in an area that has many types of restaurants close at hand. The church has been very good to us and we would like to respect their building by asking that you eat away from the building and do not carry food/drink into the building. Closed water bottles would be fine to bring.

If you have any questions about this Post-Secondary Education Fair, please contact the sponsors, Ron and Brenda Crowe, past home-schooling parents of three at rcrowe@ktis.net or at their home-based business number 573-642-0659.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Owl Cam & Snow



This site is pretty cool. It shows an owl named Molly sitting on her eggs in her owl box. There are also other links to view other animal cams as well.

http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Owl_Nest_Box_Cam.html

Here on the farm.....
Last night we got some rain, which turned to sleet then snow. It is still snowing. We probably have 4-5 inches now which isn't too bad. What is bad, is that it is blowing and drifting. Our county road is not clear at all. In some spots we have 18inch drifts. In front of the girls play house there is a 3 foot drift. (Remember that Thurs it was almost 70 degrees)...Tomorrow it is supposed to be close to 40, so hopefully it will start to melt off, although as deep as the drifts are it will take them several days. The girls and I went to the city today and saw quite a few car accidents and cars in the ditches. The chickens didn't even come out of the coop today-they wanted nothing to do with the snow, and I don't blame them.

Homeschooling wise....
Elizabeth went to the Missouri Christian Convention with our ministers family. She has called me several times. Her favorite things? Riding in the elevator and escalators and swimming in the hotel pool, which was a salt water pool. Since we was gone for a treat, we took Friday and today off from schooling. However, I did some thrift store shopping, and found in Kearney MO at Trash to Treasures some great consumable math books for $1 each, so of course I bought each of the girls one in each version. They consist of: Probability and Logic, Introductory Geometry, Measurements, Arithmetic with Fractions, Fractions, Decimals & Percents II, and Introductory Algebra. So, each girl gets 7 books, each consisting of at least 26 worksheets (front and back). The worksheets are colorful and have pictures and illustrations, which they all seem to like, and I liked the price!

Thursday Emily gave a demonstration speech to a boyscout group. It was over smoke alarms. Later they will help her install some smoke alarms for community service, as part of a project she is doing for 4H and Girl Scouts.

Friday, March 19, 2010

$5 Discounted rate at CoCo Key ends April 30

Hey!! Spread the word to everyone you know!! PLEASE--pass this on to all area homeschool groups who might be interested! Post it to your Facebook page! If attendance is high, the discount prices will continue!!

Right now, CoCo Key is offering special $5 per person rates, every weeknight from 4 to 9pm, now through April 30th, 2010.

After April 30th, 2010, they will be offering "Homeschool Discount Days" with admission prices of $8 per person every weeknight from 4 to 9pm, and $15 per person Friday thru Sunday, extending through December 31st 2010!! This will include all the summer months through next fall & winter!!!

To get these rates, simply ask for the "Homeschool Discount Days" prices at the CoCo Key Front Desk. If you are going before the 30th of April, be sure to ask for the special $5 rate.
Available Monday - Thursday only.
Blackout dates do apply.
Pizza Hut & A&W located on property.
No outside food or beverage allowed.
Remember to bring your own towel.

(Subject to availability. May not be valid on holidays or special events. Restrictions or blackout dates may apply. See calendar on the CoCo Key website for opening times & holidays. )

For more questions; Call Greg Madden at 816-737-4775.

With over 55,000 sq. ft. of indoor Key West adventure,
CoCo Key Water Resort is Missouri's Largest Indoor Water Resort and
has all the fun and excitement you and your friends can handle!

Co Co Key
9103 East 39th Street, KC MO 64133
www.cocokeywaterresort.com
Front Desk : 816-737-0200

Our family has been there, and this place is FUN!!!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Free sources for homeschoolers (and teachers, and kid group leaders)

I have mentioned numerous times that we get a lot of our resources free. Several people have asked me what my sources are. So, I will start listing some of them, and I am asking my readers and followers to join in and add their sources as well.

A few are not open to homeschoolers, but are open to scout leaders, 4H leaders, public school teachers....I am a 4H leader, and work with scouts and other youth activities, and sub teach, so, often even though I homeschool, I still qualify. Some will also send materials if you belong to a coop and plan to show the video or use the lesson plan in the coop.


Some of these also have an option of sending you an email daily or weekly to update you with what they have added to their site. Many also have links to more sites.

Free videos--there are many sources, but 2 I like the best are:
Video placement, located at http://vpw.com and also

Izzit.org
Both of the above do request that you give them feedback on the videos.

You can also get free John Stossel in the classroom videos at http://stosselintheclassroom.org


A favorite of mine that has lots of useful information, worksheets and links is
About.com:Homeschooling. There website is http://homeschooling.about.com/



Another great resource is our Department of Conservation (state level). For Missouri it is located at http://www.mdc.mo.gov/teacher/classroom.htm but you will want to check on all the links and the entire site as well. From this site, and mailings we are received from them we have learned to identify Missouri trees and plants, and have learned about our wildlife and some Missouri history as well. You can also visit a state park and receive lots of brochures and information as well as talk with a park ranger. Many parks also have free hands on programs for kids as well.

Countrymart Grocery stores also have a neat link--it is really designed to advice you of sales, but they always include a recipe or two. Since my girls are actively collecting recipes for their recipes as part of an ongoing home-ec assignment, we like their weekly emails as well. You will need to ask at your local store what the web address is--ours doesn't actually have a website, but rather a weekly newsletter we receive via email.

Another great online source is your public library. Some even have online homework help, which is nice to use sometimes if your child doesn't understand how you are explaining something. Often hearing someone say the same thing, but worded differently is a great help. Some books are available on line as well as genealogy information.

Freely Educate sends out emails with links for the free resource of the day.

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/links/toolbox/free.html Sometimes this one is good, but sometimes I find dead links or expired offers--but is is always worth a try.

Most companies will send you free information and resources if you send them an email. We sent one to Heinz, and got neat books about how they make catsup and relish, as well as some pencils. Georgia Pacific sent us some free rulers and posters about various trees and logging, and how they plant new trees to replace what they log.

My girls each have an "animal notebook". It is a 3 ring notebook and we find the animals online, and either print off a picture of them or a coloring page to color of that animal or draw it (sometimes we add photos also while we are at the zoo. We also fill in a page that tells about that animal. No cost involved.

OK. That is a few of mine that come to mind, but there are thousands of them out there. Also, don't forget sources such as your extension office. Worksheets are everywhere, just google "free worksheets math" or "free worksheets science"...

So, what are some of your favorite ones??

Monday, March 15, 2010

Young Eagles time again!

EAA Young Eagles Program
Get A Free Flight!
If you are between 8 and 17 years old, the EAA Young Eagles programs wants to offer you the chance of a lifetime. Turn your dreams into reality on a free Young Eagles flight and become one of over 1 Million Young Eagles! To find out where and when check out EAA Chapter 91 Young Eagle Events.

Young Eagle Events at Lee's Summit Airport (Breakfast is available 7:30-11:00 on Lee's Summit dates.)
Date Location Time
April 17 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
May 15 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
June 19 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
July 17 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
August 7 K.C. Downtown Airport 9:00-3:00
September 18 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
October 16 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon

What will the flight be like?

The biggest question on your mind might be about the actual flight. So what should you expect?

First of all, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map); identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful "walk around" preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.

Once you are ready to go flying, your pilot will help you buckle your seat belt and describe the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Pretty soon, it will be time to go flying!

Once in the air, you’ll see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. You’ll experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. If you are like most Young Eagles, you’ll remember this experience for the rest of your life.

Most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask questions about the flight. Ask away! Your pilot will be happy to tell you more about flying and their particular airplane. And don’t forget, you’ll also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, which is signed, by your personal pilot and our Chairman Harrison Ford.

We look forward to adding your name to the ever-growing list of EAA Young Eagles!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles Website.

The program

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Since 1992, more than 1.25 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by nearly 40,000 volunteer pilots.

Participation is easy. Simply contact the EAA Young Eagles office to find the closest volunteer pilot. From there, arrange a convenient time to go flying. We hope you enjoy a Young Eagles introduction to the exciting world of aviation. Make sure you come back to visit this web site after your flight to continue exploring the wonderful world of aviation!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles website.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

4H Contest Day






Today was our 4H contest day for our county. All the kids in our club who participated did great! I think every kid in our club got at least one blue ribbon, if not more.

Each girl did a speech and judging. Emily did an impromtu speech and judging. The twins did judging and demonstration speeches. Rebeccas was on drawing horses, and Elizabeths was on vet science.

My girls each came home with an assortment of blue and red ribbons (they each entered in several different areas) and Emily also got a gold medal and will be sharing a speech at the state 4H contest in September. Several others are also going to state as well.

Way to go Plattsburg Pioneer kids!!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

We all passed!

I am very proud of my girls. Tonight the family went to training to learn CPR and AED for first responders. I was rather familiar with it, as many years ago I was an instructor for the American Red Cross. It has changed since then. It is much simpler now, and less to remember. JD did not need to take it, as he just took it again a couple weeks ago at work (plus, his card from taking it during his EMT class is also still valid..). Tonights class was through the American Heart Association.

It was however, the girls first time to take the class. Emily (who is a cadet at the fire department) did very well, and earned her advanced card.

The twins being younger (and are not yet cadets, but would like to be in the future), earned their basic CPR and AED. Since JD did not need to take the class, he worked with them during the class and they did very well.

All they girls were able to properly demonstrate for an infant, child and adult.

All 3 girls will be getting 4 hours credit in Science (health) for homeschooling, as well as being able to use in Girl Scouts.

Needless to say, I am very proud of them all. Many adults have not taken and earned their card, let alone 11 and 13 year old kids. I encourage everyone to go and take the class. It saves lives!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

New homeschool group forming

This is from an email I received.

" Well, thanks to the snow, etc. the FIRST official meeting of the Southland support group will be Monday, March 8 at 7PM. We will meet at First Baptist, 1416 Main St. Grandview, in the lower level. Bring something to take notes, be prepared to sign up for activities, and bring a calendar! Oh, yes, and bring a finger food to share...drinks and paper goods will be provided. Let's get to know each other!

Sorry, but child care will not be provided. This is a parent's meeting. However, nursing babies are always welcome."
Deana
dmahaines@yahoo.com

Mud, mud and more mud

The farm is a muddy mess from the snow that has melted. To add to it, it rained for awhile this morning, creating more mud. Although the rain did melt a bit more snow. The majority of the snow and ice behind the house is gone, although most the snow and ice in front of the house remains-it only gets a few hours of sunshine a day, so it doesn't melt as fast.

Tysa left this morning for a cruise to Jamaica. It will be a nice change for her after wintering in Chicago, but I just hope she doesn't have a shock when she comes back to the winter cold.

Spring will be bringing a lot of chores here on the farm. Getting the garden ready will have to wait--it is too wet to even dream of having it ready by March 17 to plant potatoes.

We did have a scrap guy come out and pick up some old farm metal and tin, so that was a start to our spring clean up. We also went to get some lumber to replace some bad boards on the front porch. That was supposed to have been a fall project, but early cold and snow ended that one.

Next week the girls and I are going back on our homeschool schedule. We dropped off of it in November, just too many daytime activities that interfered. But, with the holidays over, we are going to go back on a schedule again. Sometimes a schedule keeps us on track better, other times it is more of a hindrance.

Homeschool Days at Arrowrock

Home School Day
Arrow Rock, Missouri

May 19, 2010
10:00-12:00 a.m.

Visit People and Places of the Past: 19th Century Arrow Rock

Meet John and Nannie Sites at home and at work. Tour a period print shop
and discover the secrets of the Odd Fellows Lodge Hall.

Students and accompanying adults will rotate among five stations at their
own choosing during a two-hour period.

* Meet Johnny Sites at the Gun Shop

* Play old-time games on the Tavern Lawn

* Tour the Print Shop and Odd Fellows Lodge Hall

* Enjoy cookies with Nannie Sites at her 1870s Victorian home.

Reservations: call 660-837-3330 or 1-800-334-6946 (ask to be transferred to
Arrow Rock State Historic Site) between the hours of 8:30 and 3:30.

There will be a $4.00 fee for each student age six and over. Supervising
adults are free. Please have the total amount due for your family ready at
check-in at State Historic Site Visitor Center. Checks payable to Friends of
Arrow Rock.

You will receive a confirmation letter and map. Please be sure you are
familiar with the map and check-in instructions.

For information about the village: www.arrowrock. org www.friendsar.org

Following the 10 a.m. to noon program, you may want to allow time to tour
the Arrow Rock State Historic Site Museum and view the orientation film at
the Visitor Center.

You might also wish to take advantage of three marked trails to the Missouri
River and through a woodlands area. These hikes can be made following the
two hour program. Maps will be available at the Visitor Center upon
check-in.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Homeschooler Booksale

Annual CPHE Used Book Sale


Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010

Time: 11am – 4pm

Place: Heartland Church of Christ

6120 NW Prairie View Road

Kansas City , MO 64151

Contact: Jenni Eckhoff

sale@cphecorp.org (preferred)

816) 237-6646 (may need to leave a message, because we have a crazy schedule)



The time to clear out your old curriculum and make room for the new to you is here! The CPHE book sale will be at Heartland Church of Christ (where the sale was last year). Start marking your items and spread the word!



There is a very limited amount of tables available for use. The pricing determined by members/non-members, those who use a provided table and those who bring their own or just use floor space.

The pricing is as follows:

Free for current CPHE members who bring their own table or use floor space.

$3 for current CPHE members who use a table provided (tables are limited and will be assigned first contact first serve).

$5 for non-members, who bring their own table or use floor space.



$8 for non-members who use a table provided (tables are limited and will be assigned first contact first serve).



The tables provided are both round and the standard 6’ length. For those who would like a provided table, please indicate if you have a preference. Remember, bookshelves are a great way to display your books as well.