Independence Seaport Museum - Philadelphia (Part 1)

While we were in Philadelphia, we had the opportunity to visit the Independence Seaport Museum.  After battling traffic to get through downtown on a Saturday, we were exhausted before even got there.    It was a sunny day though.  I am splitting this trip into two blog posts, the first is the inside of the museum.  The second is the outside....the tour of a WWII submarine and Pre-WWI battleship.  Both very cool to tour.

 It was a bit of a drive, and we expected a sandwich cart....the kids were counting on it.  But there wasn't one, so they were excited to eat crap...I mean snacks out of the snack machines.

While they were enjoying their treats, I enjoyed reading about the reasons sailors chose certain tattoos.

As soon as you walk in the main area of the building, there is a large recreation of the Ben Franklin Bridge.  This was very neat to walk under.

There is a HUGE exhibit on the ship disasters and ferry disasters on the Delaware River.

 As far back as the Revolutionary War.

This plank is from a British Frigate in 1777.

Showing how they turn shipwreck sites into archaeology areas to find out what went wrong.

They build boats there.  They were working on some while we were out.

What beds were like in the late 1800s on ships.

Cookware/dishes from late 1800s to early 1900s.

Section on immigration....we didn't get to see much here.  The kids had saw so much it was overload.

Captain to the bridge....

Silly time!!!!

Laser tattoos....

Hands-on exhibits....

They had a cannon in the lobby.  The kids loved making it "blow up".  It made a loud noise...they kept fighting over who got to go again.

Watch for Part 2 touring the ships....

Homeschool Mothers Journal - Week 49

In my life this week.....

Ahhhh!!!!  Supposed to be in Tennessee this week soaking up the sun in the parks with the kiddos.  No instead here in Ohio, soaking up the sun doing yard work.  I am loving the warm weather, but my allergies are leaving me fogged over and exhausted.  I seriously feel like I can't think at times.  My brain feels in constant overload, and there are no over the counter remedies that I can use because of my other sensitivities.  Even with the brain fog, soar muscles, and exhaustion....at least the house will look nice on the outside.  Because it is total chaos on the inside.

In our homeschool this week....

We worked our way through their weekly assignments.  They ended up not finishing Friday assignments because of the book sale we went to.  So I will move those assignments into next week.  No big deal.  We are still working hard at keeping up our weekly assignment sheets.  I went a different route with the boys.  I actually typed up their assignments for each day and printed them, and used my binding machine to make them a nice neat notebook.  They could work ahead if they chose, of course they both chose not to.

What I am reading this week....

I didn't take the time to read this week.  I have a Nicholas Sparks book I bought....hoping to start it soon.  

Places we're going and people we're seeing.....

Went to see a movie with some other homeschool friends on Friday and our homeschool group had it's first Curriculum Trunk Sale.  It was a huge success.  Twice the amount of people as last year.  Everyone seemed to have a great time!!!  We visited the Botanical Gardens in our area for the first time.  Lydia and I can't wait to go back.  While there, Lydia took a fused glass class.  She had a great time.  Joey and his dad went to see the new Iron Man movie.  They had a great time together.  

What I am cooking this week....

I made chicken and dumplings (yet again....Bug's favorite), Cincinnati chili (Joey's favorite), and little things here and there.  Been a rough week for cooking.  Lots of outside work to deal with.  So I have been exhausted.

What I am working on....

Well planting flowers, clearing weeds in the kids play area, mowing, cleaning up the back deck, clearing high weeds and starting to plant veggies in our back area.  Only got green beans and a couple strawberries planted.  We had nice weather all week.  We were also going through and looking for things that were broken beyond repair for the junk pick up.  And my parents surprised all the grandkids with newer pool for the backyard.  So today we broke down the old one with my brother and sister-in-law and cleared the area for when the installers come in a week or so.  I had an ongoing list though that I need to work on.

Because I spent so much time outside (courtesy of pre-planning their schoolwork), I feel like I am behind of blogging.  So trying to catch up this weekend a bit.  

Rewarded the kids this week....

Since Brayden finally caught up his schoolwork with me, they did get slushes (we have an crushed ice machine).  They also got ice cream downtown once.  They were well rewarded this week, although for not helping to clean up...that's for sure :)

Something I'm oogling or have my eye on.....

A patio couch...need a new one.  My parent's took their wicker couch and chairs off the back deck, so we need some new seating for the back area.  Most are way out of budget right now, so going to start watching Goodwill and Garage sales.

Photo from this week....

Brayden loves corn on the grill.  I just throw the ears on about 30 minutes, with my grill temp set about 400 degrees.  He will eat a couple ears at a time.  Well I let him pick the ears that day, and when we got this one off, he got a bonus ear in the same husk.  He thought that was cool.

Linking up with other Homeschool Moms at iHomeschool Network.

Literacy Soft - Phonics and Reading with McGuffey App Review

*****Disclaimer......I received Phonics and Reading with McGuffey App free of charge for the sole purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The views I have expressed are my own and are real experiences with my family. I am disclosing this is accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>:"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Anyone who follows our adventures knows that Lydia is struggling with reading.  She does well in all subjects, and would actually be a grade ahead of where she is if not for her struggle in this area.  We have tried so many fancy options...and finally I decided to go back to the basics.  People learned for many year using McGuffey readers, why don't we try it.  Lydia started making progress....and more progress.  Bingo!!  And then we got the opportunity to try the Phonics and Reading with McGuffey ($19.99) from Literacy Soft.

Phonics and Reading with McGuffey on the iPad was such a wonderful addition to our reading program.  We homeschool on the go a lot.  So this was a great portable reading program for Lydia.  It has allowed her to feel like she is getting extra bells and whistles, without getting away to far from the old-fashioned way of teaching phonics and reading.  

At first Lydia was really hesitant to use the program.  Fun and reading are two words that do not go together for her.  Now I wanted her to "play" a reading game.....yeah right.  She and I sat down and started doing her "schoolwork" on the iPad, and she really liked it.  In fact, it didn't take long before I realized that she was practicing lessons without me telling her.  She has enjoyed using the program very much.  When we are spending half the day in our van driving between events, it's nice to tell her to please do a reading lesson on her iPad.  

Phonics and Reading with McGuffey has really added the "glitz" and "glamour" to an old-fashioned reading program or basically modernized it.  

I was skeptical at first, because I have been burnt on pricey applications for the kids iPads before.  Basically I have spent money and been very disappointed.  To me, the cost of this application made me nervous.  But I was very happy with this program.  I think one of my favorite parts of the program was when kids are encouraged to experiment with sounds to create new words.  Lydia thought this was hilarious and would spend so much time "creating" new words.

Things I liked about this program:

*User friendly- even Caty enjoys sitting down with this program and doing school
*Portable....she can do her lessons almost anywhere we are!
*Good use of old-fashioned reading program.....adding a modern twist to a classic
*Ability to repeat lessons if desired and no time limit set for the kids in areas they enjoy.

Lydia enjoyed this section....the program gave her the word she needed to spell out.  She would choose from the letter options to fill in the sounds she was looking for.  The truck would drive away when she spelled it right.  



This is her all time favorite part though of the Phonics and Reading with McGuffey program.  She loves "making up" or creating her own words.  She would just play this the whole time if I didn't catch her and ask her to move on to the next area.  But at the same time, this section really reinforces letter sounds.



Phonics and Reading with McGuffey was created to be used with children and adults who may be struggling with reading or learning English.  Adults can work in the privacy of their own home if they need a bit of help in the reading arena.  But even older students can feel like they are getting extra help that they may be needing.  That is another nice thing about this program.  

Most reading programs are written for younger children, at some point the pretty rainbows and fairy wands are not appreciated by older children and adults.  Phonics and Reading with McGuffey does a wonderful job presenting this information to all age levels.  You can use this is early readers or adults, and attention is kept at all levels.

This app includes: 
• All 52 McGuffey Primer lessons 
• All 44 letter sounds of English and their graphemes 
• 60+ letter sound animations 
• 400+ practice word vocabulary 
• 9000+ nonsense word audio dictionary 

We had the opportunity to try this on the iPad, actually a Gen 1 iPad...so not even a new generation iPad.  But you can also get this for iPhone and even download the application on your computer.  You can also download this program to use on your computer.  In fact you can try  the first 10 lessons with the need to purchase, so you can see how it will work for your little (or big) one.  You can also try out the iOS Lite version for free.

We will definitely be continuing with Phonics and Reading with McGuffey.  It has been a great benefit to Lydia and I will continue encouraging Caty to use this program also.  Millions of have learned to read using the McGuffey Primer, so this modern twist has really been a great addition to our homeschool program.

Several members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew were able to try out Phonics and Reading with McGuffey in their homes, please take some time to read how it worked out for their families.  Visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog.

What we are up to this week....

Well we are basically wrapping up for the year.  I have contacted our assessor to make an appointment for the kids to visit with her.  Would like to get a step ahead on the paperwork, since our district is notorious for losing it annually.  

This week....

Joey will be working on "life" skill math, or reinforcing the basics.  Lots of practice may help him with those basics.  We'll wait and see.  In History, he'll be learning about Tecumseh for Adventure Club, and then next week we'll return to Modern History, 20th Century.  With Science, he'll be reading about amphibians, reptiles and birds.  Quite the combination, but that is the sections he'll be covering in the A Beka science unit.  He has a video he'll be watching on Tecumseh.  He'll also be working on a product for review about Web page design.  In 4H, he'll be working on his First Aid project and Snack Attack projects this week.  

Lydia will continue working on money in math.  In Grammar, was/were and practice calendar work (First Language Lessons).  Science, she'll be learning about clouds.  Geography, starting a new World Geography product (watch for the upcoming review).  Also practicing her Spanish.  She'll be making an Israeli meal. She'll continue her sight words and reading.

Brayden will be learning about Frogs.  Doing his usual spelling and reading comprehension program.  He'll be starting his new Math curriculum also.  In History he'll be reading about Lewis and Clark and the Industrial Revolution.  There are videos on Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr. he will also be watching.

Caty is doing her typical "preschool" stuff.  She has her Hooked on Phonics Alphabet she's working on.  A couple games to remember her upper and lower case letters and UmiZoomi math book.  She's going to be also learning about the different habitats of the world.

Hopefully we'll get to see my niece's play today.  We have typical gymnastics and dance.  Joey might get to go to horseback riding tonight also.  We have our Homeschool book sale this Friday and a cool activity with Scouts.  The weather appears that it will be nice all week.  So pretty excited.

Hope everyone has a great week!!!

Homeschool in the Woods Review

*****Disclaimer......I received The 20th Century in American lapbook free of charge for the sole purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The views I have expressed are my own and are real experiences with my family. I am disclosing this is accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>:"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

History, much to my disappointment, is not a favorite subject of my kiddos.  Lydia enjoys it more than the others.  But the boys would rather be covered in peanut butter and rolled in bird seed than do history.  I have hidden history for the past few months in their Adventure Club reading assignments, but I really miss studying history with them.  Joey wanted to study more "modern" history, and I was looking for an outline to get me started.  We were very excited to get the opportunity to try out The 20th Century in America lapbook ($21.95) by Homeschool in the Woods.


The download was very easy for this project pack.  The file is very large though, and it is broken down into several sub-categories to make it easy to use.  I created it's own folder in my documents for easy referral.  There is a lot of printing, but the nice thing is I could pick and choose what I printed.  Such as the Terminology cards, I did not need to print them all.  You could also choose to read the "book" on the computer instead of printing it.  The directions on assembling the lapbook and it's pieces could also be an optional print. 

The lapbook packet includes a booklet of information, you could actually do this entire lapbook without the use of any extra material.  Homeschool in the Woods includes a wonderful amount of informational reading to complete all the lapbook components.

With the use of the Reading Text, Joey could have easily worked his way through this packet independently.  But I wanted to make sure he was paying attention to the information he was reading.  

The 20th Century in America lapbook includes information about the important conflicts in the 20th Century, fads in food, the Stock Market Crash, The Great Depression, 20th Century slang and terminology, Fashion, important figures and sports heroes....and much more.  This lapbook could easily be turned into a quick study of the 20th Century or an extended study by spending a couple weeks on each topic.  It is very versatile.  

It is written with Grades 3 - 8 in mind, but you could easily include younger children in this project pack.  In fact, to lighten the study a bit about the World Wars, I printed off coloring sheets for Joey to use while we watched a documentary about the causes of World War I.  I have chosen to proceed with this study at a slower pace, because Joey was having a harder time understanding at the quicker pace.  

So how has this worked for us......Wonderfully!!!  I like to create and include my own extras into our history studies.  The 20th Century in America lapbook allows me to have tons of information at my fingertips, and yet still add my own extras to what we are learning.  We can move at our own pace and go as in depth into topics as we choose.  They do provide a list of extra book recommendations to help you find age appropriate materials on some very deep topics.  A list of music suggestions is also included.  But again, you choose how much of this you would like to use.  

Pros......
1. Versatile.
2.  Easy to use with all ages.
3.  All information provided for each lapbook topic.  No extra research is necessary.
4.  Easy download and printing.
5.  Could be used easily for independent study.
6.  Cost effective...$21.95 for a possible half-year history study!!  Only $22.95 if you want to purchase the cd, instead of the instant download.
7.  Lots of extra material recommendations.
8.  Lots of opportunities for creative writing and research projects for older children or those just learning how to do research.
9.  Extra clipart included to jazz up your lapbook.

Cons......
1.  If not careful, could print a lot of unnecessary pages.  

Yeah....I only have one item under the cons.  I have enjoyed this unit study so far, and look forward to continuing its use with Joey.  In fact, we will use this project with Lydia also.  I will probably incorporate her more on a couple of topics to check her interest in more modern history.   I would definitely recommend the 20th Century in America lapbook from Homeschool in the Woods.

The Schoolhouse Review Crew had the opportunity to try out other products from Homeschool in the Woods, be sure to stop by the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog and see how well the Homeschool in the Woods products worked out in their homes.

Homeschool Mothers Journal - Week 48

In my life this week.....

We have had a rough...rough week.  We were struggling Sunday, and then Sunday night Joey had a massive medicine reaction (which I didn't recognize until early Monday morning because I thought he had a stomach bug).  I took to the ER at 8 am, and he got worse as we got in the van.  He got even worse when we got to the hospital and I had to yell to get him a wheelchair because he was starting to fall since he couldn't stand long enough to check in.  She didn't believe me, until he started screaming and crying louder.  I was like, "Seriously, you have his name and insurance on file...get him a wheelchair or you are responsible if he falls down!!"  Needless to say an RN came running with a wheelchair.  It was like he was having a seizure right then.  They gave him benadryl shots and sent him home, against my recommendation and wanting him to come home that early.  

About 4 hours later and two doses of Benadryl at home, we called the EMS this time (yeah...no waiting at the check-in window).  He got worse and worse after we got there.  And then after almost demanding more Benadryl shots for him, he finally showed improvement.  No one would listen to me.  This is not the first time this has happened....I was trying to tell the doctor.  But he was patronizing me and not really listening to Joey's issues.  He was an older doctor who thought he knew my son better.  I also found out from Joey's regular doctor that he kept telling him what to give Joey, and he didn't.  I was soooo mad.  I am trying to get a list of the drugs they gave him in the hospital to see what they were giving him.

Joey's had a rough week.  He still has a little bit of issues from Monday, so just keeping a close eye on his speech, and tremors.  May have to have some further tests to make sure he didn't have any damage from this.

Poor guy...his tongue and lips were even swelling during this reaction.  He had sinus and throat issues too.  I didn't recognize those symptoms because he has some allergies and the pollen count was high.  He actually has been having a reaction for two weeks now, and I was controlling it with OTC Benadryl.  Didn't even know it.  

In our homeschool this week....

Lots of review and watching of science shows.  Joey was in no way able to do schoolwork.  But has been watching science shows this week while resting on the couch.  Lydia has been doing reading and we have been working on money again.  She is making improvement in that area also.  Her two worst areas were reading and money, and she is improving in both areas!!!

We went to the zoo on Wednesday with the Nature Sketching class in our homeschool group and walked around the zoo a bit.  The kids had fun and were exhausted when we left.  

We went on a great field trip to the BGSU Marine Life lab yesterday, watch for the post next week.  They showed us Lizards, snakes and WOW!!!  It was wonderful!!! Even Brayden stopped playing his DS long enough to watch and hopefully learn something.

Lydia and I finished her zoo project for the Homeschool Zoo Project Fair next week.  The kids that took classes are supposed to pick an animal and do a habitat board about it.  She picked the Black and White Tegu.

What I am working on....

Trying to keep up with our house.  It is awful!!!!  Everywhere I turn there is a pile of something.  So trying to work on organizing each room.  Also trying to get ready for our Homeschool Trunk Sale next Friday.  I have a pile I need to get ready.

I just need one of those organizing reality shows to come in and help me.  Then one of those home improvement shows come in next.

What I am cooking this week...

Not much....no oven.  It's finally fixed, but did make chicken on the grill Tuesday. The girls and I also made fried dandelion greens, we went forging when we were picking up trash for our 4H Club.  Found tons...and tons.

What I am reading this week....

I just finished a book called Papa's Pearls, watch for the upcoming review.

I am working on a new Nicholas Sparks book I found at a book store Sunday, A Bend in the Road.

The kids were rewarded....

Well Caty didn't really deserve a reward, but Brayden and Lydia ...even Joey did great Wednesday.  We had the zoo in the am and then a long doctor appointment for med checks, so they got ice cream at Sonics.  

Something I have my eye on......

A clean house...not perfect.  But Clean.  With this week though, Joey has been struggling with his memory and completely forgets what he is doing.  Joe is doing both his work, college classes and working on his online CISCO training to renew his certification.  So can't help any extra.  Caty could trip over a pile of something and not realize it's even there.  Lydia tries, but this is just overwhelming this week.

A photo to share....

Our neighbors trees are in full bloom!!!  Aren't they beautiful?!?!  I am so happy to see them, and yet it is through allergy eyes...lol.

Linking up with other homeschool moms at iHomeschool Network.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...

We had to break down and close the window.  I was listening to the distant sounds of lawnmowers.  But with all the allergies in the house.  A/C is now on.

I am thinking...

That it got too warm to quick...scared for snow or more cold weather.

I am thankful...

That our son is ok.  He had a massive allergic reaction to medicine and I am suspecting possible seizures, but not for sure about that.  We were in the ER twice, with one visit in the ambulance.  He had about 300 mg of Benadryl in one day!  He is still slow and a little docile (not normal for him) after 48 hours.  So one day at a time.

In the kitchen...

Our oven is now fixed....but not until we got home from the zoo.  So I made some quick burgers on the grill, sauteed some zuchinni and hashbrowns for dinner tonight.

I am wearing...

My tinkerbell pjs and t-shirt

I am creating...

Nothing right now...well kind of.  Trying to create a way to overcome the mess that keeps appearing in our house.  It gets so bad!

I am going...

To the BGSU Aquarium tomorrow.  The girls are super excited and so am I!!!

I am wondering...

Not really much, but I did wonder about this question for a while...lol.


I am reading...

I just finished reading a great book called Papa's Pearls.  Started a Nicholas Sparks book, but can't remember the name right now.

I am hoping...

That Joey recovers smoothly and quickly from Monday.  The last time he had a reaction like this, he was better within a day, so it carrying over into day 2 just keeps me on my toes to watch him. 

I am looking forward to...

Baking some cookies tomorrow.  I am craving some sweets....and my candied ginger is just not taking care of it.

I am learning.....

New things everyday about our youngest....some are good and some are not.

Around the house...
You can't really walk around our house...tooooooo messy!

I am pondering...

How to get it all done....hhhmmmmmm......

A favorite quote for today...

"Having kids is kind of like living in a Frat house. Everything is sticky and you're not quite sure why." - Unknown

One of my favorite things...

Getting Brayden walking at the zoo today, and only mildly worried about bugs flying near him.  He even rode his bike briefly tonight.  That is a HUGE feat!

A few plans for the rest of the week....

Aquarium tomorrow and family garage sale Friday and Saturday!!!

A peek into my day...

We met friends at the zoo to do nature sketching....Gorgeous weather!!

Linking up with Simple Woman's Daybook....