tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77624806956475717282024-02-18T17:40:04.692-08:00Thrifty MysticsAxis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-9229949234371595732014-01-28T12:31:00.001-08:002014-01-28T12:31:26.181-08:00Latest Treasure from the Trash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I scavenged this old chair from a neighbor's trash pile. Since we always need more dining chairs for visitors, I couldn't pass it up. I sanded, stained and painted it. The seat cover is a pillow sham from an old comforter set. The legs are my favorite part - a little red and gold paint brightened them up without being too gaudy.<br />
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<br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-42317680779445024672014-01-24T07:38:00.001-08:002014-01-24T07:38:55.764-08:00De Sales and a GIVEAWAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is the feast of St. Francis de Sales, so here is a collection of de Sales-related links<br />
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1. The most popular work by de Sales is <a href="http://www.catholicity.com/devoutlife/">The Introduction to the Devout Life</a>. Here's a nice summary of the book found on the <a href="http://www.catholicity.com/">Catholicity</a> webpage. "<strong>Introduction to the Devout Life</strong> is the most popular
Catholic 'self-help' book of all time. First published in the early 17th
century, it has proven its value as a daily spiritual guide and helpful
reference for living an authentic Christian life. Written specifically
for laymen, it began as letters from Saint Francis to a married woman
who was seeking holiness amidst the distractions of her life of wealth
and status. It contains treasures of wisdom for every reader, from eager
beginner to lifelong Christian."<br />
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2. If you'd like to learn more about de Sales, here is a <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06220a.htm">brief biography</a> <br />
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3. One of my favorite quotes by de Sales is "Be who you are and be that well." I'm not Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and that's OK. I have countless opportunities to do little things with great love right here where I am.<br />
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4. I love the de Sales' writings and spiritual approach so much that I became a
consecrated Daughter of St Francis de Sales. "“For those who live in the midst of the world and who embrace true virtue, it is necessary to join with other like-minded persons by holy and sacred friendship; for, by this means we encourage, assist, and lead one another to goodness" (fr <i>Intro to the Devout Life</i>)<br />
<br />If you're looking for a spiritual family, check out the <a href="http://www.sfdsassociation.org/"> St. Francis de Sales Association</a> link. To become a Daughter, you go through a 12 week discernment period of prayer and reading,
followed by a 2 year "formation" period. It's
flexible, in keeping with the Salesian philosophy of doing what you can
in your current vocation. Since I'm a wife, mother and teacher, my
formation lasted 3 years. We have a great local group of Daughters and are connected with the larger family through our spiritual "companions" during and after consecration. <br />
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5. De Sales helped <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=60">St. Jane Frances de Chantal</a> start the Visitation Order. We're blessed to have a local Visitation Monastery (wish I could remember why it's called a monastery and not a convent). The sisters leave the church open until 5pm every day so we can stop in for a quiet moment to pray. <br />
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6. A GIVEAWAY - <span class="userContent">To celebrate the feast of St. Francis de
Sales, I'm having a GIVEAWAY! The winner will receive one king cake
decorating kit- enough sugar, babies and beads to decorate 2 cakes (it
doesn't include the actual cake ingredients). Why a king <span class="text_exposed_show">cake
kit? St. Francis said, "Always be as gentle as you can and remember
that one catches more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a hundred
barrels of vinegar." I figure sugar and honey are interchangeable<br /> <br />
All fans of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AxisMundiJewelry">Axis Mundi facebook page</a> are eligible - just leave a comment on
the contest post with a favorite de Sales quote, Mardi Gras tradition, or where
you're from if you've never celebrated Mardi Gras. Entries are due by
10pm (EST) Sunday, Jan 26.</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">7. Unrelated to de Sales (actually it is related if I think about my vocation as mother and good steward of grocery money) - the plan for <a href="http://thriftymystics.blogspot.com/2014/01/snack-attack.html">dividing snacks</a> and cereal into individual servings is working! </span></span>Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-36217798821771878952014-01-17T10:34:00.002-08:002014-01-17T12:31:17.620-08:00Snack Attack!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwK8NSIlgtILZaWl3iBC1Wt5lMjIoHcLR3BeAmhx0YeAXeaLStGjiiGDPHmbgGxGuWlq4m5IOD1jLa4UtJ4Y32hfooLninUBPomNbXnhaUgGTdz4WE1IVEmkdryASQVg8rCicsNS2w8kc/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwK8NSIlgtILZaWl3iBC1Wt5lMjIoHcLR3BeAmhx0YeAXeaLStGjiiGDPHmbgGxGuWlq4m5IOD1jLa4UtJ4Y32hfooLninUBPomNbXnhaUgGTdz4WE1IVEmkdryASQVg8rCicsNS2w8kc/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div>
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1. I haven't posted in awhile but I'm feeling great hope for my new effort to save money on snacks. My 5 children have grown into voracious beasts who consume entire family-sized bags of pretzels at one sitting. I bought some snack bags today and divided everything into single size serving, about 1 cup per bag (slightly larger than the suggested serving on the box). Ideally, I'll find some reusable plastic containers but the ones in the store were too large. The kids are allowed 1 snack bag a day. They insist they'll starve. If so, I'll reconsider. <br />
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2. Ditto with cereal- 1 cup per bag. Yes, I know it's junk food but I can't resist BOGO and a coupon. They do eat other things for breakfast like fruit smoothies and eggs.<br />
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3. Fruits and veggies- proof that they don't eat just junk. I also have carrot and celery sticks in the fridge that they won't touch, but I feel better about myself knowing they're in there.<br />
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4. Pinterest is awesome for finding even more ideas for healthy snacks my kids won't eat (we're working on it - if that's all we have, won't they eventually eat it?) Here's a link for "<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/01/fresh-food-friday-100-healthy-snack.html">100 healthy snacks"</a> <br />
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5. Hard to believe Mardi Gras is approaching. I've already sold 3 <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88952550/epiphany-and-mardi-gras-king-cake-kit?ref=shop_home_active_2">king cake kits</a> (beads, sugar and babies) and have enough supplies for many more. <br />
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6. My favorite <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/traditional-king-cake-10000001152929/">king cake recipe</a> is from Southern Living. Here's another recipe I'll try this year- a <a href="http://www.amandathevirtuouswife.com/2012/01/king-cake-cupcakes-using-crescent-rolls.html">cupcake version</a> using crescent rolls (Virtuous Wife blog). Now if I could just find a decent gluten-free version... I did invest in a bag of xanthan gum, the magical ingredient that promises to make my gluten-free baked items edible<br />
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7. My 4-year old's new favorite show on netflix is <a href="http://www.cartoonito.co.uk/tv-show/fireman-sam/characters">Fireman Sam</a>. Unfortunately there aren't many episodes available, but I love the British accents and the fact that Sam's sidekick is named Elvis<br />
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<br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-61570204430237604752013-05-15T12:19:00.001-07:002013-05-15T12:19:19.809-07:00Pinishers Vol. 3 (where I cheat and use the theme for Vol 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I completely forgot to post anything last week and can't think of anything to fit this week's theme (a pinterest-related adventure), I thought I'd cheat and recycle last week's theme. I'm constantly fishing things out of neighborhood trash piles to "fix" up. Usually, I find myself putting the items into my own trash pile after they've had a year or two to mature in my shed. <br />
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Recently, I found a sad, bird-poop encrusted table and looked to Pinterest for inspiration. I found this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/129619295496554999/">table</a> (the pin is there but the actual link is now gone). As a geographer, I have a thing for maps.<br />
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Here is my version of the <a href="http://pinterest.com/axismundidesign/home-and-garden/">table</a>. It looks great but the legs fall off occasionally, not a good quality in a table. I still consider it a victory. </div>
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<br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-2263810370159665452013-04-30T11:29:00.002-07:002013-04-30T20:53:02.916-07:00Pinisher Post - Food Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've pretty much given up blogging since discovering Pinterest. As a visual person, pinning is much easier for me than writing. I actually use my pins on a regular basis, especially for homeschooling. I've had mixed results on the food front. Since giving up <a href="http://thriftymystics.blogspot.com/2012/10/death-by-bread.html">gluten</a> last October, I've been looking for decent dessert recipes that don't involve vast quantities of strange and expensive ingredients like xanthum gum and nut butters.<br />
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Here is the most spectacular fail so far. I should have known when the key ingredient was chickpeas. My kids' responses, "Is this a science experiment?" and "I can taste the gluten-freeness." Disclaimer- I'm sure this is a fine recipe in the hands of someone more skilled in baking.<br />
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Original recipe -<a href="http://www.texanerin.com/2012/04/grain-free-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip.html">http://www.texanerin.com/2012/04/grain-free-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip.html</a><br />
My pin -gone to insure that I don't stumble across it again and think, "Hey that looks promising."<br />
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This was the greatest success so far- mini frittatas. These are omelets made in a muffin pan, super easy and great for company. <br />
My pin - <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/129619295496792069/">http://pinterest.com/pin/129619295496792069/</a><br />
Original post- <a href="http://spoonful.com/recipes/mini-frittatas">http://spoonful.com/recipes/mini-frittatas</a><br />
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<br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-38268124212791930652013-01-21T18:30:00.003-08:002013-01-21T18:30:39.954-08:00Axis Mundi Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Most of the glass pendants in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AxisMundiShop">Axis Mundi Shop</a> are on sale for $10. That includes both the resin-backed traditional pendants and the newer ones in metal trays. The sale will last until I reach my 800th sale (that's just 11 items away!). I started the shop about two and half years ago. I'm so busy teaching, homeschooling, and changing diapers that I don't have time for time-consuming hobbies. Jewelry-making has been perfect, though. It doesn't require a lot of prep or clean-up time. I just work a few minutes here and there when the inspiration strikes. Creativity is good for the soul.Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-52848438874171671052012-10-18T12:42:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.702-08:00Death by Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3FDgjEPXnM-r_pw2HEB_JHl7wjf6xt30Xvvg5UOx-TbYRcJONapwIukE4IyYkB6VDaqxTMc5x26VfB3MG0x8DF8WDi5bYCuQh6x12Qa24QkYEJcD0NszI8giC0RCIwi_eq3OZPnATYg/s1600/bread2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3FDgjEPXnM-r_pw2HEB_JHl7wjf6xt30Xvvg5UOx-TbYRcJONapwIukE4IyYkB6VDaqxTMc5x26VfB3MG0x8DF8WDi5bYCuQh6x12Qa24QkYEJcD0NszI8giC0RCIwi_eq3OZPnATYg/s320/bread2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>NOTE: I'm not a doctor (actually I am, but a PhD in geography gives me zero credibility in the medical field), so please take anything I write with a grain of salt. I'm sharing this in case anyone else is going through something similar.<br /><br />For the past couple of years, I've experienced sporadic numbness in my face, especially around my mouth. I ignored it because who has time to see a doctor about a numb face? Then, about 2 months ago, I developed vertigo. I'd had it before, a really severe case that prevented me from sitting upright. I'd get so dizzy I'd throw up or fall over. It only lasted a couple of days and then I was normal. This time was less severe. I could function normally as long as I didn't tilt my head up or down, or sometimes to the side. When I'd lie down, I felt like I'd just stepped off a merry-go-round. Again, I ignored it because between homeschooling, teaching, kids' tennis lessons, pets, pinterest, who has time for doctors?<br /><br />Then my memory started slipping, even more than usual. I'm one of those people who hears a name and forgets it instantly. This time I was forgetting the names of people I've known for a long time, like my kids. I don't mean the usual going through every kids' name before getting the right one, I mean staring at my son and not being able to think of any names. Then I had to stop and look for letters on the computer keyboard, even though I've typed for years. The numbness in my face began to spread to my arms and legs so my coordination was off. I'd try to pick something up and miss several times. Rather than go to a doctor, I googled my symptoms, beginning with the worst-case scenario. I ruled out a brain tumor (no headaches) and thought it might be MS. I had almost every symptom on the list.<br /><br />I figured this probably warranted an actual medical opinion, so I finally scheduled an appointment with a neurologist. He was concerned enough to set up an MRI and EEG. In the week between my appointment and my first test, I started declining quickly. If I walked more than a few feet, my legs were so numb I couldn't feel my feet. How I managed to stand up, I don't know. My right leg began to drag slightly. If I held something in my hands, my fingers would lock around it. Most alarming, my eyesight started to go. Everything in my peripheral vision was cloudy and shaky. Since I was convinced I had MS, I didn't panic. I knew I wasn't dying, just slowly shutting down. To make life bearable, I researched "diets for MS" thinking I might find some way to reduce the symptoms until I could get some medication. To my surprise, I came across something called <a href="http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/GlutenAtaxia/a/What-Is-Gluten-Ataxia.htm">gluten ataxia</a> that bears a striking resemblance to MS. In extreme cases, it can even affect the brain in ways that show up on an MRI - white spots and a shrinkage of the cerebellum. I read about this on a Monday night and immediately quit eating anything with gluten, which is harder than I expected. In addition to the obvious things like bread and pasta, I couldn't eat a lot of packaged foods that use wheat as thickeners and fillers.<br /><br />Within 48 hours, my vision was normal and the numbness in my arms and legs disappeared. I was cautiously optimistic. Maybe it was a coincidence or the power of wishful thinking. My leg muscles still felt like jello when I climbed the stairs. By the 5th day, my face felt normal. Within a week, my muscles were only a little tired and I could walk a couple of miles. After 2 weeks, every symptom was gone except the vertigo, but even that was better. <br /><br />I had a follow-up appointment with the neurologist after being gluten-free for 8 days. I asked him about gluten ataxia but he didn't know much about it. That was the realm of the gastroenterologists. He didn't doubt my story but suggested that the symptoms might have been heightened by anxiety. Life gets crazy with 5 kids, but I've never been so stressed that I dragged a leg or lost my vision. When I asked about being tested for a gluten allergy he said, "If you feel better when you don't eat gluten, don't eat gluten. If the problem returns, then we'll have you tested." All of the brain tests came back normal, so I can rule out MS. I have a friend who suffered from fibromyalgia for years, but her symptoms disappeared when she started a gluten and dairy-free diet. Maybe I'll see her doctor to get some answers. While my exact diagnosis is unclear, I'm grateful for the improvement and I'll continue a gluten-free diet.<br /><br />Here's another link about <a href="http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_12/ataxia-2366-1.html?pg=1">gluten ataxia </a>for anyone interested.Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-79391284295486103962012-10-12T09:55:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.707-08:00Quick Takes - Bird Study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwnX1KrisHyozHFNBEccDoQAvkTI3n1HCaoShaQi2sD-D-BDdmXoD5aiKrmy_DU9jOhoR0QCCMZaXR5YMOf2dXebBtNrOnQVGXd8eH464X59jmqgJJkR0NvGYkUimNyy2mE2JZylFJT0/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwnX1KrisHyozHFNBEccDoQAvkTI3n1HCaoShaQi2sD-D-BDdmXoD5aiKrmy_DU9jOhoR0QCCMZaXR5YMOf2dXebBtNrOnQVGXd8eH464X59jmqgJJkR0NvGYkUimNyy2mE2JZylFJT0/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div><br />We've spent most of the first quarter on animal classification, beginning with invertebrates and then moving to vertebrates. This week was devoted to birds, so here are some of our favorite web sites and activities.<br /><br />1. We've used the <a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/animal_classification_lapbook.php">Animal Classification Lapbook</a> to structure our unit, assembling the mini books as we go along. <br /><br />2. General information about birds (used along with library books). For the 2nd grader, the <a href="http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/classification/kc_classification_birds.htm">Sheppard softward </a>site is nice. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhms2gydQzvmeQsuWoXeL3sG6ivV1mfTaK5AZwwHzDHpFwWJrBW96X1STmUn9-d000Vjcx75d7G83QCoR7DepsWMasbHXkSNwKoPRxtNXgEv4uuMMsKRomHrX16lv15jFoXjJ4eh_tHs/s1600/all_birds.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhms2gydQzvmeQsuWoXeL3sG6ivV1mfTaK5AZwwHzDHpFwWJrBW96X1STmUn9-d000Vjcx75d7G83QCoR7DepsWMasbHXkSNwKoPRxtNXgEv4uuMMsKRomHrX16lv15jFoXjJ4eh_tHs/s320/all_birds.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />3. To hear common bird songs, check out the <a href="http://www.kerncrestaudubon.org/CommonBirdSongs/Common_Bird_Songs.html">Kerncrest Audubon</a> Society site.<br /><br />4. I didn't plan far enough in advance to order actual owl pellets, so we relied on the <a href="http://www.kidwings.com/owlpellets/flash/v4/index.htm">virtual </a>owl pellet dissection. You pick through the "pellet" to reconstruct a mouse skeleton, see it reanimated, and then picked up by an owl. The boys gave this one 2 thumbs up<br /><br />5. There were several local events that were part of the <a href="http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com/">Alabama Coastal BirdFest</a>.<br /><br />6. We built and decorated a simple wooden wren house and plan to make a <a href="http://www.osweb.com/kidzkorner/feeder.htm">bird feeder</a>. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcwnNX8vIqepeZ1UAiWkeIL8muWmkiqsXBEjjgYmdErezl9etjuFRMbuPOcEhFfPgLj-u1-1cooVqpW2p3bUZ-9b0IlwgRd760xzJH7oal_N7oZuhuLInp3pHJyWqh6RuO1S7va-_lhQ/s1600/wrenhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcwnNX8vIqepeZ1UAiWkeIL8muWmkiqsXBEjjgYmdErezl9etjuFRMbuPOcEhFfPgLj-u1-1cooVqpW2p3bUZ-9b0IlwgRd760xzJH7oal_N7oZuhuLInp3pHJyWqh6RuO1S7va-_lhQ/s1600/wrenhouse.jpg" /></a></div><br />7. I love the colors in Lois Elhert's books. The boys made <a href="http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2012/02/29/winter-bird-art-lesson/">winter birds</a> inspired by Snoballs.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb3gr1wKNNTIZxUNnXNFaYuGka2n1r8jW2y68JZZJX5NCwuUu7DU9CWkBR2d5hBjuUwGppaYtcYaHWK-GFOKKF9elUtp2VrC7-C-GPTDDgAicA9DICyajUNNvAvtsJlHNwL4PcXAsmA4/s1600/Snowballs-by-Lois-Ehlert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb3gr1wKNNTIZxUNnXNFaYuGka2n1r8jW2y68JZZJX5NCwuUu7DU9CWkBR2d5hBjuUwGppaYtcYaHWK-GFOKKF9elUtp2VrC7-C-GPTDDgAicA9DICyajUNNvAvtsJlHNwL4PcXAsmA4/s320/Snowballs-by-Lois-Ehlert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-78086148501376554262012-10-05T09:21:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.705-08:00Fractals and African Villages - Get Your Geek On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LXRvwk12atw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />Even if you aren't a science or math geek, you'll appreciate this video. It's part of a lecture by mathematician Ron Eglash describing the incorporation of fractals and other patterns into African arts and architecture. He also looks at the impact of traditional patterns (and geomancy) on the development of things like the binary system for computers.Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-49088211040195029452012-09-27T19:38:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.700-08:00Awesome site for learning about music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBl4ZiO7r681xC57wUvVPbrpbD-EYs6dEg1VlFW0EaCJlQuVuYfxNsg2bk2u5SOLsPlzHPzVrQs5BXYura8HJM_EXY6Az64xvBxIim7c67QrQ7ioQnTjU0XJhmnksa3kFFgwbFYimiZ8/s1600/sfs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBl4ZiO7r681xC57wUvVPbrpbD-EYs6dEg1VlFW0EaCJlQuVuYfxNsg2bk2u5SOLsPlzHPzVrQs5BXYura8HJM_EXY6Az64xvBxIim7c67QrQ7ioQnTjU0XJhmnksa3kFFgwbFYimiZ8/s320/sfs.gif" width="320" /></a></div>My mother made me take piano lessons because her mother made her take piano lessons. I am now carrying on the tradition. We inherited a baby grand so I'm determined that our kids will at least learn the bacics. So far, there has been much weeping and gnashing of teeth so I've been looking online for creative ideas to help the boys read music (or at least develop an appreciation for music). Here are some of my favorites. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.sfskids.org/templates/home.asp?pageid=1">San Francisco Symphony</a> has an awesome website. You can see how an orchestra is set up. Learn about (and hear) individual instruments. Play around with pitch, tempo and instrumentation. Very nicely done! Wish I could pin it but it doesn't have a photo that works.<br /><br />Here's a site with musical note <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5499399760099681190#allposts">flashcards </a><br /><br />Here's a game for learning to read musical notes by <a href="http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/braingames/music/music.htm">Sheppard Software</a> - hit the right key on the "piano." This site has tons of great games and info. <br /><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-86674124981451473922012-09-23T18:43:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.709-08:00Pinteresting Homeschoolers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrJhx-e_1qRFojBMJlkEVXnWD0k6Rlshctf1KRqExaCsGGCMH0ejTXMnoTViGnIznzTNvx9z4VxPJhC1F9BITpifkp9qYXAkFDrKmd9H1wf0P4VvJCJN47Z2sQipYBBOYIMXIKydDevk/s1600/pinterest-1345141049_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrJhx-e_1qRFojBMJlkEVXnWD0k6Rlshctf1KRqExaCsGGCMH0ejTXMnoTViGnIznzTNvx9z4VxPJhC1F9BITpifkp9qYXAkFDrKmd9H1wf0P4VvJCJN47Z2sQipYBBOYIMXIKydDevk/s1600/pinterest-1345141049_600.jpg" /></a></div>I constantly bookmark sites on the computer but then forget about them. Pinterest has been a huge help for organizing homeschool ideas, especially for things I'll need in the future. I'm amazed at all the great resources out there. If you are a homeschooling Pinterest fan, I'd love to see your pins. Just leave a comment. You can find me at <a href="http://pinterest.com/axismundidesign/homeschool/">http://pinterest.com/axismundidesign/homeschool/</a><br /><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-75241073003022277132012-09-18T09:30:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.704-08:00Body of Christ and Mosaics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaFe8EREnCyIoSkuiiEzkHMpfTPkH-xZqaPtmg92-k37RuXfvY7q3U1JpmTc28fP9J3PTn6tCoAGK7kTg2zetLKgC_6iKO4KMveDKAAhJC-dY2TZJFNcVUQ7JI2QiM3Ix2Krg5Q0YvXc/s1600/gaudi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaFe8EREnCyIoSkuiiEzkHMpfTPkH-xZqaPtmg92-k37RuXfvY7q3U1JpmTc28fP9J3PTn6tCoAGK7kTg2zetLKgC_6iKO4KMveDKAAhJC-dY2TZJFNcVUQ7JI2QiM3Ix2Krg5Q0YvXc/s320/gaudi1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaudi, Barcelona</td></tr></tbody></table>Today's reading from I Corinthians 12 is about the body of Christ<br /><i>"As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ." </i><br />I used mosaics as an analogy - pictures made up of lots of tiny parts. Each piece of glass or stone isn't interesting or beautiful by itself, but they are transformed when they are part of the whole. We instantly had an idea for today's art project. I used a paper cutter to cut construction paper into thin strips and then cut those into small squares with scissors. The fun part was looking at examples of mosaics. We started with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Book-Art-DK-Publishing/dp/0756655110/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347985202&sr=8-1&keywords=childrens+book+of+art">The Children's Book of Art</a> to see the timeline from Roman through modern mosaics, and from there searched online for the works of Gaudi and <a href="http://www.gabekphoto.com/portfolio/zagar/magicalgarden.htm#">Zagar</a>.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniUz1Xc0k7Hub_vYZsWHhfy5_8lGvzLaEZZBNR08gmGIp1zTk9NRGONaGD9OsDbc-lIZU2HqJNXoZRY2J0pnQw_UZuU0k9Ig3E7aifJD9aKEoWYxqTPXaC2RM2kxlffXWl9887NdjQiw/s1600/zagar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniUz1Xc0k7Hub_vYZsWHhfy5_8lGvzLaEZZBNR08gmGIp1zTk9NRGONaGD9OsDbc-lIZU2HqJNXoZRY2J0pnQw_UZuU0k9Ig3E7aifJD9aKEoWYxqTPXaC2RM2kxlffXWl9887NdjQiw/s320/zagar1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zagar- The Magic Garden, Philadelphia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjXuueHoaesEatrHpk0KJopVwrCENFLkAJZFyEisujuclFjp7qeOEba1pOW7G-atVOPKnMT7bapE9RUPZiERHDNg559uNCIaBSVeQ5y9JCfDaclW6rE2Hxg3V68zcmSYvhtqbsJQZlas/s1600/zagar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjXuueHoaesEatrHpk0KJopVwrCENFLkAJZFyEisujuclFjp7qeOEba1pOW7G-atVOPKnMT7bapE9RUPZiERHDNg559uNCIaBSVeQ5y9JCfDaclW6rE2Hxg3V68zcmSYvhtqbsJQZlas/s320/zagar2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zagar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-86038820628725908132012-09-17T20:26:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.708-08:00RiversI'd planned to share my favorite online resources each week but haven't had time. Here are just a couple of links for this week. After spending the first few weeks talking about Native Americans (progression from Paleolithic to Mississippian culture), we're shifting gears to European explorers. I thought a quick unit on rivers would be an appropriate way to connect them.<br /><br />To learn the major rivers of the US, we're using <a href="http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/USA-rivers.html">Sheppardsoftware</a>'s free online tutorial and quizzes.<br /><br />For info about river formation and river explorers like Lewis & Clark and John Wesley Powell, we'll use the University of Illinois' "<a href="http://urbanext.illinois.edu/rivers/hof_01.cfm">All-Star River Explorers</a>."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZEKOzO3m41xUi9dRs49De6PvJj8SWyqRnlfi8r0ms4vNylMW3U7tXXx4ahBwbV0SpMp2KVaGSJsgDpf-yOV2FoGnn1kGD2eJ1DzBvGjkA6eBA5fH_THOvuCrAGVXC0aldfYc86UBzow/s1600/powell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZEKOzO3m41xUi9dRs49De6PvJj8SWyqRnlfi8r0ms4vNylMW3U7tXXx4ahBwbV0SpMp2KVaGSJsgDpf-yOV2FoGnn1kGD2eJ1DzBvGjkA6eBA5fH_THOvuCrAGVXC0aldfYc86UBzow/s1600/powell.jpg" /></a></div>I love, love, love Google Earth and use it at least once a week. To illustrate different types of deltas, zoom in on the Mississippi and Nile deltas. We also like to navigate along rivers looking at meander loops, oxbow lakes, dams.... until I realize that we've spent waaaaay too much time on our geography lesson. Poor kids, they won't know how to write but they'll be able to identify a thalweg.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vo2YMZCuq8vQv75lJ5H-5mPH4-_WUvy5axBQaKbLa_1BPFUxUtWxQEuiAaQLN58O8GOd2iEoreE8zjWyZs_tJaJ8SCgycPhj4U_THw_xIMWqT6pclU4lnw7kLc0G9Y1OBRklQQY6QNU/s1600/Nile_delta_landsat_false_color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vo2YMZCuq8vQv75lJ5H-5mPH4-_WUvy5axBQaKbLa_1BPFUxUtWxQEuiAaQLN58O8GOd2iEoreE8zjWyZs_tJaJ8SCgycPhj4U_THw_xIMWqT6pclU4lnw7kLc0G9Y1OBRklQQY6QNU/s1600/Nile_delta_landsat_false_color.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I almost forgot about "Paddle to the Sea" from the local library. I'm having "Free to Be You and Me" flashbacks from elementary school. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most importantly, we need to do some fieldwork. We'll check out the critters in our local creek and then take a field trip to the <a href="http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/">Five Rivers Center.</a> </div>Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-50824328851545035512012-08-27T08:23:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:07.701-08:00Hurricane Lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnltmfSkD1ZzKPJyIbRSadx1T2AWJ1myIqxrgkzkhglWTnnRRS0jjXW9Faszbf7k_nxo5fW56iLYfKuJSaz8NnxUa2xOjl6ICx6ip85fNdKukWlZpJVn2wdjN8XXUgHcysQ4npMlXaHaw/s1600/hurricane-diagramLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnltmfSkD1ZzKPJyIbRSadx1T2AWJ1myIqxrgkzkhglWTnnRRS0jjXW9Faszbf7k_nxo5fW56iLYfKuJSaz8NnxUa2xOjl6ICx6ip85fNdKukWlZpJVn2wdjN8XXUgHcysQ4npMlXaHaw/s320/hurricane-diagramLG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Since we live on the Gulf Coast, this seems like a good time for a quick hurricane lesson. We printed out a tracking map from the <a href="http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/?n=tropical">National Weather Service</a>, and reviewed longitude and longitude. <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/">NOAA</a> updates storm coordinates regularly. There are a couple of good sites for kids - we used some handouts from <a href="http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/weather.html">Super Teacher Worksheets</a> (Hurricanes: Nature's Wildest Storms) to discuss the differences between tropical disturbances, depressions, and categories of hurricanes. They also cover hurricane names. Here's the 6-year rotating list of names for <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml">Atlantic </a>storms. Every few hours, we're jotting down wind and cloud observations. At this point, the sky is still clear with just an occasional breeze from the northeast. Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-77867734146444970522012-08-23T21:04:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.248-08:00One Week Homeschool Survivor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZPMnxwUKHRe5BD7LFs3g3OngxBdUaBiRTQyfuwJxmLko_Jr9i_Frsya750Y7_by6Qxan4OwNfDPDXEDVBWP2TBy3KLucaX8G4gfRC9X5I_CHwII9DIEwIQcgpIyFrZ6sciiMOfK7gi8/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZPMnxwUKHRe5BD7LFs3g3OngxBdUaBiRTQyfuwJxmLko_Jr9i_Frsya750Y7_by6Qxan4OwNfDPDXEDVBWP2TBy3KLucaX8G4gfRC9X5I_CHwII9DIEwIQcgpIyFrZ6sciiMOfK7gi8/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div>I might be posting this prematurely, but I think we've survived our first week of homeschooling (assuming Friday goes OK). I wanted to share the week, diary-style, in case anyone else is going through the same roller coaster of emotions.<br /><br />1. Monday - We were bored and lonely by 9am. My 4th grader kept saying, "This would be more fun if we had someone else with us." I was drowning in waves of guilt and realized that homeschooling just to save money won't sustain me. Our 10 minute breaks stretched into 30. On a positive note, we found a turtle in the yard and broke out the sketch pads. The boys came up with questions to research on the computer, like how to tell males from females.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1yKOHQjk-hieP0Rdtp1xcBiH7PQW6lTPHoIgIH4Wud-1qnoL5eTL_EDa4BehlMz7iDbProP7Ll_WnFhJQV0X1EfCFv8rEVr7sw2kNjaYpffo64l49SYmndPy7p-YwCCw9lFxH__DsQE/s1600/easternboxturtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1yKOHQjk-hieP0Rdtp1xcBiH7PQW6lTPHoIgIH4Wud-1qnoL5eTL_EDa4BehlMz7iDbProP7Ll_WnFhJQV0X1EfCFv8rEVr7sw2kNjaYpffo64l49SYmndPy7p-YwCCw9lFxH__DsQE/s320/easternboxturtle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2. Tuesday - The boys took turns refusing to do their assignments. The oldest wouldn't write and the youngest wouldn't read. The toddler kept throwing/eating the art supplies. I abandoned our religion lesson on the verge of tears. Why didn't I sign up for a mentor through our local homeschooling group? Guess I thought all my years of hanging out with homeschooling moms would immunize me against failure. I googled "I hate homeschooling" during the lunch break. <br /><br />3. Wednesday - My husband had a talk with the boys. I don't know what he said, but it worked. I offered to let the boys play with the iPad if they finished their work without complaining. They did it. We spent our breaks looking for toads and found one in the root of a tree. No luck finding tadpoles. We made a 3-D map of our state out of salt dough. We might survive.<br /><br />4. Thursday - The boys actually remarked that they liked homeschooling, maybe because they got to sleep later than their siblings in high school. Because they've spent so much time looking at frogs and toads, I found a lizard template and we attempted an Escher-like tesselation for art time. We used Google Earth to follow the Panama Canal. I actually had some prayer time while the boys/napped read after lunch. Hope springs eternal.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrXUwAIpoh0L36I_hi1YqYYc0-dSfDukSo6E99ltQbSnVeSeRVbWpOGMu74JHeo0trdliwZ_U6InijijNUehvP_F8erms-JE_M7qc3FBBegCKZxNhaGpp3pGam5HnDfX9Wi2nQifKdbk/s1600/lizard-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrXUwAIpoh0L36I_hi1YqYYc0-dSfDukSo6E99ltQbSnVeSeRVbWpOGMu74JHeo0trdliwZ_U6InijijNUehvP_F8erms-JE_M7qc3FBBegCKZxNhaGpp3pGam5HnDfX9Wi2nQifKdbk/s320/lizard-1.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />5. Lesson #1 (painfully obvious to veterans)- I don't know why I didn't think of this, but the boys need incentives to finish their work. This is what we've come up with on the fly. They get a sticker for 20 minutes of independent reading a day. Each sticker is worth 20 points (cents) that accumulate to buy animals for the Heifer Project. They'll also get treats- a trip to the Dollar Tree at the half-way point and an ice cream outing when they finish. More immediately, if they're good Monday through Wednesday, they'll earn 30 minutes of iPad time on Wednesday night. Cooperation on Thursday and Friday earns weekend iPad time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJewUzNvRUK6oCuZI2pxNA0N2aHlJzXu5sti7GA0TPYQNRFKrmupsZ_E33cBG5pfUuIZwLcQwgEbA5AuBig5VjAaMZoIC_neWmxYpq-De8gBE0MzWtfG9JRT_3uPibCjsjkNI8lrFpQAk/s1600/heifer_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJewUzNvRUK6oCuZI2pxNA0N2aHlJzXu5sti7GA0TPYQNRFKrmupsZ_E33cBG5pfUuIZwLcQwgEbA5AuBig5VjAaMZoIC_neWmxYpq-De8gBE0MzWtfG9JRT_3uPibCjsjkNI8lrFpQAk/s1600/heifer_copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />6. Lesson #2 - I've got to be flexible. I'd planned to go through the science and social studies books as written, beginning with chapter 1. The local wildlife swayed me to more of a unit studies approach. If the boys are interested in turtles and toads, I need to capitalize on that. Why not read/write/draw things related to toads? I'll gently steer them toward other subjects in the weeks to come. I'm remembering that two advantages of homeschooling are flexibility and depth.<br /><br />7. Lesson #3 - Humility. I'm open to suggestionsAxis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-84403129783870042162012-08-17T11:23:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.250-08:00Quick Takes - Rookie Homeschooler HelpWe're taking the plunge and homeschooling our 2nd and 4th graders this year. Thought I'd share my favorite resources for getting started. Since the actual teaching won't start until Monday, I might have to retract this at some point. The only thing that drives me crazy about the sites I've encountered so far is the excessive use of the word "gentle" (especially in reference to math and reading curricula- they sound more like Ex Lax commercials).<br /><br />1. <a href="http://donnayoung.org/index.htm">Donna Young</a>'s website- this has tons of articles and forms for everything (lesson planners, attendance, nature journals, cursive handwriting lessons). If you're an organizer, this is a great place to start.<br /><br />2. <a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/narration/">SimplyCharlotteMason</a> - I'm using some aspects of Charlotte Mason. This site explains the basics and gives helpful hints. This specific link is for "Narration Ideas." <br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.ixl.com/"> IXL</a> math practice. Tons of math practice activities organized by grade level. Unlimited use if you subscribe or 20 problems a day if you don't.<br /><br />4. <a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.php">Homeschool Share</a> - Evidently lapbooks are big. On this site you can find FREE lapbook templates and lesson plans like the one for <a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/aesop.php">Aesop's Fables</a>. Free is good<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.freehomeschooling101.com/">Free Homeschooling 101</a>- Her kids are in Catholic school now but the site has links to free forms, lesson plans, unit studies, and resources for a wide range of subjects.<br /><br />6. <a href="http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/">Homeschool Reviews </a>- I used this site when deciding on a math curriculum. Type in specific books/programs (any subject) and read what other homeschoolers think about it. It gave me an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each.<br /><br />7. <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> - I had fun looking at people's classrooms, science projects, art. Hours of fun that I could justify as research. My specific page is <a href="http://pinterest.com/axismundidesign/">here</a> <br /><br />Here is our classroom so far- it's sharing space with my studio. As we go along, I'll share our favorite resources for various subjects. I'd love to hear about your favorite homeschool resources.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP9Us8YVG9XRB3ttHy2V-9XpqN1gd1RmEdhNXjU6RyH37vHIbNw0ffHB1stzcXdZQVKyaRWVOk1pRmPevwuQeAZWVgRCdvNrxmR1nxaSRsBP4m5sdPP3Uk4ma-MdRmW0O3A_1-6_nPvM/s1600/class1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP9Us8YVG9XRB3ttHy2V-9XpqN1gd1RmEdhNXjU6RyH37vHIbNw0ffHB1stzcXdZQVKyaRWVOk1pRmPevwuQeAZWVgRCdvNrxmR1nxaSRsBP4m5sdPP3Uk4ma-MdRmW0O3A_1-6_nPvM/s320/class1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwPgZPPPHAg6lzU6MtF_3M7XSQXpkMe4OunKPzMJ8Lkm5I0Wyn_Y4OavT1IPRzi662LHUkQX1jpcelZS9K8Vbfd5xY05korwlCzvGgrBE8dfudU7yAoGwEe8iQgp4NTDMI0HjDotmkE4/s1600/class2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwPgZPPPHAg6lzU6MtF_3M7XSQXpkMe4OunKPzMJ8Lkm5I0Wyn_Y4OavT1IPRzi662LHUkQX1jpcelZS9K8Vbfd5xY05korwlCzvGgrBE8dfudU7yAoGwEe8iQgp4NTDMI0HjDotmkE4/s320/class2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-12538659509328829562012-08-16T09:10:00.001-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.229-08:00Setting up Homeschool Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBovW3_EOhwAGbj9G4x-Gp2YCG9DiGWWY_kLdqjuPHqKPfQs95xVQ8S7XglpDH5M_040pSGUq7nHbEen3Vn0fkwyu-i27VEntMIMNa4MTv-tpQ7zTvFnZ2uYgwIuVEY09qnO0d8wj4Ck/s1600/homeschool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBovW3_EOhwAGbj9G4x-Gp2YCG9DiGWWY_kLdqjuPHqKPfQs95xVQ8S7XglpDH5M_040pSGUq7nHbEen3Vn0fkwyu-i27VEntMIMNa4MTv-tpQ7zTvFnZ2uYgwIuVEY09qnO0d8wj4Ck/s320/homeschool1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I decided to homeschool about 2 months ago. I ordered some books, but otherwise forgot about it until last week. It occurred to me that I hadn't thought decided <i>where</i> to homeschool. I considered the dining room but decided against it- we wouldn't be able to leave out half-finished projects unless we wanted to eat dinner on the floor. I thought about setting up desks in the boys' room, but realized that would mean no classwork during the toddler's naptime. Besides, who wants to go to school where you also sleep and play. The best option is my studio. I'm a little sad about sharing my space, but do I really need the luxury of a whole room just for my jewelry hobby? It might actually be a good thing. I can tinker on my own projects while they're doing independent work. It's also a great room (although a little hot in the summer)- lots of light and color. I'll cover the table with a vinyl cloth to keep pencils from falling through the cracks. Now to map out the lesson plans.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbegmjXl-yXpKwfkIXWqm2TXyW2FcLQVHSlyZ1cgDrNAgNoNYBo7GIm-dgbJbz4XqJWRimD8BY7bWRmHyOgIzFJHCZBF2mLxPuVx_z4bEOgBzEUenQ2SH-YmPOCFGPgDR-ynSoI7znPX0/s1600/homeschool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbegmjXl-yXpKwfkIXWqm2TXyW2FcLQVHSlyZ1cgDrNAgNoNYBo7GIm-dgbJbz4XqJWRimD8BY7bWRmHyOgIzFJHCZBF2mLxPuVx_z4bEOgBzEUenQ2SH-YmPOCFGPgDR-ynSoI7znPX0/s320/homeschool2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-89863357218580178412012-07-08T20:15:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.253-08:00Secular Pilgrimage Site - Spear Hunting Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdzo7gFFbpYejkcgq7kO-xYNVICl7dH3XNdiNoJM2apgFIjvnyzzh3BIPSeL-qt2oV0naNtVePiUcI9NwSuxXEpjpd9vObrvnXQuF0R-7zL2ftMrp9i-ylUWfgKFL3IzXJs_9liJ6Ckk/s1600/museumpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdzo7gFFbpYejkcgq7kO-xYNVICl7dH3XNdiNoJM2apgFIjvnyzzh3BIPSeL-qt2oV0naNtVePiUcI9NwSuxXEpjpd9vObrvnXQuF0R-7zL2ftMrp9i-ylUWfgKFL3IzXJs_9liJ6Ckk/s1600/museumpic.jpg" /></a></div>For years, we've passed the "<a href="http://www.huntingwithspears.com/">Spear Hunting Museum</a>" on Hwy 59 (Summerdale, AL) on the way to the beach. It was always closed, but we finally caught someone working there last Friday. Alas, Gene Morris, the "greatest spear hunter in recorded history" and museum founder, passed away last October. The museum houses some of Mr. Morris' extensive collection of animal trophies and biographical articles. According to one poster, Mr Morris' brother accidentally shot him when he was 12, and the bullet traveled up his leg and exited through a part of his anatomy that might explain his fascination with spears. I was a little disappointed that he hunted by dropping the spears from trees rather than throwing them, which seems unsportsmanlike.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOrxhqQhPPf7oC-0TFeUDMT0X9ogCCaN1JZ0DjIS4LgBvnxnbMn4OVapIDTZ76pwEH5xkkhi-r0xjYMxXiPFoWmSbvtv3zXK0k50KpgxJJlA1u_YqwwHgpIL7maounBbr8QM0DUF9ib4/s1600/580897_3732737195330_1780105217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOrxhqQhPPf7oC-0TFeUDMT0X9ogCCaN1JZ0DjIS4LgBvnxnbMn4OVapIDTZ76pwEH5xkkhi-r0xjYMxXiPFoWmSbvtv3zXK0k50KpgxJJlA1u_YqwwHgpIL7maounBbr8QM0DUF9ib4/s320/580897_3732737195330_1780105217_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For only $3 a person (kids under 5 are free), you can see mounted lions, buffalo, snakes, alligators, deer. Carlos, the current curator, allows you to take photos of your kids holding very large metal spears. You can even buy a spear. The famous "Black death" will set you back $500. The professional grade blow guns are only $40. How about the book, "Hunting Alligators with Harpoons" for $30? We managed to get out with only a bumper sticker. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1O0MGrHkKJ3OAbweXOpeYi6nrdvxD8xTLrGfPfzrp8t1ww5wOpJ7xPoSOCKCWwP5k8YRpnvvzk_X-A4U4jFxabPgMVTc7B3zb0IYEMYp_mXO4izyuS1zH1cyVc_jcX13Wvki8FuOAbQ/s1600/spear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1O0MGrHkKJ3OAbweXOpeYi6nrdvxD8xTLrGfPfzrp8t1ww5wOpJ7xPoSOCKCWwP5k8YRpnvvzk_X-A4U4jFxabPgMVTc7B3zb0IYEMYp_mXO4izyuS1zH1cyVc_jcX13Wvki8FuOAbQ/s320/spear.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-40658652366880778702012-06-20T20:58:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.233-08:00Summer of Shakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYKnsuBTnWCHra0p4z7b1X62CHKv2qegpE7uhh_ThPy_unu82J1V59yw5nbcp_u8u5iHlAaNCNOpzfgFmzEFgU3PE-rrB30Uz8fc9fpA3Voq0Y4o4gflXgq8eHOF0CuOkzbqRG1ER1d4/s1600/milkshake-all-aboard-metal-steel-sign-plaque-843-p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYKnsuBTnWCHra0p4z7b1X62CHKv2qegpE7uhh_ThPy_unu82J1V59yw5nbcp_u8u5iHlAaNCNOpzfgFmzEFgU3PE-rrB30Uz8fc9fpA3Voq0Y4o4gflXgq8eHOF0CuOkzbqRG1ER1d4/s320/milkshake-all-aboard-metal-steel-sign-plaque-843-p.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>I came across a list of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/50-milkshakes/index.html">50 milkshake</a> recipes on the Food Network page. Thought it would be fun to let each family member pick a recipe to try over the summer, one per week. The youngest got to go first, so tonight we tried the "key lime pie" shake. I added some graham cracker crumbs to make it taste more like a pie. Very tasty. Next week's selection is "toasted marshmallow." The rest of us picked variatious chocolate combinations - peanut butter, coconut, coffee... Nobody picked the olive oil shake (vanilla and olive oil with sea salt sprinkled on top). <br /><br />On a more serious note, the "Fortnight for Freedom" begins tomorrow. Here's a summary from the USCCB website. "The fourteen days from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this 'fortnight for freedom'—a great hymn of prayer for our country. Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, SS. Peter a<img align="left" alt="fortnight-for-freedom-montage" border="0" height="200" hspace="-1" src="http://www.usccb.org/image-library/images/fortnight-for-freedom-montage.jpg" title="fortnight-for-freedom-montage" vspace="-1" width="270" />nd Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of <a class="CP___PAGEID_58290" href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/fortnight-freedom-prayer-resources.cfm">prayer</a>, <a class="CP___PAGEID_60808" href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/fortnight-for-freedom-reflections.cfm">study</a>, <a class="CP___PAGEID_58295" href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/fortnight-freedom-educational-resources.cfm">catechesis</a>, and <a class="CP___PAGEID_59762" href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/fortnight-freedom-take-action.cfm">public action </a>will emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. <a class="CP___PAGEID_57041" href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/fortnight-freedom-diocesan-activities.cfm">Dioceses and parishes around the country</a> have scheduled special events that support a great national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty."Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-41584742697053638172012-06-15T21:25:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.234-08:007 Quick Takes -Sacred Heart edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPthQ4U6JA3u3YkPgAgsHvhZKUpJPOVOu-2MFGKdyJpwDhNF52vwTWqYa-V_2tRpU8yGVcm8OPQnqx3ee8g_DqSLLhKpmKrwJnB-hA5NCJfLcflUmCvmRFIPgk5oBet64diEVJWAlERY/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPthQ4U6JA3u3YkPgAgsHvhZKUpJPOVOu-2MFGKdyJpwDhNF52vwTWqYa-V_2tRpU8yGVcm8OPQnqx3ee8g_DqSLLhKpmKrwJnB-hA5NCJfLcflUmCvmRFIPgk5oBet64diEVJWAlERY/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div>1. Of all Catholic devotions, the Sacred Heart is my favorite. Today's first reading is stunningly beautiful. Any love we experience for spouses, children or parents is a pale version of God's love for us. He longs for us, but gives us the freedom to reject Him.<br />Thus says the LORD:<br />When Israel was a child I loved him,<br />out of Egypt I called my son.<br />Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,<br />who took them in my arms;<br />I drew them with human cords,<br />with bands of love;<br />I fostered them like one<br />who raises an infant to his cheeks;<br />Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,<br />they did not know that I was their healer.<br /><br />My heart is overwhelmed,<br />my pity is stirred.<br />I will not give vent to my blazing anger,<br />I will not destroy Ephraim again;<br />For I am God and not a man,<br />the Holy One present among you;<br />I will not let the flames consume you (Hosea 11)<br /><br />2. Check out this awesome hand-stitched scapular with the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts from the Under Her <a href="http://starrymantle.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/my-scapular-craft-two-hearts.html">Starry Mantle</a> blog.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c_K-AmtuF7942IEZQj_xqW-YqWE2J-ZDjj17woHYdQg4s_RHFBkmlUPc8AqsYN0Nmio-_oWkMvu9ihbCzQytgMoxzHnVRQ8l5gYlvb6u6o2lO6xPF7_Dzdxzhm3bEV6uPSNY8mF-7uw/s1600/Scapular+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c_K-AmtuF7942IEZQj_xqW-YqWE2J-ZDjj17woHYdQg4s_RHFBkmlUPc8AqsYN0Nmio-_oWkMvu9ihbCzQytgMoxzHnVRQ8l5gYlvb6u6o2lO6xPF7_Dzdxzhm3bEV6uPSNY8mF-7uw/s320/Scapular+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>3. For dessert, we made a box-mix chocolate tart with sliced strawberries (they look like hearts). I'd post a picture but it stuck to the pan and came out looking like a prop from a Gallagher skit. At least it tasted good. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg7GyW2pc5RFteAGmnxQP9hxO9PjN1ZxX5Q0xnqtmI1Ohflax8V6mvXRHNoG3A1CEcq0grs-MG7s3V5K8QF_udeCpb7P84Wux4iCpXBMeWukRVkw6T24vjF-izyWp2e9b6ACQ0bXUFbU/s1600/Gallagher-smashing-melon-e1312925750573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyg7GyW2pc5RFteAGmnxQP9hxO9PjN1ZxX5Q0xnqtmI1Ohflax8V6mvXRHNoG3A1CEcq0grs-MG7s3V5K8QF_udeCpb7P84Wux4iCpXBMeWukRVkw6T24vjF-izyWp2e9b6ACQ0bXUFbU/s320/Gallagher-smashing-melon-e1312925750573.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>4. The whole month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart, so it isn't too late to celebrate. As usual, <a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2012/06/recipes-for-june-month-dedicated-to.html">Catholic Cuisine</a> has lots of ideas.<br /><br />5. Totally unrelated to the Sacred Heart- We were playing "Bible Trivia" and my son's question was, "Who lost his strength when his hair was cut?" As a clue, I started humming Springsteen's "Fire." "Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah..," but he had no idea what I was talking about. Needed to educate him via youtube <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d5PoIrcyd34?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>6. That reminded me of Robin Williams' Elmer Fudd version<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/irC9WUp94EM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>7. Back to the Sacred Heart - if you'd like to know more about the devotion, check out the Encyclical <a href="http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_15051956_haurietis-aquas_en.html">Haurietis Aguas</a> (1956) <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8HvjDA7TR315TjeTXO5_OSKEt8svxDhsq1OrtxZNP-drv-1In0zTXu95HfplsFyV_bgrd8UbR0MrQ4xmlJHUkJBmhSP_3J8WZrYVajijQiWAScClmxX3RqVy41qfnM_l8PwhKLVHGq0/s1600/sacredclose-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8HvjDA7TR315TjeTXO5_OSKEt8svxDhsq1OrtxZNP-drv-1In0zTXu95HfplsFyV_bgrd8UbR0MrQ4xmlJHUkJBmhSP_3J8WZrYVajijQiWAScClmxX3RqVy41qfnM_l8PwhKLVHGq0/s320/sacredclose-1.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Axis Mundi shop</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-89576463430347082712012-06-13T12:05:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.251-08:00TutorialWhen I started making glass pendants two years ago, I couldn't find an online tutorial that showed how to do the glitter and resin steps. After destroying plenty of nice images and vast quantities of glitter and resin, I figured out the basics. Now I've written a tutorial (available through my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101758060/glass-tile-pendant-tutorial"> etsy shop</a>). I hope people will use the tutorial to make lots of beautiful things, except for glittery saint pendants.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-NOnzm0K5tg7jnrlcTkwf1JBxKzCPJSQo6RADXsOd8CSeOUjds_8sFkTc9rVLbWFfcvYWXgunwEenqHYxAHoVb2cFHWp97nqaWGaNCycMjXUli7BXuoP3e_MMaYcmfr9yixdjQKp3-c/s1600/tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-NOnzm0K5tg7jnrlcTkwf1JBxKzCPJSQo6RADXsOd8CSeOUjds_8sFkTc9rVLbWFfcvYWXgunwEenqHYxAHoVb2cFHWp97nqaWGaNCycMjXUli7BXuoP3e_MMaYcmfr9yixdjQKp3-c/s320/tutorial.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-34852428588281787712012-06-04T20:41:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.230-08:00Surviving Summer - Free things to do<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kfFcQJTeME0vwVtc2Nbz8Lsb4QnTVkorxex5sJZALfwyBxiXCK-hI4lJeZTXtkZPpT6SWegiynmBZObCP2iTlva3C-64-E39-ZI0G72DSCyHhcJYahLDOmhiLABRP6lZy4I_fSB2iyQ/s1600/free99-312x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kfFcQJTeME0vwVtc2Nbz8Lsb4QnTVkorxex5sJZALfwyBxiXCK-hI4lJeZTXtkZPpT6SWegiynmBZObCP2iTlva3C-64-E39-ZI0G72DSCyHhcJYahLDOmhiLABRP6lZy4I_fSB2iyQ/s1600/free99-312x286.jpg" /></a></div>My kids have gone three whole days without uttering "I'm bored," but I know it's coming. I'm compiling a list of free (or almost free) activities in the Mobile Bay area. <br />1. <a href="http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/">Five Rivers Center</a> on the Causeway - They have various classes, places to rent kayaks (or launch your own), and an exhibit with live snakes and other critters. You can even spot an occasional alligator from the docks.<br />2. <a href="http://www.mplonline.org/slp2012/wklyevents.html">Mobile Summer Library program</a> - Weekly programs featuring cowboys, clowns, theater, puppets...<br />3. <a href="http://events.wkrg.com/daphne_al/events/show/255563664-free-family-film-festival">Free Family Film Festival</a> - at the Rave in Daphne. Movies are on Mondays and Thursdays at 10am. Nothing like an air-conditioned place to hang out. See the link for specific movies.<br />4. <a href="http://www.mobilemuseumofart.com/">Mobile Museum of Art</a> - Free admission on the first Monday of each month.Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-35970122839863053732012-05-23T11:40:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:45:34.231-08:00Summer Road TripsJust a week and half to go until summer vacation, so I'm already planning road trips. We never made it to the Abita Mystery House last summer (home of the lovely Feejee Mermaid), so that's number one on the list. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5-SiK_6aUgGZ3P_3qQiA_qCLQNjJlvrV5pqIKS2Gw96Rb9Nx2d5FqWF7PP9KcM_U7dBkopL2IHoZmaXuQ48GWFLWGzqQNFDqJ5ja7M3StYivhcwvm_-dLPaNWP6Q8zP2vDnb-mR6igs/s1600/ucm_slide_8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5-SiK_6aUgGZ3P_3qQiA_qCLQNjJlvrV5pqIKS2Gw96Rb9Nx2d5FqWF7PP9KcM_U7dBkopL2IHoZmaXuQ48GWFLWGzqQNFDqJ5ja7M3StYivhcwvm_-dLPaNWP6Q8zP2vDnb-mR6igs/s320/ucm_slide_8a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Destination #2, slightly more edifying, is the <a href="http://www.avemariagrotto.com/">Ave Maria Grotto</a> in Cullman, AL. It features "125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous historic buildings and shrines of the world," created by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtGVm5Oa6NjaXDBIuGSuH_MLeOhAbCSO0K7XEEq-T22Z3NP7GzdUWnaWFhGpcV0qx4IlFTrp-gzvNJ5dnmdQ-CroNduBlwtuewPETn_SDuoEfib2q_aFSBoxBi_fDBWHOE4yvDy-8Waed/s1600/grotto.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtGVm5Oa6NjaXDBIuGSuH_MLeOhAbCSO0K7XEEq-T22Z3NP7GzdUWnaWFhGpcV0qx4IlFTrp-gzvNJ5dnmdQ-CroNduBlwtuewPETn_SDuoEfib2q_aFSBoxBi_fDBWHOE4yvDy-8Waed/s320/grotto.jpg" /></a></div>For unusual places to visit in your own area, check out <a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/">Roadside America</a>Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-52427581734026142292012-05-14T11:52:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:46:06.919-08:00To be or not to be... a homeschooler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxUgmYMYByuo99rIv6i6ehM-3m_qr22QhO-_6y4e6vlIeISBmhmOW36PR9aNYT13nbNmA6V_zI5wjh-Mf_HSDZzO9zAw0lCt87wRQfZC1ZyTpweh5QLZDxke8cvYWXLTmFtQlfVzLuXI/s1600/no_homeschool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxUgmYMYByuo99rIv6i6ehM-3m_qr22QhO-_6y4e6vlIeISBmhmOW36PR9aNYT13nbNmA6V_zI5wjh-Mf_HSDZzO9zAw0lCt87wRQfZC1ZyTpweh5QLZDxke8cvYWXLTmFtQlfVzLuXI/s320/no_homeschool1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My kids attend Catholic schools. For several years I went back and forth about homeschooling, especially when I had to write checks for books, uniforms, tuition... Finally, last summer, I prayed long and hard and asked God for a clear sign that I was supposed to homeschool. I didn't get it, so with a sense of relief, I sent the kids to school. I thought that was the end of it, but next year looks rough financially and the issue has come up again. I'm praying for discernment because I don't want to make a decision based on financial reasons alone. Just wondered how those of you who homeschool made the decision. To my local friends, I haven't mentioned this to the kids yet because I don't want them to get excited/upset until I've made an actual decision.Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762480695647571728.post-34892956471395416672012-05-03T20:07:00.000-07:002013-01-20T19:46:06.911-08:00Mother's Day and Teeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcFSRGoDTRb417JMoNNixmd8-eS7dpJg7w-6R0phxz6jK_X_EsP_fmNmotN4gMOaWi5YkRuQ878wJGSShr8FDfJotnlVI81KqFwJTL7L2IOzpXB0qiW4pvycyoqnCd2YpNKDgqF0Elwk/s1600/quick_takes_sm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcFSRGoDTRb417JMoNNixmd8-eS7dpJg7w-6R0phxz6jK_X_EsP_fmNmotN4gMOaWi5YkRuQ878wJGSShr8FDfJotnlVI81KqFwJTL7L2IOzpXB0qiW4pvycyoqnCd2YpNKDgqF0Elwk/s1600/quick_takes_sm1.jpg" /></a></div>1. Mother's Day - I've been lazy when it comes to Mother's Day gifts. Three years ago, we gave the grandmothers frames that hold pictures for each school year, so we've just sent cards and school pictures. This year, we're kicking it up a notch and making gifts. First, we experimented with soap. We used this tutorial from <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/10/tricks-treats-graphic-soaps-by-sarah-rhodes.html">A Beautiful Mess</a>. Our soap isn't transparent enough and the permanent markers ran, so we'll try again tomorrow. This time I'll coat the pictures with decoupage glue and push the image closer to the top.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxayuv6w_UJse-wp_DaWfaeYkAQiUMVe6qyRaEZjAl1EMG9Y7XVkOIeoqnWR1JQaASEwy1aBNDh2WEjW9sLWz2vEPOjSGPRtURKzxaSkwjzdJ6dbDGZ0piCgwa1jrrThOu1NzoR1smgE/s1600/soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxayuv6w_UJse-wp_DaWfaeYkAQiUMVe6qyRaEZjAl1EMG9Y7XVkOIeoqnWR1JQaASEwy1aBNDh2WEjW9sLWz2vEPOjSGPRtURKzxaSkwjzdJ6dbDGZ0piCgwa1jrrThOu1NzoR1smgE/s320/soap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From "A Beautiful Mess"- our soap was a not so beautiful mess</td></tr></tbody></table>2. Here's our second project. The boys are painting a set of fish to create a wall hanging. Clean-up is easier when you're half naked.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwFhfeziSWCX3Htd6KX3RAbhIfQr5rVc5cCJziVbJFTgu4vIUuyQWhw4Xsj8Ws35RwgiSSIV3neaCozIdoZ5zg64cy4RXnr73I-2_Qgz2frONbJ93npwFLd_zeIdXrs-t_55LZqnz65k/s1600/ambrose+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwFhfeziSWCX3Htd6KX3RAbhIfQr5rVc5cCJziVbJFTgu4vIUuyQWhw4Xsj8Ws35RwgiSSIV3neaCozIdoZ5zg64cy4RXnr73I-2_Qgz2frONbJ93npwFLd_zeIdXrs-t_55LZqnz65k/s320/ambrose+paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here's the version they made to hang in my "studio"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr48v2xcOeazbOd4O0xscPBNr2NG38Qk6kD4ug7aQQ-qrqpPvn2AA3OZiZKd4rIxGVch69blE82ZeeZKXo6CzaTWN_Wgdd0xZfNgwWVqBfNJdmREGp0WjXt-YZzuxlpdMLJ8A4yHA4bE/s1600/studiofish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr48v2xcOeazbOd4O0xscPBNr2NG38Qk6kD4ug7aQQ-qrqpPvn2AA3OZiZKd4rIxGVch69blE82ZeeZKXo6CzaTWN_Wgdd0xZfNgwWVqBfNJdmREGp0WjXt-YZzuxlpdMLJ8A4yHA4bE/s320/studiofish.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br />3. Looking for more craft ideas - there are 151 at <a href="http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/mothers-day-crafts/">Mother's Day Central</a><br /><br />4. If you had a spare $120 million bucks burning a hole in your pocket, would you buy this? Actually, it's the perfect Mother's Day gift. She's saying something like, "No, I haven't seen your shoes. Tell your brother to get the superglue away from the cat. Why are my car keys in the toaster again?"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HSCNHzhmb-bCyX9wH2cNezB59CWwHgwOOrNd0F_iSWwZ-zv0HnSHt6hsIxpDOcTTIvbu2eIv6AlLjHLqd3BJoofQWzZ-YCeIWHIWNCFv_YfdSmRbHZh5NEbUr0hPJKixVPI-MAQptUQ/s1600/edvard-munch-the-scream-sotheby-s-horizontal-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HSCNHzhmb-bCyX9wH2cNezB59CWwHgwOOrNd0F_iSWwZ-zv0HnSHt6hsIxpDOcTTIvbu2eIv6AlLjHLqd3BJoofQWzZ-YCeIWHIWNCFv_YfdSmRbHZh5NEbUr0hPJKixVPI-MAQptUQ/s320/edvard-munch-the-scream-sotheby-s-horizontal-gallery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>5. Bad mommy moment - I took my 7 year old to the dentist for his check-up (we somehow missed the 6 month check-up, so it had been a year). He had 6 cavities, one between almost every molar in his mouth! I've never had a filling in my life, so I'm a little lax about dental care. Poor kid, it took 3 visits to fill them all. Now he's flossing every day and using fluoride rinse.<br /><br />6. Speaking of teeth, here's a disturbing trend in jewelry- jewelry made with human teeth. You can view a whole pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/beyondjunkshop/bizarre-beautiful-wearable-art/">collection</a> here. Yuck! Note to my children: I do NOT want this for Mother's Day, even if it has your teeth in it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCQQqcTZhz_toSRhwdQ-BRKauYVxMklDj4UZ_YHAQFv5WtN2am2Ll-SbGNmJ4R2rL37sjCr78iubA2oj_YnUWulIgUf7fmAKE4GZtvIqCD0YkWQqQXAM4tA8bNCy1d0feopF4aN1daEs/s1600/teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCQQqcTZhz_toSRhwdQ-BRKauYVxMklDj4UZ_YHAQFv5WtN2am2Ll-SbGNmJ4R2rL37sjCr78iubA2oj_YnUWulIgUf7fmAKE4GZtvIqCD0YkWQqQXAM4tA8bNCy1d0feopF4aN1daEs/s1600/teeth.jpg" /></a></div>7. I can't end on that note. Here's something edifying that even features a picture of teeth to counteract the one above. A friend of mine writes a blog (one with actual readers) called<a href="http://throughhimwithhiminhim.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/open-up-this-isnt-gonna-hurt-a-bit/"> Through Him, With Him, In Him</a>. She compares our tendency to hang onto past mistakes and failures to a loose tooth that dangles by a thread. Scripture calls us to let go of that shame - yank out that tooth.<br /><br /><br /><span id="goog_874391152"></span><span id="goog_874391153"></span>Axis Mundihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13870364657445338222noreply@blogger.com1