Holy Homeschool Haul!

A few years ago, I discovered the Book Samaritan. It's an amazing organization that provides homeschooling supplies, absolutely free. I said FREE! To those that have the need, that is. The organization is not for profit. You send a letter to them requesting material that you need, then if they have it, they send it to you for free, including shipping.

For a large homeschooling family, with six kids, and one income; every little bit helps! Recently, I sent them another request. So without further ado, here's what we received:

This picture shows everything that was in the very, huge box. Our first shipment from them had only a few items in it. Like I said before, it all depends on whether or not they have what you're asking for.

Five chapter books.

Government coloring, and activity books.

Read alouds, classroom planners, and a genealogy workbook. Perfect for Raven, our resident historian.

Oversized books are always a big hit with kids!

Highlights, and other magazines.

Bulletin board charts for grammar, and social studies! 

Yes, it was an amazing haul, and we are very grateful. If you're in need of curriculum for your homeschool, check out www.thebooksamaritan.com

Trail Markers

We've been studying the Civil War, in preparation for our trip to Gettysburg in the spring. We talked about slavery, and the underground railroad, and what it must have been like for a slave. 

A few years back I printed out a sheet of trail markers. It's typically used for hiking, or camping, but I'm sure such markings would've been useful to slaves as well.

As usual, my kids had a fun time making different symbols.

We imagined that slaves used symbols like these, to warn other underground railroad travelers. 

Frozen hairstyles with Zaira

Like most little girls, mine are in love with all things Frozen! Zaira, 6, is also very into fashion, hair, shoes...she's a very girly girl. So when I came across this book at the library, I knew it would be perfect for her.

We decided to work through the book, trying a new hairstyle each day! This is the first one we attempted. I think it came out pretty good.

Next we tried this one. My daughter recently got her hair cut, so obviously we weren't able to do the styles exactly.

So far, so good! Of course, you'll notice that there is always a mess around, when I'm trying to take a picture. Oh well, such is REAL life.

So this one was a little tough, but with the aid of bobby pins, not too shabby!


We had a blast with this book, and I spent some quality time with Zaira.

Sophie 's 3rd Birthday!!

Yes, it's happened again! Another child of mine has turned the BIG 3! Only one more child under 3 left.

Turning 3 is a major milestone; the toddler years are over, and the preschool years begin. Vocabulary is increasing, and I can actually understand her complete sentences. 

I'm very proud of my little blondie.

She instructed me to buy her a Frozen themed cake. So I came across this one while I was shopping at Walmart.

There are three snowflake rings, as well as a spinner with Anna on one side, and Elsa on the other.

After blowing out the candles, and some sibling shenanigans, Sophie received her presents.

Look at that smile. We just love her so much!! 

Happy 3rd birthday Sophie!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Anyone?

My kids, and especially my husband, are always trying to get me to make these fabulous cookies. Sometimes I do take advantage of those rolls of pre made cookie dough at the market. But it's so easy to whip these up, in practically no time.

 This recipe is perfect for a family of our size, but if you have a smaller family, make it and freeze, or refrigerate half for later.

The recipe:

2 1/4 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup packed Brown sugar, 1 cup butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 cups chocolate chips.

To make: 

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream softened butter with the sugars. Add eggs, and vanilla. Combine well. Add flour, salt, soda, and combine. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by the spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheets. I use a mini ice cream scoop. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes until golden.

The kids decided to make ice cream sandwiches! Yummy.

Well what are you waiting for? Go make a batch!!