Thursday, April 29, 2010

Read Aloud Thursday ::: Fantastic Mr. Fox

We have recently finished up two chapter books in our home ... one very familiar to me and one brand new. The first was Prince Caspian, book two (or book 4, depending on whether you use the old or new system of numbering. We prefer the old and are working through them in that order). : ) The girls have listened to me reading the book and we have accompanied that with the Focus on the Family dramatic audio version of the story. I really think, that with a book such as this with "older" language, it has been very helpful for the girls to hear it acted out, and they've been able to follow along really well with the book. We've purchased (through iTunes) the first 4 books (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, The Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair) and have thoroughly enjoyed them when we have time in the car. We're looking forward to completing the series this summer on vacation.

Fantastic Mr. FoxOur other read-aloud that we finished was Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. Truthfully, the only other Roald Dahl book I have ever read is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and that was a long, long time ago. : ) I wasn't sure what to expect from this book (we've not seen the movie yet), and I'm still not sure what kind of recommendation to give it. How's that for confusing!

This is the story of Mr. Fox who lives with his family under a large hill between the farms of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. The farmers have a had enough of Mr. Fox's stealing of their respective crops and take action in a most outlandish and extreme way. Mr. Fox and his family are about to starve to death when Mr. Fox comes up with a brilliant plan and saves not only his family but the other animal inhabitants of the hill and outwits the farmers.

I preread this book before reading with N1 and then read it aloud with her. She loved it. I will say, this book had lots of "s.t.u.p.i.d." in there which was easy enough to skip over when reading aloud. Part of that, I think, is just the era the book was written ... that was a more common put down as opposed to some of the worse ones that I see in some of the short chapter books today. The other issue with the book is the fact that Mr. Fox steals from the farmers and rationalizes it as it is just what he does ... he's a fox after all ... and because of that he saves everyone. While I obviously don't want to glorify stealing with my girls, to me, it's pretty obvious that this is the way foxes work and feed their family and unfortunately, the farmers get the short end of the stick in this deal. Either way, we enjoyed this short read and I recommend it with the suggestion that the mom read it first just to make sure you are comfortable reading it to your children. I don't think I would have just handed it off to N1 to read on her own, but as a read-aloud that we could do together, it was fine with me.

For more Read Aloud Thursday posts, head over to Hope is the Word!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Wordless Wednesday




Someone turns three a week from today ... she is starting look like a big girl.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Week in the Life ::: Sunday

Last day! Thank you for indulging my pictures this week. This afternoon and tomorrow's project will be getting them uploaded and ordered so that I can assemble my album at the end of the week (hopefully).

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The oldest decided to make us breakfast in bed this morning, all on her own initiative. Two big glasses of grape juice and two bowls of strawberries. Surprise!

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This one however, got donuts with the grandparents for breakfast.

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Getting ready for church.

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My husband teaching the adult class - he's doing a series on music and the church.

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Nursery duty in the 2 year old room today. Oh. my. goodness. it was CRAZY. Thankfully I had this nice young assistant that got on the floor with the kids while I changed hundred of diapers. (Okay, so that might be an exaggeration). : )

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N1 reading to one of the girls.

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Taking our bunny outside for some sunshine.

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Playing army men.

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Enjoying having the family over for lunch after church ... hanging with Grandma.

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Pickles. (They sounded good). : )
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Tickles.

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The after-mess.

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B's buddies that we need every night at bedtime.

And thus ends this week of chronicling our life. For more info, visit Ali Edwards' blog.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Week in the Life ::: Saturday

An uncharacteristic Sunday post as I continue to chronicle our week ... not too many pictures yesterday. I was pooped and truthfully spend a lot of the day resting. : ) One more day to go!

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A few Saturday morning cartoons (PBSKids).

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Watching the weather. Not looking good for our last soccer match today.
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Still, we are on for snacks, so we got them ready to go.

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And, we packed a bag for B who is going on her first overnight (by herself / no sisters) to Grandpa & Grandma's house.

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Homemade cave.

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Library stack.

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Making Indian headbands. Why? I have no idea.

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B driving off in the rain with the grandparents.
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A little girl scout outing to buy items for a school supply drive.
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Freshly washing and fixed toes.

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Clean.
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Yet another short chapter book this girl has finished.

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Skype with Grandpa & B. Someone was a little homesick so we talked for a bit and she told us about all the fun she was having!

For more week in the life, visit Ali Edwards.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Week in the Life ::: Friday

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Singing Happy Birthday to Grandpa on the phone.

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Someone had a few more things to say to Grandpa.

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Breakfast. (Oatmeal w/ blueberries & a little brown sugar).

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Getting ready for school.

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At Sam's for a few things.

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Getting a smiley face on our hands as we leave the store.

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Library day.
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A little organizing.

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Last soccer practice of the year.

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Family pizza and movie night tonight.

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More Olivia!

For more Week in the Life information, visit Ali's blog. : )

One of my goals this year has been to diversify my reading. As I've spent the last 17 years homeschooling anywhere from 1-4 kids, I woul...