Barnes and Noble Kids Club

I wanted to share a fun new thing that Barnes & Noble is doing.  They have started a kids club.  It is free to register.  You can put all of your kids on one account.  When you register you will receive a coupon for 30% off any child's item in the store or online, including toys.  Also, your kids will receive a free cupcake or cookie on their birthday at the B&N cafe.  They also have a thing called Tikatok where children can create their own books.  When you register you receive one free digital creation with Tikatok.  After that you get 25% off all other books you create with Tikatok.  There are fun activities for kids on the website when you join, including children's favorite books read to them by the authors!  It is a fun sight and seems like a great deal...free!  Who can beat that?  Oh, and if you shop with B&N you receive a $5 gift certificate for every $100 you spend on children's books and toys.  If you already have a B&N membership you can still sign up for the kids club and they will attach it to your current membership card so that every time you shop the points are added automatically!  Enjoy!  B&N Kids Club website.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Yesterday we went to Mission San Juan Capistrano.  We had such a great time!  There is a free 5 hour parking lot off the street just prior to the mission. Admission is $9 per adult and $5 per child.  If you have an Entertainment Book there is a coupon inside for buy one admission get one free.  If you go online to their website you can get a $1 off coupon by signing up for their online newsletter.

When we entered the front garden I was taken back.  I forgot how beautiful it was there.  Along with the amazing history of the buildings, they have beautiful grounds with lush gardens, and koi ponds with huge koi that come up right to the surface to greet you (but don't touch!). 

The mission is an excellent resource for 4th graders (typically the grade where California history is taught), however, other grades can benefit from the rich history lessons offered there.  Children can catch a glimpse of life before electricity.  The mission has done a wonderful job setting up learning stations around the grounds.  Each adult receives an audio tour for free.  They give you a listening device.  As you get to each station you key in the number and you are given a wonderful narrative on what had taken place at that location.  They also have an audio tour for kids which is $2 extra.  We did not use those during this visit.  Throughout the mission the kids could look into rooms and see what they would have looked like hundreds of years ago.  They had one room for the kids to see the brands for each of the 21 California Missions and do a crayon rubbing of their favorites.  In this same room they had these wonderful boards full of information on each of these missions.  We were able to explore all over the grounds! 

The most exciting part for me and the kids was the new Lewis and Clark exhibit.  This exhibit is trully etraordinary.  When you first walk in you are greeted with a wall of black and white photos which depict Lewis and Clark's journey through modern day pictures.  This was very interesting to the adults :)  The next area you enter is a fantastic journey with Lewis and Clark.  The exhibit was child friendly, which parents love!  They could look, touch, pick up and play with things.  Children were able to use feather quill pens to sign their name to the expedition book.  They then could dress the part of an explorer.  From there they were introduced to Sacagawea and the native american tribes Lewis and Clark met on their travels.  There was even a baby doll in a papoose for children to carry around.  At each stop in the exhibit they had magnetic drawing boards with a map of the US, where kids could trace the route of Lewis and Clark thus far in the exhibit.  At the very end the children were able to spin the "Wheel of Misery".  They spun this wheel to learn their fate on the trail.  The bad fortune ranged from a snake bite to death from a ruptured appendix.  While a bit dark, it did help the students to see the many trials explorers faced.  While most children in California learn about Lewis and Clark and the Westward Movement in 5th grade, this exhibit is excellent for all ages! 

For our 4th grade student we gave her a passport ($2 at the front window).  She loved this as it symbolized her 4th grade work.  We bought all of the kids small leather necklaces with the San Juan Capistrano brand on them ($2 at the front window).  We had a fantastic time and are looking forward to going there again!

Apple Learning Activities

I meant to put this up in September, but it still works for October!  We are going apple picking in a couple of weeks, so I am going to do some of these activities to tie the apple theme all together.

One of my favorite books for teaching about Johnny Appleseed is the one to the left.  It has an excellent poem about him and the pioneers.  It also gives a true account of his life at the end.  Read this to your children.  At the end you can use it for discussion on many different topics.  1) Discuss poetry.  I love this site Scholastic Poetry game my kids had a great time playing with the poetry engine.  You can then have your student write a haiku (three lines, first and third lines are 5 syllables, second line is 7 syllables), a limerick, or free verse about apples.  2) If you are learning about the westward movement you can use the poem to discuss the lives of pioneers.  3) Use it to discuss how plants grow from seeds.

Another great book for learning about apples is called How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books).  This is a fun book about where all of the ingredients used in apple pie come from.  It takes you on a trip around the world and helps show kids how we use things from all over the world, everyday.  It also has an easy apple pie recipe that you can do with your kids at the end!

One of my favorite activities to do with kids is to cut an apple in half, dip it in a light paint and stamp it on paper.  You then label the different parts of an apple on the paper.  Glue the seeds to the middle where they go.  This is a great activity to help children understand more about plants.  You can use this as a math lesson as well by having your child(ren) guess how many seeds are in the apple and then count up how many seeds are actually inside.  Great for estimation!  If you cut the apple in half width wise you can do all of this and add in this wonderful story The Star in the Apple. It is a wonderful visual for God's plan in all of our lives.

I also found this terrific website for fun apple lesson plans and activities. The Virtual Vine.  I was thoroughly impressed by the amount of information and activities they had contained there. 

Have fun with this season!  Enjoy those apples!

Lakeshore Learning Arts & Crafts

Every Saturday Lakeshore Learning Center has a FREE arts and crafts day.  I have attached the link below.  Tomorrow is their special Career Day where kids can make a fireman's costume, police costume and more!  We will be there at 11 am if you want to join us!  Lakeshore Learning Arts & Crafts schedule

For Discovery Science Center members!

You're Invited!October 29 & 30, 2010 • 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Join us for a SPOOKtacular Fall event just for members. Experience our new exhibit Spooky Science: Bug Invasion and enjoy themed family activities just in time to kick-off the Halloween weekend!
Food, Fun & Activities:
• Join Our Costume Parade
• Enjoy Snacks & Refreshments
• Try Your Hand at Pumpkin Painting
• Participate in Exclusive Hands-on Activities
• Receive a Special Treat Bag (kids only!)• Get 20% Off Your Science Store Purchase*

No RSVP Necessary. Bring your current membership card and photo ID for check in.

Questions? Call 714-913-5040 during regular business hours or e-mail members@discoverycube.org.

Great outdoor education experiences!

This place has monthly classes for homeschoolers.  Great opportunity for kids!  Check out the website for more information.
Environmental Nature Center

How to raise boys to read

This is an excellent article!  Thank you to my friend Maria for finding it!  Article on "How to Raise Boys That Read"

I do believe in fairies...

Tonight I was privileged to watch Peter Pan, a new stage production of J.M. Barrie’s classic story.  In a state of the art, 360-degree theater with a video projection, this show transported the audience from London to Neverland in a seamless, dream-like, performance.

The show included wonderfully created puppets, including Nana, the kids favorite dog, and the ominous ticking croc, creatively made out of hangers and fabric.  The 360-degree projection screen took you soaring over London and Big Ben to Neverland, from the Lost Boys tree house to the depths of Mermaid Lagoon.  The show is pure magic, inspiring the child in all of us to dream of pirates, Indians, mermaids, fairies and heroes.  The incredible imagination of the creators is awe inspiring.

The actors were phenomenal in bringing their characters to life.  Tinker Bell had the fire and attitude as originally imagined by J.M. Barrie.  Captain Hook was the perfect pirate that everyone loves to hate.  Peter made you want to crow and believe in fairies, and Wendy reminded all women what it was like to be a girl again.

I highly recommend this show to everyone!  It will bring a smile to your heart :)

**I feel this show is more appropriate for children 6 and up.  They do stick closely to the original story so there are moments that are intended for a more mature audience.

For more information visit the Peter Pan website.

OC Kids Book Festival - Free Sunday Oct. 3rd

This is a great free event for families.  Located at Orange Coast College.  Check the website for more information.  Kids Book Festival

Museum Day

Smithsonian Magazine is hosting it’s 6^th annual Museum Day on September 25^th.  Click on the link:

http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

You can download one free ticket good for two people for admission to a participating museum.  There are lots to choose from.

Annual homeschool day at Six Flags

I wanted to let you know about Six Flags Magic Mountain's 15th home school day!

When: Friday, November 5, 2010  

Price: Tickets are only $24.99 that day and if you would like to include a meal, the tickets are $31.99 for an all-you-can-eat buffet served between 12:30pm-2:00pm

Ages 2 and under are free.

Time: Park hours: 10:30am-6:00pm

Just fyi, no season passes or other tickets will be honored on this day.

If you want to buy your tickets online, you can go to www.sixflags.com/magicmountain and enter promotional code: HOMESCHOOL and purchase your tickets for HOME SCHOOL DAY

Free Color Me Mine painting

Free for homeschoolers!

In the month of September Color Me Mine is offering free painting time.  You still have to buy the piece :)  If you are interested contact me and I will e-mail you the coupon.  Good at the Mission Viejo location only.

Homeschool Days at La Brea Tar Pits

From La Brea website:
Home Schools:

• We offer two exclusive days a year for home schools groups of any size to learn about our museum by interacting with our educators, volunteers and docents. Home school groups may visit our museum for free on November 10, 2010 and March 2, 2011 from 9:30am-2:00pm. No need to reserve a spot, just show up!
• Guest Relations can book home schools at a group rate on other dates: (323) 857-6300 x107, groupsalespa@tarpits.org.

I can see clearly now...

Today was a good day.  Brendan had his classes for homeschoolers at Discovery Science Center over the last two days.  He had such a great time.  They did a wonderful job!  I can't wait to have him do it again next year.  He even came home and finished all of his classwork without any hassle.  Scoring an A+ on his second math test.  I was proud of him :)
I was happy with myself today too!  So I am following the book Sink Reflections.  The first chapter tells you to start with cleaning out your sink.  Really cleaning!  So I spent an hour today scouring the sink the way she outlines.  (Well only 20 minutes of actual scouring...the rest was waiting for the bleach to do it's job.)  I have to say, I do feel better.  I am astonished at how clean my sink is.  I told my husband that the new rule for the sink is that nothing is allowed to sit in it.  So anything you take to the sink needs to be washed out and either put away or put into the dishwasher.  Day one...done!  So now tomorrow I must start my day out right.  Fly Lady suggests getting dressed, fixing my hair and wearing shoes.  She presented it as being a stay at home mom is my job.  I must show up for work prepared and ready to go!  It makes sense.  She says that when we are dressed, shoes and all, we are better prepared to face our day and anything that is in front of us.  So here it goes!  I am ready to try anything!  :)

Here comes the sun...do do do do

OK, so I had a bit of a mental breakdown the other day.  It is so strange how life can just throw you for a loop and knock you on your butt.  Amazing how quickly we forget who is in charge, and lose our faith.  Luckily I have a great friend who reminded me that if we question our calling, or the place where we have been put, we are questioning God.  Hmmm... good point.  Evil exists, and it will get to us every chance it has.  After A LOT of prayer and voicing my frustration, I am starting to feel better.  I guess everyone gets overwhelmed at some point.  It is so crazy how you can go from feeling so alone and hopeless, to feeling invigorated and loved.  I know what I was meant to do...I just have to do it!  Get over my hangups and pray for His help in changing me.  The image of being refined in the fire keeps coming into my mind.  He is refining me, and I should give praise for that... Argh, urg, arrrrr.  I feel like my kids when I am making them apologize for something they don't want to apologize for :)  
So, tonight I was at Barnes & Noble...one of my favorite stores!  I love books and it is the perfect place to get away when I don't have the kids!  Thanks to my mom and dad I had a couple hours of sanity!  I decided to look in the organization section to see if I could find something to help.  This little pink book popped out at me; Sink Reflections by The FlyLady.  I started to peruse the first couple chapters.  I was hooked right away.  It seems to give an easy, step by step approach to cleaning and organizing.  So I am going to give it a try.  I like it because it is in baby steps...I can do that, right?  OK, first step is to clean the sink...really clean.  More like detail the sink.  She says the first time will take a while, but then you won't have to spend that much time on it again because you will be giving it a quick once over everyday.  So here goes!  Day one...clean the sink.  Oh Lord give me strength!  Baby steps, baby steps...fix my life one step at a time...and with God's help, anything is possible...right?  :)

It's the end of Wii as we know it...and I feel fine!

So yesterday morning was not a good morning.  On the weekends I try to allow the boys time to play Wii.  However, every time they go to play it there always seems to be an argument.  I tried setting up a system where they took turns being player one and whoever was player one got to pick the game they would play.  They still managed to argue.  So yesterday they asked if they could play.  I said yes, as long as they would promise not to argue.  If I heard arguing I would turn it off.  Not even one minute passed before an argument ensued.  "I want to play this!" "No! I want to play this game!" Screaming at each other.  So I made them turn it off.  This turned their shouts into tears.  "No mommy, please, we will do better.  Give us a second chance!"  I am tired of second chances.  So I held my ground.  Then they turned on each other.  "It's your fault!" "NO! It's your fault!" Then the pushing began.  I had enough!  I went over and took the Wii out of the TV unit.  They both stopped abruptly and looked at me.  "What are you doing?!!"  I had threatened to take the Wii away before. But this time I actually did it.  I do not really like video games so I am fine not having it in the house.  The boys were very upset.  There was begging and pleading.  There were promises to be better.  I told them my mind was made up.  It was gone.  I was done with the fighting.  Brendan started in with cries of wishing he were dead.  I have decided to try a different approach.  I think the first time he said it (last year at school) he was serious.  I think he may have those thoughts, but at the same time I wonder if he uses it as a way to throw me off in order to get his way.  So I sat him down and explained why when he says that it hurts mommy.  I have had this conversation before, but I continue to remind him.  It is hard to always know what he can help and what he can't when it comes to his Asperger's.  I am choosing to help him understand that he can control his words.  Though it may take a while, I think with time and encouragement he will be able to control his tongue.  He said he was sorry for saying that and we went on with our day. 
I am actually quite happy without the Wii.  Since it is no longer there they have not bugged me to play it.  My husband isn't too happy, but he can take it out when they have gone to sleep :) 

My son with Asperger's

So today I was at Barnes & Noble and I found a book called The Asperger's Answer Book.  Actually my mom found it.  :)  Anyway, as we began to read through it the realization of my son's disorder began to overtake me. 
At first glance he seems like a normal, healthy, average seven year old boy.  When one begins to talk to him they start to realize that there is something not "normal" about him.  Many people think it is me, my parenting style, lack of discipline.  The truth is I have tried everything.  The harder I was on him the worse his behavior became.  The biggest indicator to me that something was wrong was the fact that no matter what the consequence would be he would still display the behavior, and then be completely shocked that he received the consequence...just to repeat the behavior again the next day.  I finally took him to a psychologist where he was diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder. 
Back to the book store. I guess I just started to feel sorry for myself and for my son.  Why couldn't he just be "normal"?  Why do I have to continually reteach behaviors that seem to come naturally to so many kids?  Pity party for one, please.  My mom was there to remind me that as things go I am very blessed to have a healthy child.  And while he is not the most "normal" child he still will be able to lead a somewhat "normal" life.  I know she is right.  There is just something about reading it on paper, about common behaviors shared with children that have this, and realizing that this isn't something that will just go away. 
The part of the book I was reading was about truth-bound thinking.  That is when they tell the truth, to anybody and everybody, without any concept of how the truth may hurt the person they are telling.  To them the truth is simply that, and if it is the truth it shouldn't hurt.  Just yesterday we had an encounter, one of many that makes me want to run and hide under the nearest table.  We met a girl who my husband works with.  She had her hair teased up pretty high.  It was cute on her and the style many wear now.  Well my son walked up to her and boldly said to her, "You need to get a haircut!"  She looked a bit shocked and said, "Why, do you not like it?"  He said, "Not that much...you just have too much hair."  This is mild compared to some of the other situations I have been in, but still.  My husband and I had to apologize and yet again explain to him why we can't just tell people exactly what is on our minds...though in retrospect I think I have met quite a few people with this same issue!  :)  To some this may seem like a normal behavior kids display, and it is in 3-5 year old's.  The problem is mine is 7 and improvement is slim. 
A couple of months ago we were at Panda Express.  My son sat at a table next to the line while I went through to get the food.  He got up from the table to ask me a question.  I told him that he better go sit down or someone would take his seat.  He thought it would be fine because he could see the seat and it was still empty.  Well sure enough a man came along and sat in his seat.  I said to my son, "I told you so".  With that my son marched himself over to this man with tattoos up and down his arms, in all black and still wearing sunglasses inside the restaurant, and boldly said, "This is my seat.  You took it!"  The man said, "You weren't here.  You have to find another seat."  "But I was sitting there and you took it.  This is the table for my family." "Too bad kid.  Find another table."  Meanwhile I am in line flailing my arms, telling him to stay quiet and just take another seat.  So my son sat at the table right next to the man.  He then stares at him, looks at me, and says quite loudly, "He is not very nice!"  shhhhhhhh.... Then he looked directly at the man and stated loudly, "You are not very nice!"  Oye!  He gets me into so much trouble!
Anyway, I am looking forward to reading this book.  It has a lot of great information in it on how to deal with various situations, and how to slowly but surely help your child become more successful in social situations.  I love my son, and as long as I can see the brighter side of these situations the road will be an easier one!  :)

FREE days at Muzeo in Anaheim! This weekend! Frogs - A must see for kids!

Be our guest this weekend to celebrate the opening of Miradas: Ancient Roots in Modern and Contemporary Mexican Art from the Bank of America Collection

Miradas features the renowned work of some of the best known Mexican artists - Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, Gabriel Orozco, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Gunther Gerzso - as well as American artists who worked in Mexico such as Luis Jiminez Jr., Robert Juarez and Frank Romero. This unique survey of over 95 works takes a close look at the paintings, prints and photographs created over the past 80 years. It celebrates work by artists on both sides of the border to reveal a variety of cultural aspects as they emerged in the years after the Mexican Revolution to the present day.
This is your last chance to kiss your favorite frog through the glass habitats or visit this exhibition if you haven't had a chance to do so this summer! Yes, Frogs: A Chorus of Colors is also free this weekend (September 11 and September 12) so stop in to say goodbye!

Frogs: A Chorus of Colors closes September 12.

FREE DAYS @ MUZEO is brought to you by the generous support of Bank of America.

MUZEO is located at 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA on the corner of Anaheim and Broadway.

Muzeo website

Great opportunity for parents!

Norm Wakefield
Topic: "It's a matter of Identity: Leading Your Children to Know Who They Are"
Have you wondered - Why does my child do that?

Where:  Mission Viejo Christian Church/School
             27192 Jeronimo Road
            Mission Viejo, CA 92692

When:  Friday September 10, 2010 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM PDT

Register Here

Dear Friends
It is not often we get a night together to hear from an experienced homeschool dad/speaker. Many moms are familiar with Sally Clarkson but what about Dad; Norm is here for you and your guy!
This event is FREE and open to the homeschool community. A 'love offering' will be taken in lieu of admission, and Norm will have other resources available for purchase.
This event is appropriate for all ages, but will be most meaningful to 6th grade and up. No childcare will be provided for this event. So if you have to choose who gets to come, may I suggest Dad.

Family, work, church, and sports have a place in most men's lives. Experience as a college athlete, a school teacher and coach, a father of four, a husband of 36 years, a worship leader (plays the guitar), youth minister, and a pastor gives Norm a broad range of experience with which to relate to men.
Even though his talks are "user friendly for the guys", I have learned a lot from him on relating to and what to expect in my growing young men. My family has benefitted from our experience listening to his tapes and we are excited to be able to hear him in person. His ministry has been a huge encouragement to us on our homeschool path.

We hope you will join us to hear from this remarkable homeschool pioneer and find your families path.
Please let us know you can come by clicking on the link to register or RSVP.

If you have any questions about the event or how to register, please do not hesitate to call or email me at customerservice@bix-bee.com.

Thank you so much for your time and patience. I look forward to seeing you at the event. Please forgive me if you have received this email more than once. Click below to update your profile with me so that I can send you emails focused on your interest.  website with info

Sincerely,

Donna Bixby
Bixby Educational Events, Inc. B.E.E.
714 6426482

Ice Skating for Homeschoolers!

This is so much fun and a great opportunity for the kids to get some excercise and play with other kids.

Homeschool Family Ice Skating sessions start again on Monday, September 13. This special session is every Monday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace (so same time, same place since 2008). Cost is $8 per session: that includes admission, skate rental, and a 20-minute lesson for beginners. At least one instructor is on the ice the entire hour to assist skaters of all levels.
Anyone is welcome on any Monday throughout the year (mid-Sept through mid-June); we’ve enjoyed skating with kids of all ages during the past two years. Parents do not have to skate with their kids, but are welcome to do so, and there is no cost for spectators. Again this year, we’ll do the limbo, chicken dance, hokey-pokey and relay races. Remember to dress warmly (though not too bulkily), wear gloves or mittens, and arrive early if you can so you have time to select the best skate size and see some top skaters in action.

Located at #9 Journey in Aliso Viejo, the Ice Palace is a short drive from the Aliso Creek exit from the 73 Toll Road. A map and MapQuest link are available on the Ice Palace website: http://www.avicepalace.com/.
We look forward to seeing some familiar faces on the ice and in the snack area (where it’s warm) again this year, and we look forward to welcoming new ice skaters to this special family session available each Monday throughout the 2010-11 school year.