Collecting Postcards

My girls are doing a cursory study of the United States. We have put a wall map up and are eagerly awaiting postcards from around the country. Last summer we took a road trip from our then-home of California to Florida where we stopped for a week, then to Missouri where we spent another week, and then back home to California. I think we visited 14 states all together. I prepared a packet before the trip so that we could learn about each state as we drove through. As we drove, the girls followed our journey on an atlas, finding the highways, points of interest, and major cities. Because they love art, I had them draw things they saw along the trip as well as taking photographs. I am pleased with how much the girls still remember from the trip. Another thing I do to help the girls learn the states (and a few countries) is to point out the places on a map where our friends live. When letters or emails arrive, I have the girls find the location of origin on the map. It is helpful as we begin this study. Our lesson had us label California, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Maine, Washington, and our home state. With all of our casual studying of the map in the past, I only had to point out Maine. Mission accomplished!

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Close to my Heart Spring Product Preview

This Saturday I will be hosting my Spring Product Preview for Close to my Heart.  We will be creating a 10-minute project using new papers, stamps and embellishments.  You will also be able to sample projects using the new products.  Take home a new idea book and some extra little goodies.  Bring a friend so she can get some goodies too!

Now I understand that many of you are not in my neighborhood but want in on some of the deals.  Check out my Close to my Heart website for some great offers, such as the Felicity kit and the stamp of the month.

In light of the recent earthquake in Haiti, a portion of every order this weekend will be donated to relief efforts.

Correspondence Day

Today is our first Correspondence Day.  I am planning that every Wednesday we will write to three or four people.  Today is an interesting mix of people.  The first person on the list is my grandpa.  He will be having knee replacement surgery next Friday in California.  We are unable to travel to be with him, so we will send our love in a box.  The next family on the list came as a chance meeting just before Christmas.  They were in a car accident and we stopped to help.  Because they used my phone, we have been able to stay in contact.  The third person is someone who my husband has known since childhood.  She is in a rehab facility due to recently breaking her hip.  The fourth person on the list is a friend of the girls' that we haven't written to since we moved.  We can't wait to start writing and drawing!

A Big Change

Just like everyone else, our daughters' school is a victim of budget cuts.  They attend a virtual school through the state department of education.  Tomorrow is the last day of school unless we would like to pay $500 per student, per semester course to continue.  Unable to afford that bill, we have chosen an alternate program.  We chose My Father's World, a thematic Christian program.  Our girls will start year one of the cycle on Monday.  They will be studying countries and cultures through the eyes of missionaries around the world.  Each girl gets a passport that we will stamp along the journey.  They got to see their daddy's passport today from when he traveled to Iraq and compare it to their passports.  I am thrilled because we will be working together as we learn instead of each child studying something different.  With other programs I am jumping between biomes and classifying minerals, mapping the community and European history.  This allows for much more learning time and less planning/prep time.  There is also more planned out for me, which allows me more time for other things.  Rest assured, math and language arts are assigned based on ability.  We can't wait for tomorrow!

Close to my Heart Spring Product Preview

Saturday, January 16th from 11am to 1 pm in Cass County, MO.  Email me at rejoice@myctmh.com for directions!

Please feel free to drop by anytime between 11am and 1pm to pick up your FREE Idea Book and to see all the latest and greatest new products in person. RSVP's aren't required but are appreciated if possible.

Let me show you how to create a FREE make-and take project using all-new papers, stamps, and embellishments (this project should take you about 10 minutes and I will provide everything you need to make it). We also have a great National Papercrafting Month special you might like to see and take advantage of (the very lovely Felicity kit)! Please RSVP and/or bring a friend to get extra free gifts from me (you can choose from cards and small handmade goodies)! I will have extra gifts and incentives available for anyone who wishes to book a home gathering, join my workshop club, or start their own workshop club/group with me in the near future!

There will also be a drawing for FREE product from our new line!

If you can't attend, I still welcome you to give me a call so we can set up a time for you to see our new products.

You can shop 24/7 at rejoice.myctmh.com!

Enjoying the snow

Baby doll is usually unwilling to try anything new.  She always has liked to sit and watch more than participate.  All on her own, she put on her snow gear and joined her sisters in the snow.  She was laughing as much as anyone else, even participating in a snow ball fight.

New Year's Resolutions

Here are our resolutions for this year:

1. Get our schoolwork done on time.
2. Get our chores done without mom and dad complaining.
3. Keep our rooms cleaner.
4. Make friends in our new town.

What are yours?