Thursday, May 30, 2019

Supercharged Science ~ Physics






It seems like we've gotten an abundance of science materials recently. And while one might think we wouldn't need another one, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to review e-Science Homeschool Science Curriculum from Supercharged Science. You see, we first became acquainted with Supercharged Science 8 years ago when we used the site to find experiments we could recreate. Since then, we've joined in on multiple online teleclasses, reviewed the e-Science program, and performed lots and lots of the experiments.  

Aurora Lipper, the founder of Supercharged Science, is a rocket scientist and mechanical engineer. After earning a Master's, working at NASA, and lecturing at the college level, she discovered that kids did not have the same passion for science as she did. She realized that the problem was related to the teaching process, not the material. She determined to figure out a better way to teach science--a way that would appeal to the kids while both educating and inspiring them. Her methods were instantly a hit, and Supercharged Science was born.


This award-winning science curriculum offers complete programs from K-12th grades that either meets or exceeds most science standards. It is a video-based, online science curriculum that explains "topics to kids in a practical and real-world way." The videos then guide them step-by-step through the activities and experiments that focus on the concepts learned. Because it is self-teaching, students can work through the materials at their own pace and choose from the plethora of activities which ones interest them the most. Aurora calls this the "easy way to teach science," because she does all the teaching herself using her unique 3 step method. You don't have to have an advanced science degree to give your children a strong science foundation.

The curriculum is divided in 2 ways: topics and grade levels. There are many options to using this. You can work through the topics units in order for a full course. Or if your child is currently fascinated by light or magnets or chemistry (a favorite in our house!), you can easily find the content about those topics to supplement your curriculum. There are even conversion charts to complement dozens of science curricula. The charts list which activities and experiments on Supercharged Science line up with the chapters in the other curricula to amplify the learning. Another option would be to follow the plans for a specific grade level.


We are entering a new phase as our oldest is officially in high school now. I thought that this would be a perfect high school science course for him since it is thorough and complete, not to mention an easier teaching option as we enter this uncharted territory. I clicked on Grade Levels and then Advanced Topics. The high school topics, which are appropriate for advanced 5th-8th graders as well, include physics, astrophysics, electronics, chemistry & chemical reactivity, biology, and alternative energy. There is a video on the page that explains what science high school topics should cover in which order and why. I was surprised to see that she recommends physics in 9th grade as that was an elective course my senior year in high school. I personally took biology as a freshman, but since I am not a professional scientist, I trusted her expertise and started my son in the physics course.

The curriculum, no matter the topic or age level, is perfect for all kinds of learners. It incorporates readings, experiments, exercises, and videos to make a full, hands-on approach to learning science concepts. Physics, like the other advanced topics, also includes lab worksheets to test real-life examples and to prepare students for college. There are data tables, charts, graphs, math exercises, and more. The course depends on math, engineering, and technology to teach applicable aspects of physics that students can observe themselves. The projects include working robots, observations with telescopes, launching rockets, using lasers, making musical instruments, creating electrical circuits, and more. 


Using the course is simple. My son started with the introduction and from there just clicks through the lessons. Each lesson has a text portion and video with comments from other learners and Aurora at the bottom. There are links for worksheets, exercises, and the like within the lessons. Because physics is based in math, the videos teach the math step-by-step along with the science as it is needed. This helps students understand why various math concepts are important and how they relate to real life.

There are no lesson plans that spell out exactly what to do each day (especially since this is a self-teaching program that meets many different intentions of use), however, the course has 50 sections divided into 14 chapters. There are more than 500 videos for the course and many labs. It is reasonable to spend a week covering 1-2 of the sections.

Aurora's teaching style makes both science and math easy to understand. Her passion is evident, not only through her videos, but in her commitment to her program and her students. If you have any questions, you can either leave a comment on the site or send an email, and she will reply within a day. She truly wants kids to understand science and fall in love with it. I love her philosophy of making learning fun and hands-on. I firmly believe that people--kids and adults alike--learn and understand best when they do something themselves, not just read or listen.

There are many free resources on the site including more than 30 experiments, an online class, and various tips throughout. Many different teaching options are available in addition to e-Science Homeschool Science Curriculum including single subject DVD lessons and mastery programs that contain all the materials as well as instructions that you need. 

Learning about acceleration during Driveway Races.
Right now, the site can be a bit frustrating to navigate, but they are in the process of updating it, making it easier to use. I've gotten a sneak peak of the new format and can't wait for it to be complete! The site will contain all the same great content, but with a better setup.

No matter if you need a supplemental program or a full curriculum for science, e-Science Homeschool Science Curriculum is sure to meet your need.

I'm thankful that we have Supercharged Science to give my son a strong understanding of physics as we start our high school journey.



You can connect with Supercharged Science on the following social media sites:


You can read more reviews of this online science program covering both topics and grade levels on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

e-Science Homeschool Science Curriculum {Supercharged Science Reviews}
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Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Big Bible Science



My kids will happily spend their days experimenting with supplies, observing reactions, and investigating scientific data. It is no surprise that they are excited to review science-related materials and explore how the world around them works. Christian Focus recently sent us a book that perfectly speaks to our hands-on approach to learning called Big Bible Science.

Christian Focus has been producing books since the early 1970s. Their mission, "staying faithful" to God and His Word and "reaching out" to the world with the gospel of Christ, is made manifest through the resources they publish. From their Bible studies to their biographies to their children's books, and everything in between, the books point readers to God and the Bible. Their materials are written by authors all over the world and have been translated into over 70 languages.


Since we are big science-loving, hands-on learners, we have used many science and experiment books over the years. Big Bible Science, written by Erin Lee Green, is unique from everything else I have seen.  Rather than simply teaching scientific concepts and observing laws and theories through experimentation, this book demonstrates how God designed the world and all of its scientific aspects. It highlights various Bible stories that coincide with science facts and incorporates many other Scripture references. The book uses a version different from our own, so we keep a Bible with us during our lessons to read.

This paperback book contains just shy of 100 pages of fun. The pages are thick, glossy, and filled with bold colors and images. There are photographs, clip-art, and sketches that complement the written text. The book begins with an introduction explaining the importance of introducing kids to new concepts and all about a biblical worldview of creation. There are also pages with teaching tips, safety protocols, a list of activities and the adult-assistance needed, and other miscellaneous information. There is a page dedicated to the explanation of notebooking and the importance of keeping a scientific journal along with detailed directions to do so.


Big Bible Science covers 21 topics:

  • Gravity
  • Newton's First Law of Motion
  • Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Coefficient of Friction
  • Static Electricity
  • Acids and Bases
  • Combustion Reactions
  • Plant Requirements
  • Lunar Craters
  • Water Cycle
  • Angle of the Sun's Ray
  • Basic Animal Classification
  • Animal Classification: Zoo Trip
  • Nervous System
  • Muscles
  • Bones
  • Respiratory System
  • Circulatory System
  • Digestive System
  • Urinary System



The science topic are divided into chapters/experiments. Each chapter follows the same format:
  • Objective -- a brief explanation of the learning goal for the chapter
  • Materials -- a list of needed supplies
  • The Big Idea -- the scientific explanation; ties in a biblical perspective and memory verse
  • Activities -- scientific demonstrations, games, and experiments
  • Apply It -- ideas to find examples of the lesson in the real world; reinforces key aspects of scientific and biblical principles
  • Go Beyond -- challenges and experiments for deeper study    


I have been using this course as a group activity with 4 of my children (ages 11, 9, 7, 4). I love reading through the Big Idea sections with them. My favorite part of homeschooling is the time we learn together--expounding on a topic, gaining a glimpse into their minds, and learning and growing together. Not only do these sections teach my little ones scientific concepts, but also incorporate biblical stories and truths into the lessons. We've discussed how Zacchaeus accepted Jesus and related it to Newton's First Law of Motion, the goodness of God's creation and Psalm 34:8 through acids and bases, how adding good habits and character traits to our lives is similar to Newton's Third Law, and more.

My kids' favorite part, by far, are the activities! Some of the chapters list a single experiment for the topic, while others offer many ideas to fully understand that concept. From driving toys cars through a masking-tape finish line to creating moon craters with balls and flour to classifying animals on a trip to the zoo to acting out the components of the blood, there is something to appeal to all little learners. Some of our favorite activities were sending balloons through the house attached to a straw on a string while learning about Newton's Third Law of Motion and tasting various foods found in our kitchen while learning about acids and bases. The activities are simple enough to be enjoyed by my 4-year-old but exciting enough to interest my 11-year-old, as well.


Another aspect of the book that I really appreciate is the mini biography section in the back. I require my kids to read a certain amount of their literature every week in a biography book. There is much you can learn while reading about people's lives. These brief accounts highlight various men who changed the world through their scientific advancements. Some of the 11 influential men that are included are Svante Arrhenius, Benjamin Franklin, Carolus Linnaeus, Leonardo da Vinci, and Lynn Townsend White, JR. 

Big Bible Science is a fantastic resource for learning detailed science concepts through the light of God's Word. Scientific facts, biblical truths, hands-on activities, short biographies--this book has it all.


You can connect with Christian Focus on the following social media sites:

Some of my crewmates received other books from Christian Focus including a full biography about a Christian hymn writer and a couple cute ABC picture books that teach about God.

You can read those reviews on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.


Big Bible Science, Elizabeth Prentiss, God is Better than Princesses,  God is Better than Trucks. {Christian Focus Reviews}
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Thursday, May 16, 2019

Things That Make Me Smile 11/2/18

Jake (12 1/2), Alyssa (10 1/2), Zac (8 1/2), Tyler (6 1/2), Nicholas (3 1/2)


This week, we played board games by the fire, spent much time at church for a conference, and just enjoyed being together as a family.


1. Jake, making up a joke during Missions Week at church: "Where are cows missionaries to? . . . The uddermost part of the Earth."

2. Alyssa, rearranging the clothes at the thrift store: "I want to work here when I grow up. Wanna know why?"
Me: "Why?"
Alyssa: "I want to organize everything."

3.

4. Me, teasing because the kids were being silly: "I think I need to go back to the store."
Jake: "What! You were already there for 2 hours."
Me: "I am allowed to leave sometimes. You can't survive without me for a few hours?"
Jake, being sarcastically dramatic: "No!"
Me, laughing: "I think it was ok. You were with your dad. He can handle it." 
Jake: "No, he can't. He's not a professional."

5. Nicholas calling a platypus a "potypus."

6. Jake, making up a joke: "What did the electrician say when someone called him? . . . Watt?"

7.

8. Nicholas, in the van: "I got my hotted seat on." (aka heated seat)

9. Me: "Do you know how much I love you?"
Nicholas, giggling: "Yes."
Me: "How much?"
Nicholas: "Higher than Daddy!"


What made you Smile this week?

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Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Nothing



Some of the most precious times with my little ones have been cuddling on the couch and enjoying reading together. I always appreciate getting new books to review and share with them. My older ones have moved past the picture book stage and soak up novel after novel, but I still have a couple young ones that relish in the colorful pages and rhyming prose of children's books. The newest book in our collection, Nothing by Natalee Creech, was sent to us by WorthyKids, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. 

WorthyKids of the Hachette Book group is a Christian publishing company in Tennessee. They partner with authors whose content are characterized by talent, creativity, and compelling ideas. They create colorful, interactive books for children, but their other imprints include products for adults too, like journals, devotionals, inspirational books, and much more.


Sarcasm runs strong in our family, so you can imagine how many jokes have been made since receiving this book. Do you know what we got in the mail today? Nothing! Hey, I'm reading Nothing. Do you know where Nothing is? And despite our silly jokes, this book is not nothing, but filled with much truth. The full title, Nothing: Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love!, gives a better understanding of its content.

Natalee Creech is currently a librarian, but teaching for twelve years in South Korea taught her that poetry and songs helped her students understand better and faster. She began writing to help them learn. Her love of the Scriptures inspired her to bring Romans 8:38-39 to life through the pages of a book.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Can anything separate me from God's love? Natalee answers that question through an endearing story. She'll take your family on a journey from the high mountain down to the deep ocean, through a raging storm and across the calm dessert, on a hot air balloon and a train, and from your backyard all the way through outer space. She assures little ones that God loves them no matter where they are and what they do. Nothing can separate us from God's love.

The story is cute and well-written, but the full-page illustrations by Joseph Cowman really make the book something special. Not only are the characters adorable and whimsical, but there are unexpected details on every page that make not only the little ones giggle, but the mommy, too! There are mice sailing on a Cheese ship, an astronaut cat, a diving brown bear, and more. My kids and I love looking through the pictures at the various scenes and silly faces. 


After I read the book to my little guys, I explained that just like God loves them no matter where they go and no matter what they do, so does Mommy. We read the book again replacing God with Mommy each time. Can anything separate me from Mommy's love? No! The second version produced even more smiles and giggles. It's important our kids understand that we love them unconditionally, but even more than that, God loves them.

The book is approximately 8.75 x 9.5 inches, hardcover, and contains a jacket. The pages are full color and a nice combination of both bold and muted tones. There are around 30 pages, each with only a sentence or phrase, so it's a quick but powerful read.


Nothing by Natalee Creech is a joy to read. I love not only the message, but the fun way in which it's taught. Both the story and the illustrations are lovely. This is a wonderful way to teach kids the promise of God's love.

You can connect with WorthyKids on the following social media sites:



You can read more reviews of this book on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Nothing (Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love) by Natalee Creech {WorthyKids, an imprint of Hachette Book Group Reviews}


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Friday, May 10, 2019

Pattern Explorer



One of the reasons we homeschool is that we want our children to be able to think for themselves, to be able to problem-solve to find a solution. That's why we love when we get to review for The Critical Thinking Co. We want to develop those critical thinking skills in our children to prepare them for life, not simply teach them facts from a book and how to pass a test. We strive to give our kids the tools necessary to make clear, reasoned judgments by teaching them to identify and evaluate evidence to guide their decision making through life.        

The Critical Thinking Co. is "committed to developing students' critical thinking skills for better grades, higher test scores, and success in life." They offer many books and curricula to prepare students, not by teaching through drill and memorization, but instead by teaching in a way that empowers the mind. In the past, we've used a variety of their products from a critical thinking detective book to a phonics program to an analogies software. This time, I chose Pattern Explorer Beginning to focus on math proficiency.


My 9-year-old is a math whiz. When he was younger, he would amaze us by completing complicated math equations in his head and would often solve math problems just for fun. Whereas his two older siblings cringe at the thought of extra math work, he gets excited. I knew this book would be perfect for him.

Mathematics is full of patterns, so it's only natural to strengthen those pattern-finding abilities to hone math skills. If a student can train his mind to find patterns in numbers, shapes, sequences, images, and the like, he will be better prepared for complex math concepts and operations.  The Pattern Explorer Beginning book is designed to help students transition from concrete to abstract thinking by signaling the brain to recognize patterns. The book has 88 pages and 40 individual exercises. There are 5 different types of drills which, of course, follow a repeating pattern through the book:

  • Pattern Predictor
  • Equality Explorer
  • Sequence Sleuth
  • Number Ninja
  • Function Finder


Each exercise is independent of the others and increases in difficulty as the book progresses. Though the same 5 types of drills are repeated 8 times, the variety of the activities keeps the book intriguing. There are equations, tables, shapes, numbers, and pattern pictures. The questions encourage math concepts that involve more than just patterns; they review liquid and space measurements, time, operations, and more. There are simple instructions on each page and space for figuring out the answers. 

My little guy has been completing an exercise 3-4 days a week, which means we're just about at the halfway point in the book. Because we received the digital version of the book, I printed out the pages and keep them with our other schoolwork. The Pattern Predictor drills fill two pages because of the extra space required to draw out the stages, but the other types fit on a single page each. My boy will work on the day's drill on his own and usually complete it without any help from me. At that point, I will check his work either by solving the patterns myself (because he can't have all the fun!) or by comparing it to the solutions in the back of the book. 


There is also a hints section in the back of the book. Though I haven't needed to reference it myself the few times he's needed a tiny bit of help in understanding the patterns, it would be very beneficial for parents or even students themselves who need guidance in solving the activities. The short hints give just enough information for the student to be steered in the right direction and figure the rest out himself. I appreciate that the hints are completely separated from the answer pages so that one does not accidentally see the solution while looking for a hint. 



This is what my 9-year-old told me about this book:

"I really like it! My favorite kind is the Pattern Predictor. I like 
drawing out the stages to see what comes next."

Pattern Explorer Beginning has been a huge hit with my third grader. He is doing so well at understanding the patterns and solving them. Some of the drills are a piece of cake to him, while others require him to think a little more. I love that he's being challenged and that he's having fun in the process. There are additional books in this series identical in format to this one but geared toward grades 5-7 and 7-9. I'm interested to see how well he would do with the next book after he finishes this one.

If you're interested in strengthening critical thinking skills in your children, I highly suggest taking advantage of coupon code TOSCREW19 which gives you free shipping plus 15% off any size order and expires 12/31/19.

To get an idea of all that they have to offer, you can sign up to receive free critical thinking puzzles delivered to your inbox by signing up on their site. My kids enjoy these weekly puzzles. Since you can choose which grade level(s) you receive, my kids each get a fun learning activity designed specifically for their age.


The Critical Thinking Co. provides not only engaging and thought-provoking materials, but ones that are interesting and enjoyable, as well.


You can connect with The Critical Thinking Co. on the following social media sites:


The Critical Thinking Co. offers so much more than math products. Some of my Crewmates reviewed things such as a book filled with tips and techniques to improve writing skills, a detective book to evaluate evidence and strengthen vocabulary skills, a book to prepare students for vocabulary in the SAT, and more.

You can read those reviews on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.
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Thursday, May 2, 2019

Hamelin Stoop Book Series



Reading is a huge deal in our house. The kids go through many books in a week, so they are always eager to review new ones. Not only is reading the foundation of our education, but it is also a passion of my 11-year-old. She will spend hours a day poring every the pages of a good story. Though she enjoys many juvenile options still, she's reached an age and reading level that is longing for something deeper. The problem with young adult fiction, the next step up, is that the majority of it contains themes that we are not wanting to encourage in her young mind.  

That is where Dr. Robert B. Sloan and 12 Gates Publishing comes in. Dr. Sloan--university president, public speaker, educator, writer, and leader--can now add fiction author to his long list of accomplishments. He believes in the importance of fiction because it transports the reader into the minds of characters and new places, broadens experiences, and showcases the clash of good and evil. His first fiction work, The Hamelin Stoop Series, has been a labor of love over many years. He wanted to offer a fantasy series for the young adult crowd that will shape their minds "morally, intellectually, and emotionally."  These books sounded like they would be perfect for my girl.


Hamelin Stoop: The Eagle, The Cave, and the Footbridge (Book 1) is the first in the series. At 5.5 x 8.2 inches and nearly an inch thick with 325+ pages, this is no small, read-in-an-afternoon book, even for my bibliophile daughter. While we often enjoy family read-alouds, we chose to use these for individual reading. I asked my daughter to explain the plot to me. I should have known better, because I was the same way as a child when I would relate books to my own mother. My girl began retelling the story detail by tiny detail. I was afraid we were going to post a rewrite, ha. Here is her (greatly condensed) version:

Simon, Johnnie, and their baby were being chased by trackers from a different world. The parents decide to split up to escape. The mom took the baby and ran to the children's home where she grew up. She left a note and the baby in a tomato crate. The dad took a bundle of blankets and ran to a waterfall. He threw the blankets over the edge to make the trackers think the baby was dead. Both parents were caught by the trackers, transported into the other world, and taken to a man named Ren'dal. He imprisoned them to force them to have another child to fulfill an evil plan. 

Meanwhile, the cook at the orphanage found the baby and named him Hamelin Stoop, because of the note and where they found him. Even though they didn't normally keep infants, they allowed him to stay. As he got older, he enjoyed making friends and listening to others read. Life was filled with sadness though, as those friends moved away and staff members left. When everyone forgot his 8th birthday, he decided to run away. He found a cave to stay in for the night, but he hit his head and passed out. He woke to noises and saw a huge eagle who told Hamelin to follow him through the cave. The two of them came to a footbridge. Hamelin tried to cross it, lost his balance, and nearly fell over the edge. The eagle saved him and brought him back to the beginning of the bridge. The eagle told Hamelin to return to the children's home if he couldn't cross the bridge, so he did.

During this time, his parents had a baby girl. Because Ren'dal needed a boy born from both worlds, he took this baby and wanted them to try again. Heartbroken, the parents ran away. They met a strange woman who convinced them to go back and wait for a better time.

A couple years passed before Hamlein tried to find the footbridge again. He went back to the same spot, but couldn't find the cave entrance. The eagle appeared and told him to leave because it wasn't the right time. Life continued at the children's home. One day while searching the attic, Hamelin found his old backpack with gloves the eagle had given him the first time they met. He wore them to school. He got into a fight with a bully and realized that the gloves gave him super strength. He then realized it was time to head back to the cave. There was a boulder covering the entrance, so he used the gloves to push it away. The eagle led him to the footbridge and he was able to cross and pass the test. 


The story continues in Hamelin Stoop: The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna (Book 2).  Hamelin was able to pass the test to cross the footbridge, but realized that his quest to find his parents and learn of his true identity was greater than he had imagined. The eagle lead him through the first part of his mission in this dangerous new realm, but he had to rely on the help of new friends to finish it. He traveled through the Waters of Death and Life, the Land of Gloaming, the Forest of Fears, and the city of Osmethan. He saw frightening creatures, escaped death, helped rescue a princess, reclaimed stolen jewels, stopped the magic waters, and learned some surprising things. The friends received special gifts--a scarf of sight, shoes of speed, and a sword of death--to help them in their quest. All the while, Simon and Johnnie were still captives of Ren'dal and shared their secret about their baby to escape torture. Hamelin returned to the children's home in his realm and prepared to learn how his story connected to those around him as he understood more about his heritage.

The second book is identical in size to the first one, but has just under 300 pages. Both stories have 41 short chapters, so it's easy to fit in some reading even when you don't have much time to commit to a large portion. The writing is rich and engaging, and even though I didn't read the stories myself, I did read several bits of both books and found myself wanting to know more. I think this series would be a perfect read-aloud for our family, and with a projected total of 6-7 books, the adventure would last us a long time. The company is also working on discussion guides to accompany each book, making them great talking points for family time and helping kids to understand the deeper elements and themes of the story.


I do feel confident in allowing my children to read this series, knowing that the books are written at a "PG" level by a christian, however, there are a few things I will point out. There is an instance of a bully calling the protagonist Hamlein Stoopid, a few instances of characters saying "omigosh" (which we consider to be a slang version of taking the Lord's name in vain), and people calling others idiots at one point. These certainly wouldn't hinder me from purchasing additional books, but something to be aware of if reading to the younger crowd.

My daughter enjoyed these books and can't wait to see the next part of Hamelin's story. My oldest boys (13 yr, 9 yr) are reading through the books now and love the adventure and excitement in them.



The Hamelin Stoop Series is a wonderful bridge from children's books to adults' without having to worry about content that is too mature for young minds. The reader is taken on a fantastical journey as a boy searches for truth, gains courage, and endures tests. There are many exciting parts along the way, and we can't wait to learn the whole story.


"Fantasy shapes the mind through imaginative people, creatures, and events. 
It stirs the heart. It raises questions of good and evil, and it forces the reader 
to think and engage with big issues." ~ Robert B. Sloan


You can connect with 12 Gates Publishing and Dr. Robert B. Sloan on the following social  media sites:


You can read more reviews of this book series on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.


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Monday, April 29, 2019

Things That Make Me Smile 10/26/18


Jake (12 1/2), Alyssa (10 1/2), Zac (8 1/2), Tyler (6 1/2), Nicholas (3 1/2)


Happy Friday! This week we celebrated Tyler's half birthday, made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and created our own versions of the Starry Night masterpiece. 


1. Tyler, eating homemade soup: "What is the green stuff?"
Me: "Seasoning."
Tyler: "Is it edible?"

2. Nicholas, seeing wispy clouds covering part of the moon: "On, no, the moon! A giant spider web got it!"

3. Nicholas, eating colby cheese: "I don't want to eat this. It smells like sharp cheddar."

4. Nicholas: "Mama, where are we going?"
Me: "Aldi."
Nicholas: "Oldie? Who's that? Like a guy?"

5.

6. Nicholas, seeing deflated bounce houses: "Oh, no! They are crushed!"

7. Nicholas, putting his face right in front of mine: "You're the cutiest."

8. Nicholas, singing: "Jack and Jill climbed up a tree and said you come down. For I'm going to your house today. For I'm going to your house today."

9. Nicholas: "I like Mommy and Daddy 'cause they get me water."
Me: "Aww, that's nice. Do you like us for other reasons, too?
Nicholas: "Yes, for love and kisses."

10. Jake: "Chartreuse."
Nicholas: "Shark shoes?!"


What made you Smile this week?


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