Women Through Time ~ SB #6 ~ page 146

I read Island of the Blue Dolphins. It is set in the 1800's. The main character is a girl who is left alone on an island when her tribe leaves. Women in her tribe were expected to harvest gardens and plants. They were expected to gather shell fish, berries and roots. They were responsible for raising the children and keeping house. They were not allowed to make weapons. She believed if she made a weapon it would not work at the time she most needed it or the earth would swallow her up. Women were also not allowed to hunt. All of these beliefs were challenged when she was left on the island to fend for herself.

Family Living ~ SB4 ~ page 26

We don't usually let issues build up in our family. When something comes up, we address it right away so it doesn't become huge.

For a while, my sister and I were fighting about who needed to turn out the overhead light in our room. We went to Mom because we needed help. We came up with a plan for F to turn off the overhead light and B to turn off a lamp beside the bed.

Another issue was about the Wii. We had to decide as a family that we would only use the Wii a maximum of once a day. This is generally only an issue on Saturdays because sometimes my sister and I will play on the Wii early in the day. Every other day, we don't use it until after dinner.

Law and Order ~ T1 ~ page 36

Last night, we had a slumber party. We had invited all of the girls from co-op. We watched Night at the Museum and discussed that it was wrong for the former employees to try to steal things and frame the new employee. We also talked about the things that went right in the movie, like the thieves being captured. However, in the movie, the thieves are not punished, just stopped.

Plant Life ~ CE2 ~ page 74

We went to the Garden of the Senses at the zoo. We noticed that it had wide spaces for people in wheel chairs and the exhibits were low to the ground for easy access. There was lots of sound for the blind as well as braille on all the signs. There were opportunities to taste, touch, and smell various plants. The texture of the animal sculptures was similar to that of the real animals they represent. There is also a gong that when it is hit, you can feel the vibrations. It is also visually pleasing.

Visual Arts ~ T #1 ~ page 144

I created a pencil drawing for fine arts. I learned to not press very hard at any given moment and that it is important to not smudge it. I learned that even if pencils have the same number, they will make a different type of mark. I learned a smaller eraser is better for erasing because it is harder to control the movements of a large eraser. The tools I used are paper, pencil, and eraser. There are several different types of paper available and each will give a different outcome. I used sketch paper. There are also many types of pencils. Pencils are numbered to let the artist know how dark the pencil lead is and how hard it is.

The Performing Arts ~ SP #3 ~ page 136

I was in a human video with my youth group. We used drama and music to portray the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We performed this at our church and at fine arts competition.

The Performing Arts ~ SB #5 ~ page 136

I performed a vocal solo for fine arts this year. I practiced three times a week for a month before performing it at my church and then at the competition. I prefer to perform with a group because I feel like it is less stressful. When I am performing solo, all of the responsibility is on me. Whereas when I am performing with a group, the responsibility is shared. The preparation for a solo performance is different because you don't have to rely on other people to be able to practice, all you need is your materials and the time to do it. When you are practicing with a group, the coach is focusing on the whole group rather than the individual and may not notice individual mistakes. Practicing for a solo, the coach is more able to focus on the individual.

Heritage Hunt ~ SB 3 ~ page 124

When I went to Fort Atkinson with co-op, I brushed wool to prepare it for making yarn. Recently, I planted a herb garden.

The Lure of Language ~ SB #3 ~page 98

At co-op, we have learned several phrases in American Sign Language. Other ways that people in the deaf community communicate are: SEE (Signed Exact English), pigeon sign (a mix of ASL and SEE), and homing signals (which are signs used between family and close friends). There are also TTY machines, which allow them to communicate using a telephone.

Graphic Communcations ~ SB6 ~ page 96

I decorated the front of a thank-you card and sent it to Mrs. Stephanie.

Graphic Communcations ~ SB6 ~ page 96

I designed the front of a thank you card and sent it to Mrs. Autumn.

From A to V: Audiovisual Production ~ T1 ~ page 94

I have learned how to use my mom's digital camera. It has a neat tool that tells you whether or not the picture is good. Her camera is equipped with different settings like sports, auto, low-light, portrait, and lots of others. I have also figured out the video setting on my mom's camera.

From A to V: Audiovisual Production ~ T1 ~ page 94

I learned how to use my Mom's digital camera. When taking pictures, I usually experiment with a couple of the settings to see which one comes out the best, especially if I am having trouble getting a good photo. Some of the settings are: Snow, Sports, Children, Museum, Auto, and Low Light. It also has a Video setting on it. I have used most of these settings while capturing photos.

Do You Get The Message ~ SB5 ~ page 90

I told a joke at co-op. None of the other kids got it, but when I told my mom, she laughed. I got this joke from a book I am reading.

I have a friend visitng. Do you want to know what his name is?
Sure.
His name is Columbus, Ohio. A capital fellow, really.

Do You Get The Message ~ SB5 ~ page 90

I made a joke at co-op.

We are learning sign language in co-op. When I am signing that I am an older sister, I sign it for very old and everyone laughs. Now they are all doing the same thing.

Computers In Everyday Life ~ SP2 ~ page 86

As a family, we are making a spreadsheet of Interest Project requirements that we can do. They are organized alphabetically by subject. Some of the subjects are Wii, television viewing, sleepover ideas, field trip ideas, zoo, and science projects. Mom uses this when she is scheduling fiend trips for the homeschool co-op and planning some of our school assignments. We use it to help plan sleepovers and to know when some of the other things we do, like playing on the Wii, count for GS.

Creative Cooking ~ SB2 ~ page 54

Mom sends me to get items at the store. She taught me how to do this when I was younger. Now she sends me off so that I can do it on my own. If I bring her something that is not very good, she will take me back and show me how to pick a better one. With produce, I look for bruises or soft spots and check ripeness. We check the labels on new canned and boxed goods to make sure we can eat them. There are some additives that give the people in my family a headache. Mom has also sent me back if I gave her a dented box or can. Canned goods, boxed goods, and perishables all have to be checked for expiration dates.

Creative Cooking ~ SB1 ~ page 54

I looked up the USDA food pyramid online to see their suggestions for how I should eat.
Yesterday, I ate the following:

• cereal with milk
• turkey sandwich, chips, apples, Sunny D, and trail mix
• water
• pop tarts and trail mix
• water
• yogurt
• steak, mashed potatoes, salad, and tea

The USDA guidelines suggest I eat:

• 6-11 bread
• 2-4 fruits
• 3-5 vegetables
• 2-3 meats
• 2-3 milks

Yesterday I ate:

• 7 breads
• 3 fruits
• 3 vegetables
• 3 meats
• 3 milks

Yesterday, I ate pretty balanced. This is typical for me on days that I skate. On days that I don't skate, I eat a little less, but still remain within the minimum guidelines.

Your Own Business ~ SP #1 ~ page 46

I wrote a sponsorship letter and am sending it out to all the business in the Fremont area. In my letter I explain that I am a figure skater who hopes to go to the Olympics and asking for their support so I can reach my goal. We set it up so they could donate through the local ice arena so their donation would be tax deductible.

Understanding Yourself And Others ~ SB #2 ~ page 42

I set a goal to learn the sign language for Love in Any Language by Sandy Patti so that I could perform it at Fine Arts Festival. I began working on it February 23 and learned it by March 21, when I performed it at church.

From Fitness To Fashion ~ SB #3 ~ page 28

Mom taught me a new hairstyle that I have been doing this week. It is great for days when I want my hair to look pretty, but it also stays in all day.

Creative Cooking ~ SB2 ~ page 54

When we go to the grocery store, Mom sends us to pick out fruits and vegetables. When we come back, she checks them to make sure they are good and if they are not the best, she teaches us and comes back to help us pick out better ones. She has told us to never get cans or boxes that are dented. We read the label on all new food that we buy. Sometimes, we won't buy something if it has certain additives. Then we will find a way to make it from scratch. Eggs, she has us check for cracks. We have to check the expiration date on all things.

Creative Cooking ~ SB1 ~ page 54

I looked up the USDA food pyramid online to see their suggestions for how I should eat.

Yesterday, I ate the following:

• bowl of cereal with milk
• lunchables deep dish cheese pizza w/ applesauce, vanilla wafers, and water
• grilled cheese sandwich w/ vegetable beef soup and Sunny D to drink

The USDA guidelines suggest I eat:

• 6-11 bread
• 2-4 fruits
• 3-5 vegetables
• 2-3 meats
• 2-3 milks

Yesterday I ate:

• 5 breads
• 1 fruit
• 2 vegetables
• 2 meats
• 3 milks

Yesterday, I did not eat very well. I got enough milks and meats yesterday. I was one away on everything else. Typically on Monday I do not eat as well as the other days of the week. I will make it a point to be more aware of what I am eating.

Understanding Yourself And Others ~ SB #2 ~ page 42

I wanted to enter a drawing in a fine arts competition. I started working on it the last week of February and finished it on Sunday. The competition is this Saturday. While I was working on my drawing, I wanted to read my book sometimes but I wouldn't. One time, I read a half chapter so I could give myself a break from drawing and then I worked on it some more.

Sports For Life ~ SB #1 ~ page 176

In lessons, our coaches had us do stretches on the ice. We held each of the stretches for at least 20 seconds. We had to do push-ups and the bridge. We also had to hold our arms up in the proper position for skating.

From Stress To Success ~ SB5 ~ page 30

My sister's brain injury is a problem that does not have an obvious solution and causes me repeated stress. I talked to Mrs.M and my mom to come up with some ways to help me cope with it. They include:

• writing in my journal
• accepting that it is what it is and cannot be changed
• focusing on the positive instead of the negative
• writing in a journal
• talking to mom and Mrs.M

From Stress To Success ~ SB6 ~ page 30

We got a Wii just over a month ago. We get on the Wii almost every day after dinner and play on it for 1-3 hours. Some of the activities are basic step, bowling, simulated bike riding, running, obstacle course, boxing and hula hoop. I am more relaxed than I was before, even in the day to day, not just when I am playing on the Wii.

Some of our ideas for reducing stress are:

• reading my Bible
• writing in my journal or on my blog
• talking to my mom or Mrs.M
• listen to music
• read a book
• soak in the tub
• running
• skating
• do cross-stitch
• play games
• knit

The one helps me most is skating. When I can't get to the rink, reading my Bible helps a lot.

From Fitness To Fashion ~ SB #2 ~ page 28

I wanted to wear make-up and my mom said that I had to wash my face twice a day for a month before she would consider it. I did and I wore make-up for a little while, but I have decided that I am pretty without it, so I seldom wear make-up now, but I still wash my face.

hypoallergenic having little likelihood of causing an allergic response

toner a cosmetic preparation that is applied to produce a required effect, such as one that reduces the oiliness of the skin

astringent tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue

exfoliate to peel off in layers

mask A cosmetic preparation that is applied to the face and allowed to dry before being removed, used especially for cleansing and tightening the skin.

moisturizer A cosmetic lotion or cream applied to the skin to counter dryness.

SPF sun protection factor: an indicator of how effectively a lotion, cosmetic, etc., protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

antiperspirant An astringent preparation applied to the skin to decrease perspiration.

deodorant A substance applied to the skin to mask or suppress body odors.

natural Not altered, treated, or disguised.

organic Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms.

botanical A drug, medicinal preparation, or similar substance obtained from a plant or plants.

From Stress To Success ~ SB #5 ~ page 30

My brain injury is a problem that does not have an obvious solution and causes me repeated stress. I talked to Mrs.M and my mom to come up with some ways to help me cope with it. They include:

• accepting that it is what it is and cannot be changed
• focusing on living my life
• finding things that I can still do and doing them
• hope for the future and imagine my life when my brain injury is finally healed
• writing in a journal
• talking to mom and Mrs.M
• finding ways to be involved in activities that I can't participate in full

From Stress To Success ~ SB #6 ~ page 30

We got a Wii just over a month ago. We get on the Wii almost every day after dinner and play on it for 1-3 hours. Some of the activities are simulated bike riding, running, obstacle course, boxing and hula hoop. I am happier and more calm than I was a month ago.

Some of our ideas for reducing stress are:

• playing with play-doh
• writing in my journal or on my blog
• drawing
• talking to my mom or Mrs.M
• breathing calmly and on purpose
• listen to music
• read a book
• soak in the tub
• do cross-stitch
• play games
• crochet
• knit

The one I use most often is playing with play-doh.

Family Living ~ CE3 ~ page 26

I share the responsibility of cleaning the kitchen with my sister. We have decided that one person loads the dishwasher and washes dishes by hand that can be placed in the drainer to dry while the other person wipes off counters, puts food away, washes any dishes that require special care, and sweeps & mops the floor. We clean the kitchen each day after dinner. If it gets messy during the day, we load and unload the dishwasher and save the rest for after dinner.

Family Living ~ SP5 ~ page 26

With our family, everybody chooses a meal each week that we have to cook. We have to figure out what needs to be bought at the store. Mom always does the shopping, but we help with that by going after items while we are at the store. I am then responsible for preparing the meal that I chose. If I need assistance, mom is there to help, but the main responsibility is on me. One of my favorite meals that I have chosen recently is Chicken Enchiladas with Black Beans and Rice. Then my sister and I clean the kitchen once dinner is over.

Family Living ~ T3 ~ page 26

Recently, we reorganized all of our movies and music. Someone had given us several movies and we are in the process of going through all of our movies and giving away the ones we no longer want. We also regularly loan out movies to friends. Most recently, we have loaned out Love Comes Softly.

Family Living ~ SB6 ~ page 26

We recently got a Wii. Playing on the Wii has not only increased the amount of time we spend together, but it has also improved the quality of our family time.

Invitation To The Dance ~ SB5 ~ page 126

I am a figure skater. I have learned the waltz jump, spiral, and side toe hop. Although these may have different names in dancing, they originated from dance moves. Often, I learn jumps and spins off ice before doing them on the ice. Jump class is much like a dance class specifically for figure skaters.

Invitation To The Dance ~ SB1 ~ page 126

Figure skating is a form of dance. I have created a warm-up routine that I do before skating. I have several stretches that I do and I also run to get my legs warmed up. The stretches include splits, pike, straddle, butterfly, triceps stretch, quadriceps stretch, I.T. stretch, and the shoulder stretch. When I am running, I run both forwards and backwards, I do side toe hops, and then I walk to cool down a bit. Then I put on my skates. When I get on the ice, I do a couple of laps of stroking, a spiral sequence, and some footwork before getting started on other things.

Writing For Real ~ T #4~ page 110

Mom showed us the news about the earthquake in Chile. She would also give us updates every day. At first we followed the initial earthquake and updates about that. Then we followed the tsunami as it headed through the Pacific Ocean. As more information became available, the prediction of where the tsunamis would hit changed. The were not traveling as fast as predicted and therefore did not cause as much damage as was originally thought. I think that having unfolding news stories as it was happening gave people warning and therefore saved many lives.

Collecting ~ SB1 ~ page 118

I collect post cards. Recently, I got some new ones on our vacation.

Collecting ~ SB1 ~ page 118

I have a business card collection and I add to it often.

Reading ~ CE #3 ~ page 106

I read How to Eat Fried Worms and watched the movie. I thought the movie was better than the book, which is unusual for me, but that the movie was kind of gross as well. I would rather write a movie because I think it would be fun to see the characters come to life. One of the benefits of writing both the screenplay and book would be that the movie would be made closer to what was written in the book instead of going off on another person's idea. Another positive would be the author would see the changes being made between the two scripts and would have some say in both. A negative to writing the screenplay would be that everything wouldn't be up to the author so he may not like those changes.

Reading ~ SP #7 ~ page 106

I swap books with the girls in my homeschool co-op regularly. Beginning last September, we each decided to bring books that we have that the others might want to read and trade.

Reading ~ SB #5 ~ page 106

In homeschool co-op, we have formed a book club. We are reading Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield. Every Friday, our group meets to talk about it from 1:30-2:30.

Reading ~ SB #2 ~ page 106

I learned the meaning of many literary terms at the beginning of this school year. Some of them and examples of their use in things I have read are listed here.

Climax (the point of highest dramatic tension or a major turning point in the action): In Pig Scrolls when he is trying to fight the bad Greek gods that are trying to atke over the world and he succeeds and then dies.

Conflict (the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction): In Pig Scrolls, Thanatos and Cosmos planned to destroy the world like it had never existed.

Figurative Language (whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else): In Midnighters, when Dess is explaining about the animals, she compares the darklings to panthers, snakes, spiders, and lots of other things but adds that each has wings.

Parable (a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle): In the Bible, Jesus uses several parables including the one about the sower.

Setting (the time and place of the action of a literary, dramatic, or cinematic work ): Midnighters happens in Bixby, OK.

Writing For Real ~ T #4~ page 110

When the earthquake hit Chile, I followed the story. I watched news stories on the Internet about how bad damages were and when tsunamis were expected to hit other places in the world because of the earthquake. As more information became available, it became evident that the predictions about the tsunamis were not correct. They were not traveling as quickly as predicted and therefore hit places later than anticipated and lost some of their force along the way. The secondary impact of the earthquake in Chile was not as bad as expected. I think that having unfolding news stories as it was happening helped because it brought more awareness and there were more people prepared for the possible tsunamis and therefore less loss of life. Also, I believe because of the news reports, more people prayed and God answered our prayers.

Do You Get The Message ~ SB1 ~ page 90

In co-op we are doing a sign language class. I have learned several phrases including: I love you, my name is, my phone number is, my favorite color is, and how to call a dog. I am also learning to sign Love in Any Language by Sandy Patti.

Do You Get The Message ~ SB1 ~ page 90

Right now in co-op we are learning sign language. I know several phrases including: I love you, my name is, my phone number is, my favorite color is, and how to call a dog. I am enjoying learning sign language and I hope to learn more.

Reading ~ CE #3 ~ page 106

While we were in GA, I watched the movie How to Eat Fried Worms. The other day, I read the book.

Writing both the book and the screenplay might be easier because the author already knows the story. Then again, the movie might need to be different from the book, so it would be harder to write it differently from what had already been written because the author knows what it going to happen in the story and wants to still make it interesting, but he might have established ideas about how the characters and the setting should look and it might not be possible to do those things on screen.

I would rather write a book because then I am not responsible for deciding how each scene should look, but I am able to still put a picture into the readers' mind about what things look like.

Reading ~ SP #7 ~ page 106

I swap books with the girls in my homeschool co-op regularly. Beginning last September, we each decided to bring books that we have that the others might want to read and trade.

Reading ~ SB #5 ~ page 106

In homeschool co-op, we have formed a book club. We are reading Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield. Every Friday, our group meets to talk about it from 1:30-2:30.

Reading ~ SB #2 ~ page 106

I learned the meaning of many literary terms at the beginning of this school year. Some of them and examples of their use in things I have read are listed here.

Climax (the point of highest dramatic tension or a major turning point in the action): In Lord Brocktree when he and the wildcat, the enemy in the story, were going out to fight and Lord Brocktree was almost killed because the wildcat had cheated.

Conflict (the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction): In Pig Scrolls, Thanatos and Cosmos planned to destroy the world like it had never existed.

Comic Relief (a relief from the emotional tension especially of a drama that is provided by the interposition of a comic episode or element): In The Reptile Room, that would be when the narrator of the story repeated the word ever for several pages.

Haiku (an unrhymed verse form of Japanese origin having three lines containing usually five, seven, and five syllables respectively): In The Austere Academy, Isadora recites a poem that she had written in the form of haiku.

Irony (the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning): In The Reptile Room, Uncle Monty says that if you are careful and follow his instructions, no harm will come to you in this room and then in the end, Uncle Monty is killed in the reptile room.

Family Living ~ T5 ~ page 26

We invited four girls for a spend the night. While we were preparing for it, we designed and printed the invitation cards. We picked the design off the Internet and chose whether it would be printed in b/w or color as well as what color paper it would be printed on.

Visual Arts ~ SB #5 ~ page 144

While we were in GA, we walked around Athens to find the Bulldawg statues. The Bulldawgs are sculptures made by different artists and they portray different aspects of life in Athens. Thy are decorated using various mediums including paint and mosaic tiles.

From Shore To Sea ~ CE #5 ~ page 62

I drew a picture of a fish that we saw at the aquarium.

From Shore To Sea ~ CE #5 ~ page 62

Our family went to the zoo and I drew a picture of a Garibaldi fish.

On the Playing Field ~ SB6 ~ page 164

When I went skating with my friend, I taught her how to do a dip. I also taught her some other basic skills.

Reading ~ T #3 ~ page 106

Frindle
By: Andrew Clements

Frindle is about a 5th grade boy named Nick who comes up with a new word. In the beginning, his teacher is totally against it and tries to stop the whole process, even keeping kids after school as punishment if they use frindle in her presence! In the end, frindle becomes a word, and the uproar that Nick's word caused dies down. This is a really good book, especially for young readers.

Have you read it? If so, leave a comment to let me know what you think about it.

Museum Discovery ~ SB1 ~ page 130

We stopped at the Visitors Center in Athens, GA. It is at the Athens Historical Museum. It had previously served as the governors mansion in the early 1900's. It is in the process of being restored. Right now admission is free with a suggested donation. The proceeds from the sales at the visitor center also go towards refurbishing the mansion. The person working at the museum that day told us all about what was there and their efforts to refurbish it. We saw several other people stop and purchase things at the visitor center while we were there. My favorite part of the museum was the governor's office. It was small and simply decorated. It was lighted by only a candle and there was no heat in the room. It only held a desk and a chair, but had a great view from the window. At this point, the museum is completely inaccessible to those who need extra space to maneuver or cannot climb stairs. I would add some way for people who cannot walk or need assistance walking to get upstairs.

Fashion Design ~ SB #2 ~ Pg120

With the help of Mrs. Stephanie, I learned to knit a scarf using a knit around. I also used instructions to help me. When I finished my scarf, Mrs. Stephanie helped me to tie it off. The idea of a knit around, is for there to be a middle in whatever you are making. In my case, a knit around made a magic scarf. The yarn I chose was a cream color that matched my coat. I had to use two strands of yarn to make it thick enough.

Pets ~ SB3 ~ page 70

I trained Tank to sit, stay, and lay down. When we got there, Tank often would jump onto people and would ignore commands he was given. A dog could be expected to follow commands and listen. Forms of discipline might be, crating the dog, telling him NO, and with holding treats. Exercises might include taking the dog for a walk, or letting him run in the yard.

Travel ~ T #4 ~ page 40

I learned to read a street map and a road map on our trip. For our trip, I was sometimes the navigator. I would look at the road map and tell mom where to go. Usually I only did this if she was fairly sure of where she was going because I wasn't very proficient at it at first.

While we were in Athens, GA, we tried to find all of the Bulldawg Statues that they have on display. While we were looking for them, I was partly responsible for finding them on the street map.

Travel ~ SB #4 ~ page 40

Prior to going on vacation, I made a list of all the things I needed to take.

• clothes
• lotion
• specials
• play-doh
• rubber bands
• tooth brush
• face wash
• tooth paste
• deodorant
• moisturizer
• mom's b-day present
• brush
• comb
• pony tail holders
• head band
• flat iron
• hair spray
• hair clips
• shoes
• music for FA
• money
• swim suit
• floss threaders
• wax
• mouthwash
• contacts and cleaner
• heat mask
• pillow
• drawing pad
• pencils
• blokus
• notebook
• music

Before leaving home, I had to clean off my desk and organize my closet.

From Fitness To Fashion ~ SB3 ~ page 28

Right before we left on vacation, I got my hair cut. I chose to have side bangs with hair cut to frame my face. My mom wanted me to choose a haircut that I would fix my hair every day and not wear it in a pony tail all the time. Mostly, I fix my hair now and even when I don't, it looks better just because of the bangs. While we were on vacation, I chose to color part of my hair bright red. It looked really good. Maybe I will do purple next...

Family Living ~ SP5 ~ page 26

Once a week, each member of our family chooses a meal to cook. Each person is responsible for cooking their meal. They are also required to make a list of ingredients needed to be purchased at the store. This week, I chose BLAT's (bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato sandwich). We don't have BLAT's normally, so it is a treat. Our family also likes to eat the bacon as soon as it comes out of the pan and is cool enough to eat. This was the first time I cooked bacon alone. After dinner, my sister and I clean up.

Travel ~ T4 ~ page 40

I learned to read a street map and a road map on our trip. For our trip, I was often the navigator. I would look at the road map and tell mom where to go. While we were in Athens, GA, we tried to find all of the Bulldawg Statues that they have on display. While we were looking for them, I was partly responsible for finding them on the street map.

Travel ~ T3 ~ page 40

While we were preparing for our trip, I helped mom map out directions for which way we were going. We visited Google Maps, Yahoo, and MapQuest. We found out that Yahoo was the easiest to understand, but Google had the most complete information and was more likely to get us directly where we wanted to go. We also learned that MapQuest pulls their information from Google so they are basically the same however, Google is slightly more accurate.

Visual Arts ~ SB #1 ~ page 144

Our family reorganized all of our craft supplies so that it is more convenient to access them. We made a place in the school room for all types of paper as well as pencils, markers, crayons, paints, scissors, glue, tape, rulers, and art books.

Space Exploration ~ SB 2 ~ Pg 76

While we were in Ohio, we went to the National Museum of Air Force History. They had an exhibit detailing the history of space exploration.

On the Playing Field ~ CE1 ~ page 164

We watched the Olympics on television with my family. Five careers associated with figure skating are:

1. Coach.
2. Skate shop owner.
3. Rink manager.
4. Skating judge (at competitions).
5. Zamboni driver.

Games For Life ~ SB6 ~ page 156

I learned how to play Blokus. In Blokus, you want to block your opponent from placing tiles on the board while also placing as many as you can.

Collecting ~ SP2 ~ page 118

Recently, I tried on everything in my closet and gave away all the things that no longer fit or I did not wear.

Artistic Crafts ~ SP2 ~ page 116

With my Girl Scout troop, we made ornaments that we donated to the residents at the local nursing home.

The Food Connection ~ SP #3 ~ page 60

As admission for the Sidner Spectacular, everyone brought canned food items which were then donated to the local food bank.

On a High Note ~ SP1 ~ page 132

My sister and I went caroling with our church at a local nursing home. Sometimes the residents sang along with us.

The Food Connection ~ SP #3 ~ page 60

We took canned food items to our ice rink and participated in a food drive the figure skating club was holding.

On the Playing Field ~ SB5 ~ page 164

In jump class, my skating coach taught us several stretches to help warm up. We held them for 20 seconds each before running. Jump class was eight weeks long. Before I started the class, it took me several laps around the rink to warm up. During the class, I did the stretches and running every day and it took me less time to warm up.

Writing For Real ~ T #3 ~ page 110

In co-op classes we went to the library and a librarian took us through several things on the Internet showing us where to access things and how to find things as well as good research sites.

Writing For Real ~ SP #2 ~ page 110

With our troop, we went to a local retirement home and interviewed several ladies about their childhood and early adult life. They told us about school, home life, chores, and their children. I did not have a tape recorder, but I did take notes of the interviews.

Computers In Everyday Life ~ SB #2 ~ page 86

I wrote a skating sponsorship letter using Microsoft Word. I learned how to format a letter with the Word program. I edited it and used spell check. I copied the whole letter and pasted it into my blog so that I could access it from a different computer. Then, I pasted the edited version back into Word. I also cut out several sentences and pasted them in a different order than I had originally written them. On the second page of the letter, I needed to use various symbols. I know how to use the toolbar and used it several times for shortcuts. Although I did not need to use columns or boxes for this project, I learned how to do it after doing the letter so that I could meet the requirements of this interest project.

Heritage Hunt ~ SB3 ~ page 124

I went to Fort Atkinson on a homeschool field trip. While we were there, I learned to make lace and cart wool to prepare it for spinning.

Artistic Crafts ~ SB2 ~ page 116

With Mrs.M, I learned to make play-doh animals. The first project I finished was a dinosaur. When working with play-doh, it is important to remember to keep the play-doh moist and to start with a ball that has no cracks in it. When there is more than one piece, water acts like glue and makes them stick together. After I have made an animal, I let it air-dry and then paint it with clear nail polish so that it is ready to display.

Reading ~ T #2 ~ page 106

I used the Internet to help find information on Christmas traditions in Paris for a school project.

Once Upon A Story ~ SB4 ~ page 102

Internal Rhyme
Next Day
One small snowman went off to play
in the world of The Next Day.
What he didn't know
was that the snow was about to go.
Very soon her felt
he was starting to melt.
The snowman rushed
but soon he gushed
down a hill against his will.

Feeling Poem
Hope
Hope sounds like birds twittering to each other.
Hope looks like wrapped presents.
Hope tastes like a fresh ripe strawberry.
Hope smells like a spring rain shower.
Hope feels like sitting on a porch swing watching a sunset.

Simile
Fall
Fall is like apples,
that turn itno cider.
Scarecrows come down,
like the snow will do soon,
jack'o'lanterns shine
as bright as the moon.

Creative Cooking ~ SB7 ~ page 54

I helped modify a lasagna recipie so that it was lower in sodium and fat for Mrs.L because she just had heart surgery. She had said that lasagna was one of her favorite meals and was concerned she would never get to eat it again. We made some things from scratch, like the spaghetti sauce and we substituted some things for lower fat and salt alternatives, like cheeses.

Creative Cooking ~ SB7 ~ page 54

We made lasagna for Mrs.L with less salt and fat because she just had heart surgery. She had said that lasagna was one of her favorite meals and was concerned she would never get to eat it again. We made some things from scratch, like the spaghetti sauce and we substituted some things for lower fat and salt alternatives, like cheeses.

Visual Arts ~ SB #6 ~ page 144

I am making cards to hang in our kitchen. Each card has a food that starts with a different letter drawn on it. When I drew the carrot, I started with the orange and added brown to make it look more realistic. This taught me about color and design. With the pickle, I made the bottom darker because of the lighting and shadows at the bottom of a real pickle when you hold it in the same position.

Visual Arts ~ SB #3 ~ page 144

I made a snail out of play-doh. The lesson that it reminds me of is no matter how slow your progress seems, you are always getting somewhere. It is on display in the living room where anybody who comes over can see it.

Visual Arts ~ SB #3 ~ page 144

I made a play-doh creature called Snot Nose Guy. It expresses a reminder to not have gross behavior. I have it on display in my living room where everyone who comes over can see it.

Graphic Communcations ~ SB1 ~ page 96

With co-op, I learned about different parts of a news paper. We looked through a newspaper to find illustrations, photgraphs, advertisements, headlines, and text. Once we had learned all of this, we wrote our own storys and published a news paper.

Invitation To The Dance ~ SB6 ~ page 126

I worked with the girls in co-op to make up a song about the branches of government. Then we choreographed a dance to go with it. When we were finished, we performed it for the whole class.

Writing For Real ~ SB #5 ~ page 110

We went on a field trip to Fort Atkinson. I posted about it on my blog.

Writing For Real ~ SB #4 ~ page 110

I helped write a newspaper with co-op. Everyone in the class had a different assignment as well as a deadline. We had articles about cars, fashion, faith, sports, cooking, restaurant reviews, pets, and other classes. We also had comics, scripture, art, creative writing, and poetry. After the newspapers were printed, we gave them out to friends and family.

Writing For Real ~ SB #4 ~ page 110

Our co-op class worked together to print a newspaper. We had articles about cars, fashion, faith, sports, cooking, restaurant reviews, pets, and other classes. We also had comics, scripture, art, creative writing, and poetry. When it was finished, we passed it out to friends and family.

Writing For Real ~ SB #5 ~ page 110

When working on our co-op newspaper, I wrote an article called 2009 Co-op explaining what was happening in our co-op at that time and what each class was focusing on.

Writing For Real ~ SB #1 ~ page 110

In co-op we published a newspaper called Homeschool Happenings. Everyone in the middle school participated in the making of the newspaper and writing of stories. One of the articles I wrote was about my sister's figure skating. My mom also proofread it for me. Her input was that it needed to flow better instead of short disconnected sentences. I corrected it and then Mrs.C read it and told me it was good before publishing it.

Visual Arts ~ T #1 ~ page 144

I drew a cover for a language arts project. I used markers, copy paper, and pencil. I used the pencil to sketch my drawing before filling it in with ink so that if I made mistakes, I could erase them. While I was finishing the drawing, I learned not to smudge my work. I learned it is important to work from top to bottom so that my hand does not rest on wet ink. Also, because I am right handed, it is important to work from left to right. The markers I used are non-toxic and acid free. This makes it last longer.

Why In the World? ~ SB 6 ~ page 78

I made a spaghetti sauce recipe from scratch. I used tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, salt, sugar, pepper, oregano, bay leaves, and rosemary. The tomatoes are an acid, the sugar is carbohydrates, and salt is neither an acid nor a base. With Mom's help, I combined all the ingredients in our Crock-Pot. We ended up cooking it longer than expected because there was so much liquid. Heat and evaporation helped brake down the individual components and make a delicious sauce.

Reading ~ T #3 ~ page106

I wrote a book report about Flat Stanley and published it on our homeschool blog.

Plant Life ~ SP4 ~ page 74

I donated 10% of the produce I grew this year to Care Corps, the local homeless shelter.

Plant Life ~ T1 ~ page 74

These are all the things I used for my garden this year.

• Shovel, made from wood and metal, used for turning the soil and general digging. Used mostly in the spring and fall, not much in between.
• Rake, made from wood and metal, used for mixing manure and Epsom salt in, also used to remove grass and weeds initially, used to make plot level, and to create rows for planting. Used mostly in the spring and fall, not much in between.
• Trowel, made from plastic, used to dig small holes to drop seeds into and to dig up weeds and loosen soil after planting seeds.
• Cultivator, made from plastic, used to loosen soil and help remove weeds.
• Fence posts, made from metal, used to frame the boundary for my garden.
• Chicken wire, made from metal, used as a fence
• Wire cages, made from metal, used to contain and support plants as they grow
• Stretch tie, made of plastic, used to hold plants in place.
• Hose, made of soft plastic, used to transport water from the spigot to the garden.
• Sprinkler, made of plastic and metal, used to equally spread the water around the garden.
• Milk jugs, made of plastic, used as mini-greenhouses.

Plant Life ~ SB3 ~ page 74

This past spring, I planted a garden. I obtained permission to use a plot on the property that belongs to the church next door. I did this by presenting them with a proposal that included what I was planting, how big I wanted my plot, and what I was going to do with the produce. Then we tilled the soil several times and removed all of the grass and weeds. I also mixed in manure and Epsom salt to enrich the soil. Then I put up a fence. Every morning, I went out to water and weed my garden, as well as pick anything that was ripe. We also tried to find ways to keep pests like rabbits and squirrels out.