Our Latest Audio Book ~ Peter Pan

I use our time in the van for music appreciation and also for books on CD.   It's such a great way to learn while we're on the road.   I must say that my children don't know what it is like to watch movies in the van, and I'd like to keep it that way!   (OK, I admit we do watch movies on very long car trips, but that's it!) 

This week we chose Peter Pan from our library's extensive book on CD collection.  Selfishly, I picked this one because I've never read the book, and neither have my children.  I know we've all seen the movie, but in truth the Disney-fied version doesn't begin to do the original any justice!   The narrator of the book is Jim Dale, who also narrated all of the Harry Potter books.   Listening to this performance is such a treat!


I'm debating whether or not to extend our learning beyond just listening to the CDs... and I've been  investigating some literature guides and activities.  We'll just have to wait and see how everyone is doing by the time the book ends.   


I really wish I still had a preschooler, because if I did we would be doing the Peter Pan Preschool Pack from Homeschool Creations.  There is a great literature unit study and lapbook offered at Currclick which I might get for my 10 year old to work through (I'm thinking about our workboxes and some activities for those.) during the first few weeks of school.


My trouble is I digress A LOT!   We listen to a wonderful book and then I feel like I need to extend the learning - maybe it's ok to just listen and then leave it there.  What do you think?  


I'm happy to be linking up with Dawn at 5 Kids and a Dog for the ABCs of Homeschooling.   P is for Peter Pan!  

A Birthday on a Budget

It sounds cliche, but it really does seem like yesterday that my sweet girl was coming into this world.    We put this newborn picture of her out at every birthday... to remind her (and really me!) of how much she has grown.  

Now she is ten and getting to be so grown up.  In so many ways she is asserting her independence, but in so many others she is really still just a little girl.   I think ten is a great age!   One of her favorite things about her birthday this year was her granddaddy taking her to tea.   

We had given Miss B the choice of having a big party (she generally prefers something small) or getting a Kindle.   Well, she wisely chose the Kindle and LOVES it.   We still, however, wanted to celebrate in style.    

Here's where the budgeting comes in.  Since a Kindle is fairly expensive, we wanted to keep the party expense to a minimum.  I gave Miss B $35  and told her to make a list and plan her party.   She went right away to the computer and started planning.  (I think we need to use spell check next time!  :-)   )

It was a great exercise in budgeting and creativity for her.  I printed a 40% coupon for Hobby Lobby and away we went.   

Her good friend came to spend the night and plan the party, too.   Between those two girls we made the cake and decorated for the party.  It was wonderful!   Our family came to the house, as well as a few good family friends ~ friends who have started to spend each of our children's birthdays we use.  I guess they are honorary family members now.  

Her favorite birthday cake to make is a Peppermint Poke Cake... it is ooooh so good.  You really should try it.   The peace sign was made with Peppermint Patties, and the sprinkles around the edges are wedding sprinkles.   Black and pink streamers, along with pink balloons completed the decorations.    It took them all afternoon to get everything just right!   

 

She declared it was "the best birthday ever!".    Like I said, 10 is a GREAT age!