Wordless Wednesday

So, I have been trying to take better advantage of my DSLR camera and learn more about photography. I've always been interested, and since there is a plethora of information on the web I figured I'd try to hone my skill. So, how's it going??? Let's just say that it might take a while ;)

To that end, however, I decided to start entering some of the weekly blog photo challenges. This week's i Heart Faces theme was "whimsy." I was behind the curve ball on timing but thought I'd take the kids outside to relax in the hammock and see what developed. I didn't want to dress them up or pose them. I wanted candid shots. They can be so sweet and funny, I was fairly confident that if I kept snapping I'd get something I could use.

This is what I got:

Not exactly what I was going for! Ah well, there's always next week.

I did manage to capture this though:

Not whimsical exactly, but definitely a keeper ;)

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:
5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ

How Does Your Garden Grow?

No veggies for us this year, but our gardens are all abloom. I love the colors!

What's growing at your place?

4th of July Educational Links and Activities

Whether you are a homeschooler looking for 4th of July lesson plan activities, a hostess looking for recipes and holiday activities for the kids, or a parent looking for ways to prevent summer brain drain, you are sure to find some helpful links here. This list is from the homschool group list, Lesson Theme of the Week and you can subscribe here: lessonthemeoftheweek@yahoogroups.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A Capital Fourth, A History of the Fourth
http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/history.html#

Betsy Ross
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/index.html#Betsy Ross

Fourth of July Celebrations Data Base
http://www1.american.edu/heintze/fourth.htm

Happy 4th of July! Celebrate America's Birthday
http://www.just4kidsmagazine.com/beacon4god/july4.html#

Liberty - The American Revolution
http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/#

NARA History of the Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/nae/index.html

The 4th of July - Patriotic Fantasy
http://wilstar.com/holidays/july4.htm#

The Presidents on the 4th of July
http://www1.american.edu/heintze/FourthPres.htm

Why do we celebrate the 4th of July
http://holidays.kaboose.com/july4-why.html

Lesson Plans

4th of July Lesson Plans
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/4thOfJuly.htm

An American Revolution Newscast
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSCIAmericanRevolutionNewscast57.htm#

ESL 4th of July Lesson
http://www.elcivics.com/esl_fourth_of_july.html

Hooray for Independence
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/detail/hooray-for-independence!-lesson-plan/

Independence Day
http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/indepday/

Independence Day Lesson Plan
http://www.instructorweb.com/lesson/independenceday.asp

Teaching with Historic Places -- Independence Day Lesson Plans
http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/jul00.htm#

The American Flag
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSArtTheAmericanFlagAndItsSymbolsK2.htm#

The Fourth of July - A day to Remember
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson069.shtml

CRAFTS

American Flag Candle TP Roll Craft
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musacandle.html#

Celebration Seltzer Rockets
http://crafts.kaboose.com/seltzer-rockets.html

Decorate Your Bike
http://crafts.kaboose.com/bike-decorations.html

Forth of July Coasters for Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musacoaster.html#

Forth of July Party Pot
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/mpot.htm#

Independence Day Shaker
http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/july_4_shaker.shtml#

Make Your Own flag
http://crafts.kaboose.com/kids-flag.html?trnstl=1

Patriotic Pebble Craft
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/rocks/patrioticpebble/#

Patriotic Perler Projects
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/perlers.htm#

Patriotic Pinwheels
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/pinwheel/#

Suncatchers - U.S. Flag
http://crafts.kaboose.com/suncatchers-american-flag.html

USA Doorknob Hanger
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musadoorknob.htm#

U.S. Mobile for Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/usa/musamobile.html#

COOKING

4th of July Snacks
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/holiday_themes/fourth_of_july_snacks.html#

July 4th Star Cake
http://www.thepartyworks.com/july-star-cake-a-1160....html?tPath=190

Celebration POPcles
http://recipes.kaboose.com/celebration-popsicles.html

Patriotic Jigglers
http://recipes.kaboose.com/fourth-of-july-jigglers.html

Stars and Stripes Cake
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/stars-and-stripes-cake/7052e392-a539-4eb4-8bf9-473d9a8eed4f?mscsprof...=

Uncle Sam Cookies
http://www.thepartyworks.com/uncle-cookie-a-1166.html?tPath=190

MULTIMEDIA

Action America - Happy New Year
http://www.actionamerica.org/fun/fireworks.shtml#

Lady Liberty Fireworks
http://www.fireworkspop.com/liberty.htm

Liberty
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ET24212074#Liberty

MUSIC

4th of July Songs
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/holiday_themes/fourth_of_july_songs.html#

The American Way
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/MusicOSongForFlagDay4thJulyP2.htm#

The Star Spangled Banner - Words and Music
http://www.weekiwis.com/ssbanner.html#

ONLINE ACTIVITIES

Create Your own Fireworks
http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/fireworks.html#

Symbols of America
http://www.kidport.com/GradeK/SocialStudies/AmericanSymbols.htm#

Teddy Bear Sparkles
http://akidsheart.com/holidays/july4/tedsprk.htm#

The 13 Colonies - Hangman game
http://akidsheart.com/holidays/july4/hm13col.htm#

American Revolution - Hangman Game
http://akidsheart.com/holidays/july4/hmamrev.htm#

The National Archives Experience: Sign the Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/nae/index.html

U.S. Capital - Jigsaw Puzzle
http://www.primarygames.com/puzzles/jigsaw/US_Capitol/start.htm#

U.S, Flag - Jigsaw Puzzle
http://www.primarygames.com/puzzles/jigsaw/US_flag/start.htm#

U.S. Symbols Match Game
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/july4/games/match_up/start.htm#

PRINT OUTS

4th of July Wordsearches
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/julyprint.htm#

Bingo Game - Unite Flag
http://www.billybear4kids.com/BINGO/Games/Unite-Flag.htm#

4th of July Coloring
http://holidays.kaboose.com/july4-color.html

Fourth of July Printable Worksheets
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/printable-worksheets/seasonal/fourth-of-july/index.php

John's Word Search Puzzle - 4th of July
http://www.thepotters.com/puzzles/july4.html#

July 4th Activity Book
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/books/julyfourth/#

July 4th Paper Doll
http://www.billybear4kids.com/paperdoll/July4th.html#

Math Activity Worksheets
http://www.kidzone.ws/math/usa/index.htm#

The States That Made It Happen Crossword
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/games/13states.html#

I hope you enjoy these activities and have a safe and fun-filled holiday weekend!

Aloha Friday!

 

Greetings friends, and happy Friday. Summer is in full swing and I've been remembering summers from my youth. With school over for the year, we reveled in swimming pools, lazy afternoons, slumber parties, and playing with friends. Often, all of the neighborhood kids would get together and organize games. Kick the Can, Four Square, Hide and Seek and Crack the Whip were favorites.

As I was thinking about this it occurred to me that I have not seen kids play those kinds of games in years. Other than the organized games in PE classes, or an occasional game of hide and seek at our house, I can't recall seeing any kids play that way. That makes me sad. We had so much fun, and learned so much about cooperation, leadership, negotiation, compromise, and more.

My question this week is: Do kids in your neighborhood play outdoor games on their own accord? What were your favorites growing up?




Thanks for stopping by! Visit An Island Life for more Aloha Friday fun. Link up here:

Also, be sure to enter my giveaway for a Pet Armor Prize Pack including an waterproof digital camera!

10 Time Saving Tips for Busy Moms

I have always been a multi-tasker. Juggling projects was my job when I worked in advertising years ago. Then, I became a mom and learned what it really means to be pulled in a million different directions every day! With 4 kids 9 and under, someone needs something nearly every minute of the day. Since my kids are homeschooled, there is no break for me during school hours. Managing it all can be hectic, and exhausting. There never seems to be enough hours in the day. But, I've learned a few things that help me keep it together.

1. Use technology to your advantage: I am a list maker. I used to make shopping lists, but sometimes forget them and wind up leaving the store without something we needed. Making it necessary for a second trip. I love my iphone, and use the notes feature to create shopping lists. That way I always have them with me.

2. Stock up on staples: I'm a couponer and stock up on staples when I find a good deal. I make two big shopping trips a month and try to limit extra trips to the store, if possible.

3. Freeze in portions: After shopping, it helps to separate meats and veggies into portions to use in recipes later. They are easier to defrost and prepare on busy evenings.

4. Clean out the car at the pump: Traveling with kids can mean crumbs, cups and crayons end up all over the car. Do a clean sweep when you're at the gas pump and get rid of the junk.

5. Divide and conquer: At least once a day, assign everyone a room to pick up. The house will be more organized and livable in under 10 minutes.

6. Use a caddy for cleaning: Organize and stock a caddy so that when you are in cleaning mode, you can carry it easily from room to room and zip through the dirt.

7. Cook once, eat twice: I often double recipes and freeze half for a later meal, or throw twice the meat on the grill for a great second meal during the week.

8. Map out errands: A shopping trip or running errands without kids is a luxury for me. I try to plan ahead and map out a couple of hours when I can knock out my errands and have hubby watch the kids or set up a play date. That way, I get things done more quickly with less aggravation, and I have more free time throughout the week.

9. Shop online: I save lots of time and money shopping online by taking advantage of discounts, rewards points and free shipping. The best part? I can shop on my time without whining kids!

10. Teamwork: Our family is a team. If there's a job to do we tackle it together. Enlist even young toddlers to help with housework like sweeping, dusting, putting away laundry, etc. You'll have more time and energy and teach valuable lessons along the way.

A little pre-planning and a lot of teamwork go along way toward making every day life simpler and more enjoyable. What tips do you have for saving time?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Wordless Wednesday

We The People 9.17 Constitution Contest for All Ages

Constituting America's mission is to reach, educate and inform America's youth and her citizens about the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the foundation it sets forth regarding our freedoms and rights. 


To view last years winner, sign up, or find more info, visit Constituting America .

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:
5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ

Visit the U.S. National Parks FREE on June 21st

Visit the U.S. National Parks FREE on the First Day of Summer

This coming Tuesday, June 21st, is the first day of Summer. Celebrate it by visiting a national park for free! The U.S. National Park Service is offering free entry into over 100 parks that normally charge entrance fees.

Other fee-free days remaining this year are Sept. 24, which is called Public Lands Day, and Nov. 11-13, Veterans Day weekend.

Go to the U.S. National Park Service page for more information and to find participating parks.

Aloha Friday!

 

Aloha all! It's Friday and I'm happy the weekend has come. We've finished our year-end testing and I'm looking forward to Father's Day weekend.

Although I won't be able to see my Dad this year, I know he'll be enjoying himself and his recent retirement on the shores of Lake Michigan. He has worked hard all his life, and saved his pennies. He always strives to do the right thing and deserves to enjoy himself. If I had to choose one thing that I admire the most about my dad, it would be that his moral compass always seems to be right on target. He is strong in his convictions, fair, honest, forthright and always faithful. I think one would be hard-pressed to find a person with more integrity than my dad. I hope to spend some time with him next month, when he returns home, which is only about 3 hours from here.

Hubs, my other hard-working guy, will be busy studying for a final and preparing a presentation for his graduate class. But, I'm sure we'll manage to sneak in some fun and relaxation. We have a few surprises planned for him.

My question for this week is: What is your favorite thing about your dad?

For more Aloha Friday Fun, visit An Island Life.

Pet Armor Giveaway

If you haven't heard, PetArmor™ is a new flea and tick medication that works like others on the market, but at a fraction of the cost. As a great dane owner, I'm no stranger to large pet bills...not to mention large food bills and large piles in my back yard, but I digress. The point is, who wouldn't love to save a buck or two when it comes to pet expenses? Yes, we love our four-legged furries as family, and they deserve the best care possible, but that doesn't mean it should cost an arm and a leg. Now, thanks to PetArmor™, we can protect our pets from those pesky parasites and save a pretty penny too. You'll find it at Walmart for $25-$35 for a 3-month supply.

So, what's the scoop on this new med and how does it compare to market leaders like Frontline?
From the company website:
"It's simple. PetArmor contains the same active ingredients and the same flea and tick
protection as Frontline. For years, Frontline was the only flea and tick medication of its kind on the market. Now PetArmor™ offers the same active ingredient (fipronil), in the same concentration as Frontline, so it's just as safe and effective against fleas and ticks. Fipronil is the number-one active ingredient recommended by veterinarians for flea and tick control. Also, PetArmor Plus contains S-methoprene, just like Frontline Plus, which prevents flea eggs from hatching and growing up, and then laying more eggs.

Why the same, for less?*
PetArmor is a generic version of Frontline with the same active ingredient—fipronil. The fipronil patent (U.S. Patent # 5,232,940) has expired, clearing the way for generic products to be available. We've made it up to 50% less expensive* and available in stores where you shop, because we'd like to help more pets stay flea and tick free.

PetArmor is all about providing greater access to affordable pet medications in support of better health for all pets. As an official flea and tick treatment of the ASPCA, PetArmor protection will be offered to dogs and cats in the ASPCA’s Adoption Center and clinic. Additionally, we are working with the ASPCA to launch the PetArmor Protection Pledge to create a community dedicated to better pet health. We encourage you to visit our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PetArmor) to take the pledge. Each pledge taken triggers a $1 donation to the ASPCA, up to a maximum of $100,000, to help pets in need. We hope you’ll take the pledge and rally others to do the same."

I have been using PetArmor on our dane, Bella for a month now and it seems to be working well. We live in the mosquito and tick-ridden south and spend a lot of time outdoors. Bella has not been bothered by bites and I have not seen a single flea or tick on her. (I know they're out there, we pulled a tick off of my daughter about a month ago!) Of course, you should always consult your vet before using any medication for your pet.

Our Bella Girl

Great news for my pet-loving readers, PetArmor is offering a sweet gift pack giveaway!

The “Take a Hike” gift pack is valued at nearly $100, and includes:
Sling-style backpack
Aluminum sports water bottle
Sunscreen (Coppertone SPORT, SPF 50)
Travel-friendly pet water bowl
Custom-printed pet bandana (so they can hit the trail in style)
A waterproof digital camera (to capture the memories when hiking with your family)
A discount coupon for Pet Armor

Here's how to enter:
First entry, tell me what you love about your pet. That's it! Easy ;)

For extra entries:

Subscribe to my feed (3 entries)

Add my button to your blog or add me to your blog roll (3 entries)

Follow me publicly in google
Become a fan of PetArmor on Facebook

Become a Fan of Serendipity is Sweet on Facebook

Follow me on twitter

Tweet this giveaway link (please leave a link to your tweet in your comment, 1 per day)

Fave me on technorati
Leave a comment on another post and let me know you did.

Be sure to leave a comment for each entry and a valid email address. Open to U.S. only. Winner will be chosen by random integer selection. The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen. Contest will close on June 30, 2011 at 12:00 AM EST. Good Luck!!!

**I received no compensation for this post, but was offered a sample of PetArmor to try myself, and the prize pack valued at almost $100 to giveaway to my readers. The opinions expressed here are my own.**

Support Autism iPad Challenge & Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Hello Bloggy Friends!

I'll tell you right off the bat, that this post is a plug for my little 'sis. She's a hard-working, super-caring, smarty-pants school psychologist. She spends her days (and many nights) helping the kids who need help the most. Many of those kiddos have Autism and it's her job to help them succeed in school and in life.

Most of us know someone who struggles with, or is touched in some way by autism. Unfortunately, most school systems (and many parents) have limited funding and resources to make the most of today's technology and give these kids all of the benefits they deserve. Imagine the frustration of working your tail off day in and day out to help a struggling child, knowing there is a better way, but being unable to access the tools that you need.

That's where the Autism iPad Challenge comes in. Here's the scoop from Smarty-Pants herself:

iPad Challenge
Here’s a great opportunity to support the autism community and help me win an iPad to use with my students who have autism. The iPad is not only a fantastic instructional tool for kids who are nonverbal and/or have strengths in visual processing, it also will be invaluable in collecting and graphing data on my students’ academic and behavioral progress. I simply need to sell any combination of 60 of the items pictured below.
How to participate:
1. Place an order from the website (http://www.thepuzzlingpiece.com/products.html).
2. When you make your purchase you MUST put my first and last name (Heather Langknecht) in the section that says, “Challenger’s Name”, otherwise I won’t receive credit.
3. After you place your order, come back here and post a comment telling me what you ordered and if/how your life has been touched by someone with autism.
4. Once I cross-check your name with the orders you will be entered in a drawing for a $35 Amazon gift card (this could turn out to be a money maker for you!). I will announce the lucky winner on July 15.


The following are the only items from the site that count towards the challenge:

My personal favorite is the wine opener ;)  Please consider making a purchase for yourself or as a gift. And, even if you can't make a purchase, please share this link and spread the word!
Thank you for your support!

Wordless Wednesday

Shopping With The Stooges:

I took my daughter out shopping the other day to spend her birthday gift card. Shopping with kids is always an adventure ;)

Link up your posts here:

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit these fabulous blogs:
5 Minutes for Mom
Wordless Wednesday HQ

Meet Me Monday Blog Hop

Welcome to Meet Me Monday! I'm joining in today to meet new friends.  Meet Me Monday is a weekly link-up hosted by Inspiring You To Save created for socializing and to help bloggers get new followers, subscribers, and readers. Every Monday a new linky will be posted. Here’s how it works:

Follow this blog.
Leave a comment if you’re a new follower with your web address and I will follow back.
Grab the “Meet Me Monday” button from here and place it on your site to help spread the word.
Link up, visit other blogs, and make new friends!

If you are visiting for the first time, welcome to my little world! This blog is about the life and times of a military wife and stay at home homeschooling mom of 4 ages 9, 6, 3 and 9 months. Written by a great dane-loving, cookie-haording, educational adventurer who rarely puts down her camera and drinks coffee by the gallons. I occasionally host reviews and giveaways for products of value to my readers.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I look forward to hopping along to your blog ;)

Aloha Friday!

 
Aloha friends and happy Friday! I hope that you have had a fun and productive week. It's hot here. Africa hot. We're in the middle of a heat wave and end of the year testing. I'll be glad when both have passed ;)

My question today (totally unrelated to my babbling) is:Do you subscribe to deal sites like Groupon, Living Social, etc.? Have you bought much through them? Just wondering what others think of them. If you don't know what I'm talking about you can check out my post here.

Thanks for visiting today! Wishing you a wonderful relaxing weekend :)

Wordless Wednesday

Partners in Crime

For more Wednesday fun, be sure to visit:
5 Minutes for Mom

Tuesday Blog Hop

Hello friends! Happy Tuesday :) I was checking out the lists of blog hops over at Random Deals (awesome resource- what a brilliant idea) and came across this sweet little Tuesday Blog Hop hosted by Chic 'n Savvy Reviews. I thought I'd join in, partly because one can never have too many friends and partly because I'm a sucker for all things owl ;)

So here's the scoop:
"You simply add your blog's name and link. In return, you are to follow the host (ChicnSavvy Reviews) of the blog hop. The blogs you follow will follow you back just make sure you leave a comment so that the blog owner knows you were there. Also if you don't follow back, please don't sign up. This is to help boost our traffic and followers on our blogs, and I want it to be effective and fun!"

If you are visiting for the first time, welcome to my little world! This blog is about the life and times of a military wife and stay at home homeschooling mom of 4 ages 9, 6, 3 and 9 months. Written by a great dane-loving, cookie-haording, educational adventurer who rarely puts down her camera and drinks coffee by the gallons. I occasionally host reviews and giveaways for products of value to my readers.


Thanks so much for stopping by today. I look forward to hopping along to your blog ;)

The Princess's Putt Putt Party

Yesterday was a day we had been anticipating for quite some time. Every day since about February my daughter has been counting down to her 6th birthday. We celebrated yesterday with friends and family and a few rounds of Glow-in-the-dark putt-putt. She was so excited and had the time of her life. We all had a good laugh at her shrieks of excitement over each gift. It was priceless.

It is bitter sweet to see how she is growing up into such a young lady. I miss that chubby, cuddly, cute baby, but am so proud of my beautiful, sweet big girl!

SOOC Saturday

Welcome to SOOC Saturday {or Sunday} hosted by Marvelous Mommy who says: "Whether you are a professional photographer, an amateur photographer, or just someone who likes taking pictures, I encourage you to link up. This is a super simple weekend meme that doesn’t take up much time. Please join me! I’d love to see your shots."

There's a lot of excitement at our house this weekend with a birthday party and company visiting from out of town. All that socializing can wear a girl out!



Thanks for stopping by today! For more SOOC Saturday fun visit Marvelous Mommy.