UHEA Convention

I went to the Utah Homeschooling Education Association Convention last weekend at the Salt Palace and it was wonderful. I got there at 7:30 am but had to leave at 3pm; they had classes until 6pm! They also had a vendor fair that was super helpful since I like to leaf through books rather than just see them online. I found a great program for teaching the Book of Mormon, studying the prophets and notebooking. I can't wait to implement them in the fall. Honestly, I 'bout cried as I bought the Book of Mormon program. Teaching them about the scriptures is a major reason why I am homeschooling. Having the freedom to teach my kids what I want is so wonderful.

Anyhoo, I did jot down some notes that I wanted to share. I know that most of you that read my blog don't homeschool, but these are still great things to do with your kids, so I thought I'd share. (Don't be afraid to comment about them either. I always have to laugh whenever I post about homeschooling, nobody ever comments. Why is that, you guys??!)

--Use each moment that you get as a teaching moment. Learning does not have to be during certain hours. It can happen anytime in lots of ways.
--Go to the library each week. Make sure your kids get: 1 biography, 1 science, 1 poetry, and then whatever they want. Love this idea.
--Let them focus on what they love.
--If a meltdown happens, try these three things, in this order: a sandwhich, a shower, a nap! The speaker was so funny! She said her mom used to say, "I think we need a sandwhich!" whenever someone was having a break down! Low blood sugar is tough on little kids!
--Don't forget to praise! Set praise goals each day for yourself!
--Sing more! Singing lets your kids know you are happy and all is well.
--Buy books as presents!
--Use music in your daily routine. Listen to lots of different kinds of music in your home.

I have more but it is getting late. I wish they did the conference more often. I'd like to hear some more!

Don't Disrespect the D.I.......

I have a shelf in my kitchen that was looking bare on top. I have had the tile (which I made btw, for dirt cheap), up there for awhile and didn't have anything else to put up there. We were at a park in Centerville yesterday, so I had to stop at my favorite DI. I am telling you, they have the greatest things there. Ya, all DI's smell kinda weird, but hey, you can find some great deals there. Anyway, I found the red wreath for $2, the 3 candle holders for $1.50 a piece, and the round ball for $1! The round ball still had the tag on it--$5 full price. So, I spent $7.00 to make that space look better. I am happy with how it looks now. I like things that are mismatched, warm and inviting. Kinda country-ish.

This green bowl is great. I loved it. It is probably from the 70's. I set another one of the balls in there and think it looks cool. The bowl was $3.00. Yay.

I love going to garage sales, or second hand stores and getting things to decorate my house. Don't get me wrong, I love places like Tai Pan, but just don't want to have to pay full price for things every time I want to redecorate. Give the DI a chance. Oh, and call me when you are going. I'd love to tag along! You never know what you'll find........

My Goals for the SUMMER....

Thanks, Annie Poo for the idea for the goals. I love it. Here are mine.....

1. Too personal to post, but those who know me well, know what it is...

2. Keep my reading goals with the kids going strong. They have to read to me, or me to them (Seth and Addie) each day and if they do that then on Friday we get a treat. Week one was a success. We got treats at Maverik last Friday.

3. I want to finish the book "The Light of Libery" by Paul H. Dunn. It is a great book about how blessed this country is. I want to make this 4th of July special for my family and really appreciate it.

4. Teach my kids patriotic songs. Since I homeschool, it is up to me to teach them songs and I feel songs about our country are important. I bought a cd last night on Amazon for $3.98.

5. Go somewhere fun each week with the kids. Cherry Hill, Roy Aquatic Center or some place like that.

6. Get tan.

7. Paint my nails a different color each week.

8. Let the kids stay up late and let them sleep in. So, far they have been sleeping on the couches, pushed together, each night. It's like a slumber party every night. We usually just let them do this on Friday nights, but now that it is summer, we have been letting them do it every night.

9. Go on lots of bike rides.

10. Just enjoy this summer. It is my favorite season, I think. I love being tan, I love the smell of suntan lotion and feeling the sun on my skin. I love summer nights. I love summer mornings. I love everything about summer, I think.