science

We had a wonderful experience doing Physics Quest. It was our first time doing this and it was wonderful --- mostly because we had two moms in our group that love science and understand it well. They led our group and did a great job. Physics Quest is a contest. They send a box of science supplies and a workbook. The kids had to work through 4 experiments. Afterward, as a class we submit our answers. The classes that have the correct answers go into a drawing for iPods for the class. The kids hope so much that they win. Wouldn't that be awesome!!!

The experiments were lots of fun. We met once a month for 4 months. Results need to be entered by May 8th. So we won't know if we win for awhile.

Here is a link to physics quest.

recipe - monster cookies

My husband got this recipe from a lady he works with. The cookies are fairly healthy and taste very, very good. 

¾ c. brown sugar
¾ c. sugar
¾ c. unsweetened applesauce
4 eggs
1 c. unsweetened peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
6 c. oatmeal
½ c. oat bran
1 tbsp. baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 c. sunflower seeds
½ c. chopped pecans (optional)
1 pkg. chocolate chips

Mix ingredients, drop large spoonfuls on baking sheet, bake at 350 for 10 – 12 minutes (I find the time varies by pan and oven).

8th Grade Confirmation Retreat - over - yah!!

The 8th grade confirmation retreat was last Sunday. Did you notice I wasn't posting for few days???? I first working on the retreat and making sure everything was ready and then I was recovering. It was a long day for me. I got there at 7:00 a.m. and was busy until 8:30 p.m. Very long day. But I think it was a success and that is what matters. There are a few things I would like to change for next year but overall it was a success. 

The day was a retreat for the 8th graders - in the aspect that we take them off site. The goal is for the 8th graders to think about what it means to be confirmed and then to write their mission statement and testimony. 

Interestingly it was agony for many of the girls as they wanted it to be perfect. And they analyzed and agonized over every word. The boys just wanted to get it done. Many of the boys needed to take more time and put in more thought and effort. 

It was interesting to see a visual difference between the boys and girls. (Now this is, of course, a generalization - and doesn't in any way apply to ALL girls or ALL boys. It was just a general observation that we saw develop during the day as the kids went through the process.)

Frosty - the beginning

This kind of gives you a glimpse of what Frosty was like prior to the warmer weather arriving. 

The demise of Frosty

Frosty didn't last long. Snow that falls this time of year usually doesn't last long. This was very upsetting to the youngest who took special pride in creating Frosty - with arms, mittens, a hat and carrot nose. The rest of us are welcoming the coming of spring. 

Thomas Jefferson quote

Again, hoping we can learn from the past and from some of our most famous founding fathers. 

A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government. 

Thomas Jefferson 

melted

The snow we got on Saturday has, for the most part, melted. 

My two youngest had spent time on Sunday building a snowman and the youngest was just devastated when Frosty melted. Now we have two stick arms, a hat and a few carrots laying in the front yard. Frosty remains. Very sad for the 5 year old to see. 

Rest of the family is viewing it in a more positive --- we are anxiously hoping it means spring is here to stay!!!