Early signs of winter..

Taken Oct.2011

Here is one last look at my yard before an early season snow takes over and blankets it tonight.
 We are going to be covering the screen house with tarps and putting all the summer toys in storage.
Time to put away the bikes and scooters to make room for sleds and shovels.
 I really don't mind snow, it covers the brown barren yard and makes for some really pretty pics.
What I really do mind is when I have to go somewhere and the roads are slick from either snow, sleet or a mix of every kind of precipitation witin an hour of starting.
 After having been in a few weather-related accidents I am a big chicken on the roads when the temp falls below freezing. My kids and hubby get annoyed at my Dystychiphobia- Fear of accidents.as well as my phobia of driving on roads in inclement weather. It is not a good thing to deal with every year :(

This is what my yard will look like soon.

Guess that's life in NH.

Carlito the Catepillar's Math House Games =)

I am excited to share a great review opportunity with you. Carlito the Catepillar's Math House Games is based on a 20 step sensory math teaching system, which teaches kids math in a fun way!

Early childhood development professionals note that young children are most open to learning when they play.  Most parents know the importance of math but many are unsure of how they can help their young children learn the fundamentals of math. There are so many questions. "How early should I start? What does my child need to learn? What concepts are most important? What do I do if my child has more trouble than other kids their age?" Often times the answers to these questions are not clear or consistent.

The c3pla Sensory Math Teaching System was created by Domenico Marcario, M.S., a retired math teacher and loving grandfather, to answer those questions.

They have created activities and games for parents to play with their children. The material is presented in 3 stages, with a total of 20 steps and 2 games in each step  covering quantity, numeration, and operations.

   The sturdy deck is on attached on a ring that allows you to choose which game to play and not worry about losing the other cards while you get absorbed in the game. Very handy tool.

The set contains

• 30 double-sided, full color, illustrated Game Cards
• Related editorial information explaining to parents The What, Why and How of Each Step
• Each 8" x 4" loose leaf card is printed on heavy card stock, lacquered to help protect from spills and ring bound to keep together and facilitate play

---

In addition to the games, Carlito C. Caterpillar’s MathHouse Games sells colorful, detailed math activities for toddlers and young children. Their materials are based on Domenico’s proprietary 20 Step Sensory Math Teaching System. This system, which utilizes objects and fun games to help children learn math, busts several myths about math such as the assumption that mathematics is highly abstract in nature.

For more detailed background, reinforcement and idea sharing with other parents go to: www.c3pla.com/parents


  I hope this helps you and your child have fun while learning :)
Thank you!

"Disclosure of Material Connection:

 I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I am disclosing this in accordance with

 the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:

                "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Wordless Wednesday =D

<3 =P  <3

Trying to study at home..

 This spring our school announced, much to my dismay, the possibility of becoming a Title 1 school, meaning every person, including paras, must be highly qualified and/or certified by the 2012/13 school year. I know it makes sense for people working with kids to be highly qualified, but I am not happy about being forced to take classes to reach that at this time in my life. I found out I need three classes to become certified, but they are all online and I strongly dislike onlione classes. I am way too highly distractable and dependent to focus on lessons. If I have to pay over a thousand dollars for a class, I should be receiving some type of instruction, not just told what book I need, chapters to read and essays I need to write.
  I sit in my office to do the assignments, when my husband peeks in,"Got a minute?"
(my thoughts: om,No.) what I say:  "sure,what is it?"  "can you help me with something?" ( are you kidding?! I keep telling you how much I have to do...) "ok,but just for a minute"
   I helpout, get back to the same paragraph I started a half hour ago. Then, "Mom!" ( go away,I'm busy. I can't help you.go ask dad) "What honey?". "Mom, I'm hungry."  (you know how to get a snack and a juice box. you're six now and get things by yourself all the time) " ok sweety. Here's a cheese stick, crackers,  and juice. try to ask dad next time"  " I did ask dad but he told me to ask you." (!?!*#) "ok,honey.just get something next time"
 Back to wherever I was, but stop to look on facebook and check out my email, reread my notes and resume my paper. The sound of something dropping in the kitchen grabs my attention and I wait to hear the aftershock. My son's plate fell off the table, didn't break,no need to help. "MOM! my plate fell!" (ignore it) "MOM!" (ignore it) "fine,mom doesn't want to help me anymore.she just wants to do her work on the computer....."  (ignore it)  son pops his head in my office,"Mom?"  (deep sigh) "yes,hon?" "Mom, I love you. I'm going outside." (smile to myself and try focusing on my essay.) I don't get a lot done, but it's good to know they care and can function without me 24/7.
  I guess we can read every text book about teaching, and have a position in an ivy league school;but being a parent is the best teaching job I've ever had =)
 I love being a Mom <3

New Cd review!! Brittany Hargest

Brand new CD by Brittany Hargest , (formerly of Jump5)
 has just released her first solo album titled 'Love All the Way'.

Brittany Hargest
'Love All the Way'

 I'm so excited for you to listen to this album and to hear what you think.
Her sound is really upbeat and meaningful, you'll want to listen to it over and over
and will get more from it each time.

I enjoyed  Brittany's songs that combine energetic beats with lyrics that communicate the hope, love and acceptance that are found in knowing Christ.
From the group, Jump 5, Brittany, is jumping back into the spotlight with her release, Love All The Way
The album begins with the high-octane "Critical" which talks about the need for action-driven faith to save a world in crisis. Brittany warns, "Too many doing 95 down a dead-end road. We gotta do something quick! It's getting critical."
 She implores listeners to be part of the solution and calls them to prayer and bold action: "We see too much to act so blind." The song's message is supported by punchy music with guitars that sound like sirens, and an unrelentingly fast pace that illustrates the urgent need for God in today's world.
 "Critical" can also be interpreted as emphasizing the need for a personal faith decision. "It’s life and death," she sings. "It is  showing the world's need for Jesus. And what His love can do for us.

Each of her songs has a message of hope and encouragement,you just have to listen to the words between dancing and singing along :)
If you'd like a chance to win her CD,
 post a comment below
 and a name will be drawn
on Weds. Oct.26,2011 at 9:00 pm EST.

The winning name has been chosen:

The winner of the Brittany Hargest CD is...

Kristina!!
Congratulations!!

Thanks for your interest in this review,

Blessings,

Lori Caouette

To  find out more about Brittany =>Website: http://www.brittanyhargest.com/

 FB Friend Brittany=>Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brittanyhargestmusic

Tweet her=> Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/brittanyhargest

Download her music here => iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/brittany-hargest/id448125384

See  her make her CD=> Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4r4MLof_g3k

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services

                mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I

                only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

                I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:

                "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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Columbus Day weekend

This weekend has been absolutely gorgeous!
The skies were clear blue, not a cloud in sight.
Trees are full of bright red, yellow,  and orange hues.
Some leaves have started falling,
creating  colorful carpets that will soon be fun to crunch our feet in,
or to make piles for jumping in.

Warm breezes blew through the open windows,
both are very rare for October.
Sightings of mums, pumpkins and mini gourds decorate yards and houses.
The scent of baked apple pies and pumpkin bread waft around the neighborhood.
I saw lady bugs seeking shelter for the upcoming cooler weather.
then washed my van a final time,inside and out.
I intend to enjoy Columbus Day tomorrow, one last lovely hurrah,
before trading in my sandals for mud boots.
I hope you had a terrific weekend also :)
Happy Autumn!!
Blessings,
~Lori

New cute kids' book, Cooper and Me

Cooper and Me.
A new book written by Alexa and Monique Peters.

 My first grade son and I read this story together and we both really liked it. He then talked about how he had his bear in his backpack through most of Kindergarten last year and how good he felt with Niblet close by :) I think this is a neat story with illustrations kids will relate to.
       Here is their story:

In 2010, 11-year-old Alexa Peters, along with her mother Monique Peters, found a meaningful way to turn her passion and love for writing and drawing into an opportunity to “give back” to other kids. Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for her first book, Cooper and Me. The story of a little girl’s fears about starting school evolved into a timeless tale about overcoming separation anxiety and trying new things – basic emotions all people experience throughout their lives – but this time, written by a child, for children. As retold in Cooper and Me, Alexa’s own story had a “happy ending” – a clever, compassionate solution that involved taking a small replica of her beloved pet to school with her. The first book introduced the family’s real-life dog, Cooper the Labrador Retriever, and the mother-daughter team began imagining a series of stories featuring Cooper that would engage little kids while guiding them through the ups and downs of daily life. In addition to the original Cooper and Me, four more story books are set to publish throughout the next twelve months, all containing relatable life lessons inspired by Alexa’s experiences, with illustrations based on her drawings of Cooper.
 Alexa and mom Monique wanted to help less fortunate kids, and so their search for an organization to which they could donate a portion of the proceeds from the Cooper and Me book led to a charitable alliance with the Happy Hearts Fund, founded and run by Petra Nemcova, the supermodel who was directly affected by the tsunami in Thailand. Happy Hearts improves children’s lives through education and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas.

~~~Here is how you can find out more about this and other Cooper books, and at the end is info on how you can have a chance to receive a free copy to share with a youngster you love:


--->> Website: http://www.cooperandme.com/


*For a chance to receive your free copy, click on the 'Comments' word below and write your thoughts on this book, and I will be randomly picking a name on 10/12/11.
Thank you,
blessings,
~Lori

"Disclosure of Material Connection:

 I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I am disclosing this in accordance with

 the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:

            "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

PeeWee soccer mom vent!...

 This summer my son asked me to sign him up for soccer.
I considered the fact that since he is six and still learning how to play fair,
would this be a good fit for him? He insisted he wanted to play,so we signed him up.
 The first time on the field was more of an intro to the coach and players.
all the athletes were running around without much direction,
regardless of the coach's frantic calls.
 The first game was frustrating for me,
as my son looked more like a hockey player than soccer player.
 He kept bumping into others and body checking any other player near him.
 This league is co-ed. which means he was pushing down girls as well as boys.
He ignored the coach at every call, refused to go out or in when told to,
and he didn't even go near the ball. Very frustrating!
 I was ready to have him quit and forget the whole thing.
Fortunately,the team had barely enough players,
 so I decided to wait and see how, or if,he progressed.
 Tonight's game was a bit better.two weeeks later.
He (mostly)kept his hands off others.
He actually followed coach's directions.
and even went up to the ball and kicked it a few times.
I helped keep the subs out of the ten foot wide puddle,
stopped a water bottle fight, and had them be cheerleaders for the team.
I think I preferred being with the team than with the other parents
where I usually complain how bad he's doing.
 I think there is hope for my son to be a team player,
it may just will take a few years :/
Until then. I'll try focusing more on his progress than his problems.
As long as he is having fun, I will try to, too.
 One day at a time,Sweet Jesus <3
~Lori

Welcoming Autumn =)

  October 1,2011.
The cool rain continues to fall,

 and saturate nature to its fullest 

Colorful leaves dance to the green grass below,

 acting as a blanket to keep warm from the Autumn chill.

The sky is a swirl of greys,
 occasionally letting out a ray of light.
Birds have begun their journey
 flying south for warmer shelter.
Squirrels scurry to gather acorns
 burying them where snow will soon fall.
Bees buzz frantically  
 as though they know their time is nearly done.
When the sun breaks through the clouds
 Droplets shimmer on the colorful leaves
The scent of Autumn fills the air,
 And I smile with happiness =)

Blessings,
~Lori caouette