Science Experiment: Magic Penny Cleaner

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Do you have any old grungy pennies around the house? I’ll bet you do. Check under the couch cushions. Oh. Is it just my couch that collects money? Try the cup holders in the car. Still just me? We’ve been studying the first 12 elements on the periodic table, and this little experiment is an easy lesson with some pretty cool chemistry going on. Bonus, it’ll make your gross pennies look brand-spankin’ new. Like magic. Disclaimer: Vinegar is (apparently) the absolute worst smell on the planet. According to my kids, it may kill you with prolonged exposure. You may want to add “noseplug” to your list of materials.

Magic Penny Cleaner

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Blow Up Old Peeps

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No. No. No. Don’t explode elderly people. I’m talking about the marshmallow variety. If you still have some sugary sweet Peeps hanging around from Easter, try popping them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. They balloon up like crazy, much to the delight of any child watching. Fine. You caught me. I’m delighted by this too. Then again, it doesn’t take much to tickle my fancy.

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Science Observation: Bird’s Nest Day 23

~ Tonya ~ 2 Comments

Lots of excitement at the nest today! As usual, it was occupied when I peeked around the corner, but as I glanced at the fence, another Junco appeared from next door and dropped off some grub. As soon as the food was deposited, both birds flew away. Gazelle to a nearby tree, the other up to the fence line where he sat, glaring at me. All that, and I haven’t even arrived at the exciting part.

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One Thousand Stories to Save Your Life

~ Tonya ~ 1 Comment

During the 6 weeks of great composers at CC, we study various composers, the parts of the orchestra and lots of musical vocabulary to give a broader understanding of the fine art of symphonic sound. As a classical music nut, I adore these 6 weeks. I had the opportunity to introduce my kids to Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade this week as we studied the Romantic Period of classical music. I whipped up a little lesson plan that you can easily use to introduce your own kids (or yourself) to this glorious and exciting tale, woven into beautiful melodies!

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Science Observation: Bird’s Nest Day 22

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Good morning everyone! Hydro is still an only child. I’ve decided either he’s an overachiever from way back, or the other eggs are just not going to hatch. We are learning about odds and probability in CC. 1 out of 3 is pretty lamesauce (lame sauce…yes it is too a word) when you are talking babies. Sheesh. For the first time, I didn’t grimace in horror when I looked at him. Finally! Continue reading →

Science Observation: Bird’s Nest Day 21

~ Tonya ~ 3 Comments

Quick update with zero pertinent information. Really. It’s our CC day, so I was out of the house early in a mad dash of backpacks and orchestra materials. No nest checking. Now that we’re home, Gazelle is hiding any activity with her big fluffy keister. I’d wager she’ll remain on the nest the rest of the day since it’s turned cold and drizzly. Hopefully I’ll get a better look tomorrow and there will be more ugly babies.

Devotional: You Are Mean, Obstinate and Argumentative

~ Tonya ~ 3 Comments

“For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10

Why do I consistently place the opinions of others in higher esteem than God’s truth? When confronted with gossip, accusations and whispered remarks, my strength should be rooted in the word of God, rather than my own fleeting feelings of self-worth and self-righteousness. I’m quick to leap to my own defense, instead of resting in the promise that God will fight for me, that I need only be still. (Exodus 14:14) Continue reading →

Science Observation: Bird’s Nest Day 20

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I managed a quick video of little 4-day-old Hydro this morning. He was stretching out his wing, trying to get leverage to turn around and reach the breakfast morsel Gazelle had just dropped off for him to eat. After momma bird flew off in search of more nourishment, I thought I’d have a moment or two to catch the little guy nibbling his meal. Alas, Gazelle returned to the fence line immediately. Clicking loudly and hopping (literally hopping up and down) mad, she shooed me away from her precious baby. Continue reading →

Like White on Rice

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With one simple feeder, our yard has become “a paradise for birds” says my daughter. I can’t say that I disagree. They’re like white on rice! We’ve observed more birds flocking to our yard in a week, than we’ve seen in nine previous years. Pine Siskins and Chickadees are the most common feeders, but few new friends were spotted in the past couple days.

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