Somis Home Study will be starting their SPA (Student Parent Appreciation) Days this week.
They are once a month on Fridays. This one, on October 24th, will have the theme of Halloween.
It will be a fun day for the children K-8th to wear costumes, do crafts and other Halloween activities.
Since we are here today for the K-3rd enrichment classes and we plan to come on Thursday for the tutoring it will be three days this week to trek out here. Since I have been able to use a computer and go online it is making my day more productive but the cost of gas still sucks right now.
Next month's SPA Day theme will be Thanksgiving.
Also, Tuesday of next week, at the same time as the Parent-Child week, Somis Homestudy will be having an Open House. It will be on the 28th at 6:30 pm. Families that are thinking about homeschooling or want to learn more are welcome to come down to check out the classroom and ask questions.
:-)
:-)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Great free learning homeschooling websites
I'm going to try to make a list of websites for homeschooling. Please let me know if you have an good ones to add. They can be good for teaching online, free lesson plans to print or games for kids to play.
http://www.helpme2teach.com/ This one is not free but they do have a free 3-day trial without using a credit card. Type in 3DAYSFREE (all caps). I have not checked this one out yet but have heard it is great.
Brainpop or BrainpopJr (just add dot com to either). They do have accounts that you can subscribe to as a yearly membership but some of the videos and exercises are free.
http://www.wecansolveit.org/ Great for environment and recycling.
http://www.starfall.com/ Great for reading, spelling, phonics. A few different grade levels.
http://www.bookitprogram.com/ Sign up your children to receive coupons for a free personal pizza each month as part of a reading program. They have a section for homeschooling and for public schools as well.
www.mhschool.com/math It was hard to navigate but we found the exact same edition of the math books that Little D and Baby K have and there were games and some interactive activities that related to some specific chapters of their math books. They had other sections besides math as well.
The following few I got from a magazine as the 'top five sites for kids to grow on' I have not seen them all but the ones I have previewed were great.
http://www.homeworksport.com/
http://www.ology.amnh.org/
http://www.scholastic.com/
http://www.studyjams.com/
http://www.webwisekids.org/
http://www.studyjams.com/
http://www.helpme2teach.com/ This one is not free but they do have a free 3-day trial without using a credit card. Type in 3DAYSFREE (all caps). I have not checked this one out yet but have heard it is great.
Brainpop or BrainpopJr (just add dot com to either). They do have accounts that you can subscribe to as a yearly membership but some of the videos and exercises are free.
http://www.wecansolveit.org/ Great for environment and recycling.
http://www.starfall.com/ Great for reading, spelling, phonics. A few different grade levels.
http://www.bookitprogram.com/ Sign up your children to receive coupons for a free personal pizza each month as part of a reading program. They have a section for homeschooling and for public schools as well.
www.mhschool.com/math It was hard to navigate but we found the exact same edition of the math books that Little D and Baby K have and there were games and some interactive activities that related to some specific chapters of their math books. They had other sections besides math as well.
The following few I got from a magazine as the 'top five sites for kids to grow on' I have not seen them all but the ones I have previewed were great.
http://www.homeworksport.com/
http://www.ology.amnh.org/
http://www.scholastic.com/
http://www.studyjams.com/
http://www.webwisekids.org/
http://www.studyjams.com/
Free Pepsi... customer service
I have called the (800) number before when I have gotten an item at the store that I have a problem with. They are usually very accommodating and happy to help.
When I had a bottle of hair detangler for Baby K and the plastic of the bottle was too thick to squeeze it out once I got 1/2 way through the bottle I called. It was a brand new product and they were very happy to know this. On top of that they sent me coupons. Two were $7.99 coupons for any product they make and a few more were $1.00 coupons.
So, recently I did this with Pepsi. I did not have a problem with their the Pepsi but with their contest. I had a bottle cap that said 'buy one 20 oz get one free' and I took it to three different places and no one would take it. They all said, "We don't participate in that program." Even the place that I bought it from.
The Pepsi customer service rep. told me that it is up to the places that sell the Pepsi if they want to participate or not. BUT.. they mailed me some coupons for the inconvenience.
I got two coupons. Each good for one 2-liter bottle of any Pepsi-Cola product.
Well, this only gets better. I went to Vons to shop and they were having a sale. 'Buy One Get One Free' on the Pepsi products.
So, I got Four 2-liter bottles of Diet Pepsi for free!
:-)
When I had a bottle of hair detangler for Baby K and the plastic of the bottle was too thick to squeeze it out once I got 1/2 way through the bottle I called. It was a brand new product and they were very happy to know this. On top of that they sent me coupons. Two were $7.99 coupons for any product they make and a few more were $1.00 coupons.
So, recently I did this with Pepsi. I did not have a problem with their the Pepsi but with their contest. I had a bottle cap that said 'buy one 20 oz get one free' and I took it to three different places and no one would take it. They all said, "We don't participate in that program." Even the place that I bought it from.
The Pepsi customer service rep. told me that it is up to the places that sell the Pepsi if they want to participate or not. BUT.. they mailed me some coupons for the inconvenience.
I got two coupons. Each good for one 2-liter bottle of any Pepsi-Cola product.
Well, this only gets better. I went to Vons to shop and they were having a sale. 'Buy One Get One Free' on the Pepsi products.
So, I got Four 2-liter bottles of Diet Pepsi for free!
:-)
Del Taco Free Tacos club
EVERYONE wants your address or email address to try to solicit to you, right? But sometimes it is rewarding too.
Sign up at www.deltaco.com for their Raving Fan Club and you will get;
Two chicken soft tacos.
1 shake on your birthday.
And coupons for other offers.
:-)
Sign up at www.deltaco.com for their Raving Fan Club and you will get;
Two chicken soft tacos.
1 shake on your birthday.
And coupons for other offers.
:-)
recycling for art
We have figured out a great way to recycle with out just throwing something in the recycle bin.
Old tv trays, trays from Lunchables and similar plastic trays work great for art work. Especially the ones that have separate sections.
They can be used as paint pallets. I pour some paint of different colors in each section and the kids can choose to mix them up or keep them separate.
We have used them to put beads in the separate by color.
To squirt some glue in when we are using q-tips to glue objects together.
I'm sure there are lots of other ideas too.
When we are done with them we can choose, depending on how dirty they got, on weather to throw them out or rinse them out to use them again.
:-)
Old tv trays, trays from Lunchables and similar plastic trays work great for art work. Especially the ones that have separate sections.
They can be used as paint pallets. I pour some paint of different colors in each section and the kids can choose to mix them up or keep them separate.
We have used them to put beads in the separate by color.
To squirt some glue in when we are using q-tips to glue objects together.
I'm sure there are lots of other ideas too.
When we are done with them we can choose, depending on how dirty they got, on weather to throw them out or rinse them out to use them again.
:-)
Free money and balloon from Toys R Us
On the same thread as the free ice cream, I registered both kids for the free birthday club with Toys R us. This was easy and is actually cute and fun.
About a month before their birthday I got a birthday count down list with ides, suggestions and reminders with a check-off list.
The kids got a gift card for Toys U Us. It says 'Good for $3 off any purchase of $3 or more'.
We had some birthday returns so with the store credit I used this too to save on their new purchase.
Last, they got a post card that said to present it to an employee at the customer service desk for a birthday surprise.
This was adorable! Little D was slightly embarrassed but still young enough to enjoy it. Little K was glowing.
The customer service person gave both of them a birthday crown to wear. Gave them a helium balloon that said Toys R Us and Happy Birthday on it. And announced on the loud speaker both of their names, their ages and a very loud Happy Birthday to both of them!
They got extra smiles the whole time we were browsing the store.
:-)
About a month before their birthday I got a birthday count down list with ides, suggestions and reminders with a check-off list.
The kids got a gift card for Toys U Us. It says 'Good for $3 off any purchase of $3 or more'.
We had some birthday returns so with the store credit I used this too to save on their new purchase.
Last, they got a post card that said to present it to an employee at the customer service desk for a birthday surprise.
This was adorable! Little D was slightly embarrassed but still young enough to enjoy it. Little K was glowing.
The customer service person gave both of them a birthday crown to wear. Gave them a helium balloon that said Toys R Us and Happy Birthday on it. And announced on the loud speaker both of their names, their ages and a very loud Happy Birthday to both of them!
They got extra smiles the whole time we were browsing the store.
:-)
Cold Stone & 31 Flavors Free Ice Cream for Birthdays
Two years ago I went online and registered Myself and both kids for 'a free scoop of ice cream for your birthday' club. I did this with both Baskin & Robbin's 31 Flavors and with Cold Stone Creamery. When I got the email to print the coupon I was surprised to learn that the coupon was for a little over a week and then it expired. Since Baby K's birthday is in August, Little D's birthday is in September and mine is in November it meant we'd be going there too much AND when one kid got a free ice cream the other one wanted me to buy them one. So, I changed the dates of their birthdays. Now both kids get a coupon the same week so they can use them together and both get a free scoop without me having to spend money (unless I want to buy one for myself).
The kids love getting it either way!
The kids love getting it either way!
Mystery Shops work at home
Yes, you can do mystery shops. They are not all a hype. However, you will not make a living doing them. If you want to do them, consider them an extra perk. A little more money or 'things' that you purchase and get reinbursed for. I like the part of being in disguise. Most pay $10-15 and for restraunts will reinburse about $25-50.
I used to do them with about 5-6 different companies. Furniture stores, fast food, banks, retail stores that are high-end selling clothes, purses, etc. It is a blast to do them.
I have stopped because there is a limited time to sign back on and do the report (which takes about 30-60 mintues). It is more profitable for me to list online to sell rather then do an hour long report that I got $10. for.
If you want to do them, ask around or do a Google seach. Two that I liked were Sassie Shop, www.sassieshop.com and I Shop For You, www.ishopforyou.com
My friend, Susan, has done them as well. She told me about a car trip she was going to make and needed an oil change. She emailed a shop that has done oil changes before and asked if they had one and they did (but hadn't posted it yet). She has done that with airport parking as well.
So, she got to do mystery shops that were not even posted by just asking. She got a free oil change and got reinbursed for her airport parking!
:-)
I used to do them with about 5-6 different companies. Furniture stores, fast food, banks, retail stores that are high-end selling clothes, purses, etc. It is a blast to do them.
I have stopped because there is a limited time to sign back on and do the report (which takes about 30-60 mintues). It is more profitable for me to list online to sell rather then do an hour long report that I got $10. for.
If you want to do them, ask around or do a Google seach. Two that I liked were Sassie Shop, www.sassieshop.com and I Shop For You, www.ishopforyou.com
My friend, Susan, has done them as well. She told me about a car trip she was going to make and needed an oil change. She emailed a shop that has done oil changes before and asked if they had one and they did (but hadn't posted it yet). She has done that with airport parking as well.
So, she got to do mystery shops that were not even posted by just asking. She got a free oil change and got reinbursed for her airport parking!
:-)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Field Trips Week Guitar Factory JPL Painted Horse Pinki the Clown
We went on three field trips in a row this week. WHEW! It has been a very busy week.
Monday we had enrichment classes at Somis.
Tuesday we had a field trip in the afternoon to Larrivee. It is a factory in Oxnard that builds guitars. They make, on average, 16 guitars a day and work M-F. The normal prices are about $1000-3000 each but our tour guide said with special things, custom things and upgrades they can go a LOT higher. He said one sold recently for $45,000.
I will post photos later but overall it was a neat place. We got to walk around to all the different stations viewing the employees sanding, gluing, painting, etc.
The total field trip was a little long for the younger ones and it was hot. Normally it is in the low 70's in Oxnard but on this day it was 86. They have special rooms that have temp and humidity controls but the rest of the places was all open, HIGH ceilings and it was too hot!
This would be a neat place for adults to go and learn about guitars too. They actually make a few other similar instruments but the majority of sales are guitars.
Wednesday we went to JPL and had a tour of the grounds. We went with two other families so it was a nice, small group. We were there for about 2-2 1/2 hours. The kids go to see a new Mars Rover being built, satellites and more. The tour guides were great and friendly. Answered all of our questions and were very patient with the kids. This is defiantly a fun place. In May they have a two day open house that is open to the public too.
Today, Thursday, we went to The Painted Pony. It is in Santa Paula and it is a working ranch. The kids got to pick apples, pick one pumpkin, feed and pets goats, pigs, miniature horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens and I'm sure there are some I'm missing. They had a great time. This was with a group from Somis and it was huge. I guess everyone needed some fresh air and running around. The place is beautiful. Surrounded by lush, green hills and mountains. It was great to be there. In the spring they will be starting a gardening class and in the summer they have a camp for kids (too far of a drive for us but neat to pass on).
I have LOTS of pictures from all three of these places and they are all still on my camera. I will post them soon.
Tomorrow, Saturday, we are going to Lowe's for their free children' workshop and then we might go see Pinki the Clown at the Simi Cultural Arts Center.
On Sunday it is the 18th annual Japanese Festival Day at the Camarillo Community Center. We have made it 3 of the last 4 years and the kids think it is great. They have sword fighting, sumo wrestling, tea ceremonies, children's crafts like origami and they sell a lunch tray that has Japanese food. I'm hoping we make it there this year, after church!
Monday we had enrichment classes at Somis.
Tuesday we had a field trip in the afternoon to Larrivee. It is a factory in Oxnard that builds guitars. They make, on average, 16 guitars a day and work M-F. The normal prices are about $1000-3000 each but our tour guide said with special things, custom things and upgrades they can go a LOT higher. He said one sold recently for $45,000.
I will post photos later but overall it was a neat place. We got to walk around to all the different stations viewing the employees sanding, gluing, painting, etc.
The total field trip was a little long for the younger ones and it was hot. Normally it is in the low 70's in Oxnard but on this day it was 86. They have special rooms that have temp and humidity controls but the rest of the places was all open, HIGH ceilings and it was too hot!
This would be a neat place for adults to go and learn about guitars too. They actually make a few other similar instruments but the majority of sales are guitars.
Wednesday we went to JPL and had a tour of the grounds. We went with two other families so it was a nice, small group. We were there for about 2-2 1/2 hours. The kids go to see a new Mars Rover being built, satellites and more. The tour guides were great and friendly. Answered all of our questions and were very patient with the kids. This is defiantly a fun place. In May they have a two day open house that is open to the public too.
Today, Thursday, we went to The Painted Pony. It is in Santa Paula and it is a working ranch. The kids got to pick apples, pick one pumpkin, feed and pets goats, pigs, miniature horses, rabbits, ducks, chickens and I'm sure there are some I'm missing. They had a great time. This was with a group from Somis and it was huge. I guess everyone needed some fresh air and running around. The place is beautiful. Surrounded by lush, green hills and mountains. It was great to be there. In the spring they will be starting a gardening class and in the summer they have a camp for kids (too far of a drive for us but neat to pass on).
I have LOTS of pictures from all three of these places and they are all still on my camera. I will post them soon.
Tomorrow, Saturday, we are going to Lowe's for their free children' workshop and then we might go see Pinki the Clown at the Simi Cultural Arts Center.
On Sunday it is the 18th annual Japanese Festival Day at the Camarillo Community Center. We have made it 3 of the last 4 years and the kids think it is great. They have sword fighting, sumo wrestling, tea ceremonies, children's crafts like origami and they sell a lunch tray that has Japanese food. I'm hoping we make it there this year, after church!
Barack Obama has my vote in Simi Valley
Do you want the next 4 years to be the same as the last eight? Face the facts. The economy sucks right now. The war needs to end. WE need new ideas. McCain wants to do the exact same thing that Bush is now doing.
Barack Obama is the change we need... or it will be, "Same as it ever was." for 4 more years!!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Funny blogs cakewrecks why would you knit that?
I have found two very funny blogs that I thought I'd share.
The first is www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com I have, not kidding, been laughing out loud so hard I was afraid I'd wake up the kids from some things that have been written on this one. It is a site of all 'professional' cakes and how wrong, ugly or crazy they can be. The typos are the best!!!
The second is http://www.Whywouldyouknitthat.blogspot.comI just heard about this one tonight. There is not a huge amount posted on it yet but there is great potential. Lots of funny stuff here too!
If it works, here is a video from the Cake Wrecks that is on YouTube right now. I have NO CLUE why someone would make it. A college assignment? The people that made it are definitely disturbed. I be going to bed shortly and I'm sure I'll have this stupid song stuck in my head! LOL!
The first is www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com I have, not kidding, been laughing out loud so hard I was afraid I'd wake up the kids from some things that have been written on this one. It is a site of all 'professional' cakes and how wrong, ugly or crazy they can be. The typos are the best!!!
The second is http://www.Whywouldyouknitthat.blogspot.comI just heard about this one tonight. There is not a huge amount posted on it yet but there is great potential. Lots of funny stuff here too!
If it works, here is a video from the Cake Wrecks that is on YouTube right now. I have NO CLUE why someone would make it. A college assignment? The people that made it are definitely disturbed. I be going to bed shortly and I'm sure I'll have this stupid song stuck in my head! LOL!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
NEW fees, again from eBay
http://pages.ebay.com/sell/August2008Update/MaxShipping/
Okay, check out the above link. eBay is changing their shipping fees. On certain items, like books and cd and computer games, they are putting a max. amount that can be charged for shipping. Even if there is 20-500 books. The prices seem WAY too low. BUT, you can avoid this constraint. You have to now use the shipping calculator. Down side, you have to have your item all boxed up and know the exact weight while listing so that you know what to input.
Two reasons that eBay is doing this. 1- So that buyers do not get charged too much for shipping. 2- eBay collects a fee on the final balance. So, if you sold something for 99 cents and charge $20 for shipping they'd only collect their fees off of the 99 cents. BUT, if they limit this and you sell the item for $15.00 and charge $ 5.00 shipping eBay will now make the % of their fees based on the $15.00.
So, bottom line is more money, again, for eBay!
Debbie
catch-up
Okay. I have a huge pile of things I want to post on here. Lots to share too. Since it is 1:40am I'm not sure how much I will get done but here is a start!
New of school year is going nicely. We turned in our work today at Somis. I think there is 9 times or 10 total that we turn in work so one month down! December is short due to the winter break too.
Enrichment classes for K-3 are on Mondays besides the last Monday of the month, when we turn in work and having our meetings.
The new park day that I created is going great. About 3-4 active families coming. I think the small size is great and the kids are having a blast. Due to the heat we have been meeting in Moorpark. It is a little cooler in Moorpark then it is in Simi. We found a nice park with lots of shade and have been meeting there on Tuesdays.
Wednesdays we are at West Vally Homeschool group in Tarzana. We have been having some problems with a few boys and Little D getting along but I'm hoping it will all smooth out. Baby K is in a great girls group. We had a potluck the first week and they made group t-shirts. Last week we made our scrapbooks that they will add to through out the year. I think this week's theme is 'old fashioned games' and we will be playing jump rope, red rover, etc. Baby K just loves this group and has meet a lot of nice friends in it. Starting this week Little D is giong to try out a brand new class, fencing. I will have to see how he does and if he can listen and not goof off to see if he can stay in it. I talked about it with him and he is excited about it.
Thursdays we often meet a friend and her daughter to play in the afternoon or we just play catch-up. There has to be at least ONE day that we are home all day so that I can do things like laundry and cleaning. Somis will also be having tutoring on this day. We went last week and right now they are testing all the kids for language arts and reading to see where they are at to know where to start. One of the teachers, Heidi, came up to me and asked if Little D is colorblind. I told her, yes, he is, but only a little bit. Colors like tan, faded yellow, off white and white might be hard to tell apart. Or he often gets mixed up dark blue and purple. WELL... she tells me that he told her that her sweater was white and it was a black sweater. He sure tricked her! Sigh!!!
Fridays once a month are SPA (Student Parent Apprication Days) at Somis. In Oct. the theme is Halloween. We often have field trips on Fridays too.
So, as it can be seen, we are getting busier and busier! I have been making sure that we schedule time to be at home too so that the kids get some down time to just play. We have been sucessful at doing our school work in the am's before ever leaving the house and sometimes doing a little bit on the weekend.
Some nice news, Little D won 3rd place for a book he wrote. It was submitted to the Ventura County Fair by Somis Homestudy. It was a nice surprise. They presented it (and for other kids as well) at the beginning of the school year picnic. He got a white ribbion that is one of the long, pretty ones. He is very proud of himself for recieving it.
Fridays
New of school year is going nicely. We turned in our work today at Somis. I think there is 9 times or 10 total that we turn in work so one month down! December is short due to the winter break too.
Enrichment classes for K-3 are on Mondays besides the last Monday of the month, when we turn in work and having our meetings.
The new park day that I created is going great. About 3-4 active families coming. I think the small size is great and the kids are having a blast. Due to the heat we have been meeting in Moorpark. It is a little cooler in Moorpark then it is in Simi. We found a nice park with lots of shade and have been meeting there on Tuesdays.
Wednesdays we are at West Vally Homeschool group in Tarzana. We have been having some problems with a few boys and Little D getting along but I'm hoping it will all smooth out. Baby K is in a great girls group. We had a potluck the first week and they made group t-shirts. Last week we made our scrapbooks that they will add to through out the year. I think this week's theme is 'old fashioned games' and we will be playing jump rope, red rover, etc. Baby K just loves this group and has meet a lot of nice friends in it. Starting this week Little D is giong to try out a brand new class, fencing. I will have to see how he does and if he can listen and not goof off to see if he can stay in it. I talked about it with him and he is excited about it.
Thursdays we often meet a friend and her daughter to play in the afternoon or we just play catch-up. There has to be at least ONE day that we are home all day so that I can do things like laundry and cleaning. Somis will also be having tutoring on this day. We went last week and right now they are testing all the kids for language arts and reading to see where they are at to know where to start. One of the teachers, Heidi, came up to me and asked if Little D is colorblind. I told her, yes, he is, but only a little bit. Colors like tan, faded yellow, off white and white might be hard to tell apart. Or he often gets mixed up dark blue and purple. WELL... she tells me that he told her that her sweater was white and it was a black sweater. He sure tricked her! Sigh!!!
Fridays once a month are SPA (Student Parent Apprication Days) at Somis. In Oct. the theme is Halloween. We often have field trips on Fridays too.
So, as it can be seen, we are getting busier and busier! I have been making sure that we schedule time to be at home too so that the kids get some down time to just play. We have been sucessful at doing our school work in the am's before ever leaving the house and sometimes doing a little bit on the weekend.
Some nice news, Little D won 3rd place for a book he wrote. It was submitted to the Ventura County Fair by Somis Homestudy. It was a nice surprise. They presented it (and for other kids as well) at the beginning of the school year picnic. He got a white ribbion that is one of the long, pretty ones. He is very proud of himself for recieving it.
Fridays
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Somis Homestudy New year
The school year has now started. Our schedule is starting to become routine although new things are being added.
Somis Homestudy has a few changes this year. Two teachers have left due to budget cuts and a third might leave/might stay, depending on the total number of enrollment. I hope she stays! She is Baby K's favorite teacher (Baby K said she is the nicest).
Mondays are K-3 and Wednesdays are 3-5 so, technically, Little D could go both days, being in 3rd but I heard from another mom that Wednesdays are mostly 5th graders and the 3rd graders have to be mature and be able to keep up. I'm not sure he can do that. Plus Baby K has the Snow Fairies on Wednesdays in Tarzana. Not sure I want to do all that driving in one day.
New to Somis Homestudy is tutoring that they are offering on Thursdays for K-8th.
I'm going to see if I can get a laptop for cheap so that I can do computer work while I am down there. I asked and they said yes, that I can have internet access and even use a computer there but if I'm doing the Chacha work I have to have a Chacha toolbar on the computer. If I upload my photos before I leave the house I should be able to do my eBay work there.
We have already started our work at home and the beginning of the school year potluck was last week but the enrichment classes don't start until next week.
Something else new, I started my own park day/play group. There are 12 families online but so far there just a few actually chatting. Today there was 5 families at the park. We had a blast and stayed until it was time to come home and make dinner. Both kids fell asleep quickly! I love how much running around at the park tires them out.
Tomorrow is the potluck for the beginning of the school year party with West Valley and Snow Fairies. The girls are suppose to bring a plain white t-shirt to cut and decorate.
We are also going to try to make it to a silent auction that the La Leche League of Thousand Oaks is putting on.
In the am I have to run to my dad's before he leaves to borrow his camera. Little D was playing with mine on the playground 'to take just one picture' and fell off the playground with it and now it has sand in the lens, the lens is stuck out and it does not do anything and doesn't make any noise at all. I'm going to see if I can get my step-dad to clean it up and try to fix it.
Somis Homestudy has a few changes this year. Two teachers have left due to budget cuts and a third might leave/might stay, depending on the total number of enrollment. I hope she stays! She is Baby K's favorite teacher (Baby K said she is the nicest).
Mondays are K-3 and Wednesdays are 3-5 so, technically, Little D could go both days, being in 3rd but I heard from another mom that Wednesdays are mostly 5th graders and the 3rd graders have to be mature and be able to keep up. I'm not sure he can do that. Plus Baby K has the Snow Fairies on Wednesdays in Tarzana. Not sure I want to do all that driving in one day.
New to Somis Homestudy is tutoring that they are offering on Thursdays for K-8th.
I'm going to see if I can get a laptop for cheap so that I can do computer work while I am down there. I asked and they said yes, that I can have internet access and even use a computer there but if I'm doing the Chacha work I have to have a Chacha toolbar on the computer. If I upload my photos before I leave the house I should be able to do my eBay work there.
We have already started our work at home and the beginning of the school year potluck was last week but the enrichment classes don't start until next week.
Something else new, I started my own park day/play group. There are 12 families online but so far there just a few actually chatting. Today there was 5 families at the park. We had a blast and stayed until it was time to come home and make dinner. Both kids fell asleep quickly! I love how much running around at the park tires them out.
Tomorrow is the potluck for the beginning of the school year party with West Valley and Snow Fairies. The girls are suppose to bring a plain white t-shirt to cut and decorate.
We are also going to try to make it to a silent auction that the La Leche League of Thousand Oaks is putting on.
In the am I have to run to my dad's before he leaves to borrow his camera. Little D was playing with mine on the playground 'to take just one picture' and fell off the playground with it and now it has sand in the lens, the lens is stuck out and it does not do anything and doesn't make any noise at all. I'm going to see if I can get my step-dad to clean it up and try to fix it.
Do you Chacha ?
I just signed up as a Chacha guide. Lots of small steps to get there but neat to do. Basically when people email or text questions (as if doing a Google search) a live person, a Guide, gets the question, finds the answer and send it back to them.
They pay 20 cents a question which does not seem like a lot but adds up to about $10-12 per hour. AND... it is fun. Lots of crazy, stupid, interesting questions. People asking for directions, places for cheap gas, relationship problems, history questions, sports statistics, etc.
I know I have a million and one things already going on but so far I like this. I might get burnt out or might get more efficient and make more money!
The link is chacha.com
my user name is Debbzs
:-)
They pay 20 cents a question which does not seem like a lot but adds up to about $10-12 per hour. AND... it is fun. Lots of crazy, stupid, interesting questions. People asking for directions, places for cheap gas, relationship problems, history questions, sports statistics, etc.
I know I have a million and one things already going on but so far I like this. I might get burnt out or might get more efficient and make more money!
The link is chacha.com
my user name is Debbzs
:-)
Monday, September 1, 2008
Great auto mechanic in Simi Valley David Skinner
I found a great car mechanic last week. My front breaks were squeaking BAD and I figured they needed to be replaced but didn't have much money to pay. The actual parts have a lifetime warranty from Autozone but the person that put them on for me 2 yrs ago could not do it. But, he gave me the number for someone named David (Dave) Skinner and told me to call him. So, I did. I brought my van over to him a few days later, after we got back from camping, and he worked on it.
He ended up getting the new breaks from Autozone to replace these (had someone from there bring them to him) and then he did all the work removing and replacing the front breaks on both sizes.
The breaks now work great and he charged me only $40.00. WOW WOW WOW!!!
His place of business was by my friend's house so we walked over there and said hi and caought up on things then we walked to McDonald and they got a free snack (Little D got an apple pie and Baby K got a chocolate chip cookie and they both shared a small fry). These were free by using the coupons they sell at Halloween and Valentine's Day. They are a great deal. So, when we were about done Dave called me and said the van was done. We walked back to him. Paid him. and chatted then left.
So, since the serivce was great and prices wonderful I thought I'd share it.
DS Auto Repair.
David Skinner.
(805) 306-9894.
Davids@dsautorepair.net
Dsautorepair.net
:-)
He ended up getting the new breaks from Autozone to replace these (had someone from there bring them to him) and then he did all the work removing and replacing the front breaks on both sizes.
The breaks now work great and he charged me only $40.00. WOW WOW WOW!!!
His place of business was by my friend's house so we walked over there and said hi and caought up on things then we walked to McDonald and they got a free snack (Little D got an apple pie and Baby K got a chocolate chip cookie and they both shared a small fry). These were free by using the coupons they sell at Halloween and Valentine's Day. They are a great deal. So, when we were about done Dave called me and said the van was done. We walked back to him. Paid him. and chatted then left.
So, since the serivce was great and prices wonderful I thought I'd share it.
DS Auto Repair.
David Skinner.
(805) 306-9894.
Davids@dsautorepair.net
Dsautorepair.net
:-)
Kids Talk Politics documentary
Check out Kids Talk Politics for great political views from small voices. For ages 8-10 yrs old. Children can tape their views and email it in as a link or on YouTube and they can be part of the documentary-in-progress.
Send to: ken@kidstalkpolitics.tv or visit the website at www.kidstalkpolitics.com
Send to: ken@kidstalkpolitics.tv or visit the website at www.kidstalkpolitics.com
Baby Got Barack Obama
Great clothes for children with Barack Obama on them. I've seen lots around town (bought different places). "Barack-a-Mama" (for a mom). Barack Me All Night Long (baby shirt, like a lullaby) and more.
This specific website has "Barack-a-Bye Baby" and "Baby Got Barack" and more.
T-shirts, onsides, toddler shirts and adult tees. Shirts are $20 + $4 shipping.
www.barackbaby.com
This specific website has "Barack-a-Bye Baby" and "Baby Got Barack" and more.
T-shirts, onsides, toddler shirts and adult tees. Shirts are $20 + $4 shipping.
www.barackbaby.com
Interesting but I'm not surprised Library vs video games
Library Fact:
Americans spend nearly 10 times as much money on home video games ($9.9 billion) as they do on school library materials for their children ($1 billion), according to the American Library Association.
I wonder if they compared books vs other multi-media (video games, computer games, dvd movies) and not compare it to a school library how the results would be different.
YOU have to think when surveys are done what they WANT you to hear!
Yes, I believe that people spend more money on video and computer and dvd (individually even) then books but is it REALLY double???
What do you think?
Americans spend nearly 10 times as much money on home video games ($9.9 billion) as they do on school library materials for their children ($1 billion), according to the American Library Association.
I wonder if they compared books vs other multi-media (video games, computer games, dvd movies) and not compare it to a school library how the results would be different.
YOU have to think when surveys are done what they WANT you to hear!
Yes, I believe that people spend more money on video and computer and dvd (individually even) then books but is it REALLY double???
What do you think?
recycling ideas & websites
I just read about reusable bags and found a great link. These can be used in lunch boxes or just for left-overs. Instead of buying plastic bags, zip-loc bags and sandwich bags you can use these and RE-USE them over and over again. The website is www.reusablebags.com Now, if you are like me, you think these are cool but can't afford them, you can STILL do something. Wash your zip-loc bags and use them again. I do this mainly if there were dry goods in them, like chips or crackers. If it was something like meat or slimy stuff like pizza then I will throw them out. Due to the size, cost and how there is a few amount in the box, I tend to do it more with the gallon size bags.
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