Who doesn't love a platypus?

Nope, it's not Perry the Platypus...it's even better! Introducing my very first review on a downloadable unit study by The Old Schoolhouse: The Curiosity Files- Platypus. I am a huge fan of downloadable unit studies, especially this time of year. Spring is here and the kids are restless, they need variation in our every day school routine.

I have to say it caught them a little off guard when I told them we were going to be doing a unit study on Platypus(es). Once we got started, my kiddos were in awe of the platypus. This unit study was 87 pages of fun filled, excitement packed learning. The Curiosity Files are presented by 'Professor Ana Lyze' in a fun manner for ages 8-13. However, while using this unit study I was able to adjust the material to comfortably include our 5 year old as well.

There were so many activities jam packed in this unit study, we weren't able to get through the whole thing in a week. We look forward to finishing it up next week- the kids want more! **They adoringly named the Platypus on the front cover, Perry.** Have a look on all the cool stuff available in this study (for the price of $6.95):

• Bible study and memory verses
• Math, history, and geography investigations
• Literature and suggested book list
• Writing, spelling, and vocabulary activities
• Beautiful copywork pages (manuscript and cursive)
• Science observations, projects, and experiments
• Discussion questions
• Art, crafts, drawing, and coloring pages
• The Curiosity Fact Files collectors card and booklet
• Internet resources and video links
• Complete answer key

One thing I really appreciated in The Curiosity Files unit study was everything at your fingertips. I didn't have to go anywhere and hunt down additional information, crafts, questions or answers to questions. Talk about a comprehensive collection! My kiddos and I look forward to more of these unit study gems. There's lots to chose from, go and check them out and if you just can't decide on one or two- they come in a bundle! The 9 pack bundle saves you 35% off the regular price of $6.95 each.

Here's one on Puffer Fish.

What about Quicksand?

Our boys are gonna LOVE Zombie Fire Ants!


Happy Shopping!

His love is deep...

You know how you get a song stuck in your head? Well, I woke up singing this song this morning. You could say it's stuck in my heart...



Such an amazing song, especially following an amazing weekend. It's one thing to get the gravity of what He did for us, it's another to watch children FULLY understand it for themselves. It's a look of soberness and reality of how huge a thing it really was. And to fully grasp what a sacrifice He made for each of us individually can be overwhelming. Such a precious thing when a child says, "Mama, Jesus is so awesome- I want Him to be with me forever and ever."

How was your Easter? The week before Easter (starting Palm Sunday) we began daily readings explaining the things Jesus did that particular day. The kiddos really understood what Jesus did the last week of His life, they were shocked that Jesus went into the temple and got mad and starting flipping tables over. When I explained that He was mad because the people there were disrespecting God and it hurt Jesus' heart to see them being selfish in selling things to try and make profit a in His Father's house. I then likened that to sometimes we do stuff that disrespects God when really we should just be worshiping Him. Our 8 year old said, "Whoa..."

The kiddos were so adorable (ahem...and handsome) in their new duds. Grandma and Grandpa have graciously provided the Easter outfits the past 2 years. What a blessing!

Think on these things

As I was reading through Philippians this morning-quite a few things jumped out at me...isn't that interesting when that happens?
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

~Do you ever get in the middle of some situation and think, "I'm not content with this. Why do I have to do this? I don't like what's happening. Why is this happening like this? Should I do this?" Well, if not then it's just me...because I basically say something to this effect EVERY DAY! :)

~First of all, I find it hard sometimes to NOT be anxious. God tells us to NOT be anxious, pray, be humble, be thankful and ask, and then He will in return give His amazing peace and guard our hearts. Hmmmmm, sounds like a pretty good plan doesn't it? Sounds to me like it just may help my anxiousness and help bring about the peace I always seem to be looking for. Now, if I can just remember this before a freak-out session....

Lord, help me to remember Phil 4: 6-7 BEFORE I freak out next time!

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

This might not look like more than a bunch of gnarly branches to you- but I see something very exciting just around the corner! Some tiny, baby buds just starting to turn a yellowish-green. It won't be long and these buds will explode into beautiful and fragrant lilac flowers. I can't wait, this bush is right next to our back porch- the flowers smell SO yummy!

I'm so proud to announce my 30 baby garlic cloves made it through the winter. They starting shooting up out of the dirt even before all the snow was gone! I kept watching them hoping they'd make it after that second (2 ft) snowfall. I'm so excited to see what's under that dirt- to see if I'll get a good harvest...it's amazing to me that after such a harsh winter, life waits patiently until it's safe to jump forward and say, "I'm here!!!" Hello spring, nice to see you again!

Snow, Rain & Robins

You know when you see this guy, there's hope for nicer weather.




The Northwoods hasn't been overly kind to us this winter...everything was melted and then WHAM- 2 feet of snow in a matter of a day. I know it's common in this neck of the woods but its still not pleasant any way you look at it. The residual snow has been shrinking little by little each day, today it's rain-snowing. You know, the kind of freezing rain that's snow too...maybe you don't know...consider yourselves blessed! :)

I'm looking forward to my garden again this year- and the herb bed- and the flower beds! Actually, that's all I can think about these days as I sit here in my chair looking out at all that white stuff.

My mother-in-law gave us this amazingly awesome (homemade) bird feeder. It's huge! The thing holds more than a bucket of seed at a time. Yes, I fill my bird feeder with a bucket... Over the winter, I've grown fond of the feeder as I watch the birds coming to eat and carrying the seed(s) away. Even the squirrels and little chipmunk amuse me. I have two bird identification books on the bookshelf that are collecting dust-now that some of the pretty birds are coming back I'm excited to dust off those books and see what we've got. So far we've spotted male and female bluejays, chickadees (of course!), morning doves, a woodpecker and a female cardinal. And of course, last but not least, this morning we saw some robins. Hallelujah for the robins!!!