Mapping Skills

In preparation of implementing the classical method into our homeschool next year.  I am testing out several things this year.  One area that is mentioned numerous times in the classical method is mapping skills.  Mapping skills are developed when a student draws a map by hand.  Drawing maps by hand helps students a variety of ways.  They learn geography, art and can work on their penmanship.  

My Kindergarten son's first hand drawn map. 

Having just returned from our camping trip to Oklahoma I was looking for an extension of that activity.   Mapping skills was the perfect choice.  We learned about Caddo Indians that once lived in the area and we learned about the three rivers that border Texas.  I have decided to join in on the fun and work on my mapping skills as well. What a great learning opportunity this is going to be for all of us.  

Wordless Wednesday: Camping

Look at the swords

Our camp dog Yogi.

LEGO Mania

Medal

Hockey Player

Another Hockey Player

Decluttering My Life and Home/ Pantry Update

I decided to take pictures of my progress.  Here is the work I have done in my pantry. 



This is a before shot.



Another before shot.

 

After



Another after shot.



In the process of looking for a cooking software I noticed that each one mentioned the importance of knowing your inventory.  Previously it was difficult to identify what was in my pantry.  My plan is to keep my pantry clean and free of clutter.

* Edited to add

Here is how it all happened:

1.  Removed everything from pantry.
2. Grouped like items.
3. Tossed everything that had expired.  I was surprised to see that so many things in my pantry were    well past their expiration date.
4. Once everything was out I decided what modulars, wire racks and other space saving devices were needed for the job. 
5. Purchased previously mentioned items.
6. Wiped down shelves
7. Put items back into pantry.  

* I am not sure that I will keep the spices on the shelf.  I saw a spice rack that hangs over the door but I wasn't sure if that was the way to go.  I thought spices hanging on the door would look cluttered. In addition my 14 month old may find a hanging spice rack perfect for his mischief. However, if the spices are on the door that would free up a shelf for more storage space.  If my mind changes there will definately be an update.

During this process my mother came over and was disturbed to see everything in such disarray.  She stopped by again the next day to see how much progress I made.  I suspect she doubted my abilities.  She was so impressed that she could not stop complementing me.  She even said she wanted me to help her in her place. Imagine that!

Under Construction Agian

Recently, I have fallen victim to blogger blues again. This site is seriously stressing me out.  Perhaps my blog should be the least of my worries.  But I am going to move it up the priority list at least until I figure out how to post a button and change a few things with the layout.  It's really nothing major but the fact that this has been on mind several weeks and I have not been able to execute much is driving me crazy.  So readers of Random Uttering expect a few new things around here, ugh hopefully. As I cross my fingers and get to work. 

Happy Birthday To Me

Today is my birthday.  Happy Birthday to me. In the past birthdays would get me down and I would obsess about aging.  Today though, I am cheerfully welcoming another year. God has provided all that I need, my cup runneth over. Truly I am blessed.