How to Use These Plans

Story Book Theme: Read a book at least daily that fits the theme
Letter: Introduce the letter, talk about the sound it makes and discuss different things that start with the letter
Shape: Introduce the shape and point out objects that are that shape
Color: Introduce the color and point out objects that are that color.
Number: Introduce the number, show how it is written, use tally marks, dots and other counters, count on fingers. Count objects
Opposites: Introduce the concept and demonstrate

Spanish Vocubulary: Use the spanish word in place of of the english word in conversation
Sign Language: Introduce the sign and use it each time you say the word
Vocabulary Word: Introduce the word, define and explain it. Say it often
Speech: Encourage child to repeat what you say, and repeat what they say with positive affirmation

Literature Study: We read this story at the dinner table and discuss its literary merit as a family.
Philosophy Study: Read the story at the dinner table and discuss the philosophical questions that arise from it. For suggestions on questions refer to https://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org

Poetry: Read the poem daily
Nursery Rhyme: recite the rhyme daily
Song: Sing Daily
Lullaby: Sing Daily

Classical Music: Listen During Breakfast
Dance: Just move a lot and be silly
Musical Exploration: Let the child play with the instrument how ever they would like

Art Appreciation: Show the child the pictures and discuss the artistic properties it has
Crafts: Encourage creativity
Theater: Imagine and play

Bible Passage: Read these verses daily
Bible Story: Read the story at dinner time with the family and discuss

Science Concept: Introduce the idea
Nature Study: Go outside and do the activity
Gardening: Show pictures of the plant, taste and smell if you can, plant one
Problem Solving: Use the academic language during playtime
Simple Machines: Show these concepts during playtime, use academic language.

Social Studies: Talk about the concept with the child
History: Read the story at dinner time and discuss with the family
Geography: Introduce the concept
Economics: Introduce the concept
Personal Finance: Introduce the concept

Five Senses: Use the idea during play time
Body awareness: Point out the body part repeatedly
Health: Discuss the idea
Exercise: Demonstrate the movement and try to get the child to imitate you
Game: Play

Year One Week One: Cows

This is what we are learning this week.


Story Book Theme: Cows
Letter: A
Shape: Square
Color: Green
Number: 1
Opposites: In and Out

Spanish Vocabulary Word: hola
Sign Language Word: Milk
Vocabulary Word: Calf
Speech: Naming Everything(especially while dressing)

FAMILY DINNER Literature Study: Love You Forever
FAMILY DINNER Philosophy: The Carrot Seed

Poetry: Bed in Summer by Robert Louis Stevenson
Nursery Rhyme: Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
Song: Baby Beluga
Lullaby: Golden Slumbers

Classical Music: Mozart: Andante Symphony No. 17, K 129
Dance: Head Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
Musical Exploration: Bells

Art Appreciation: Jan Brett
Crafts: Introduction to Scribbling
Theater: Finger Puppets

Bible Passage: Psalms 1:1-3
FAMILY DINNER Bible Story: Creation

Science Concept: Bouyancy
Nature Study: Splash in Puddles
Gardening: Basil
Problem Solving: hypothesis
Simple Machines: Lever

Social Studies Concept: Myself
FAMILY DINNER History: Introduction What is History? What is Archaeology?
Geography: altitude
Economics: Economy
Personal Finance: Wants


Five Senses: Touch
Body Awareness: ankle
Health: Communication
Excercise: Plank
Game: Bubbles, This Little Piggy




Want to know How to Use This Plan?

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 15 (Finale)

Go there in your mind. Then bring it to life.


For me, the best place to be is sitting alone in the middle of the forest as far away from any other person as I can possibly get. It is not always possible for me to do that when I need to, so instead I find myself imagining being there. This helps me feel centered and happy so much better than anything else I have tried.

So, think of where your happy place is. Where do you feel comfortable? What makes you happy? What do you enjoy doing with your time? Your happy place can be anything. It can be a family Christmas party you remember from your childhood, your great grandfather's farm, or a beach filled with ocean sounds and flitting birds, and scuttling crabs.

Think of what you consider to be "a happy place."

Relax your body by sitting wherever you're most comfortable.

Start breathing slowly. Inhale, count to 4 slowly, then exhale. Repeat until your body feels calm.

Now turn your concentration to your happy place.Remain still breathing slowly, think about the symphonies that are going on around you. Listen to the way that your family members are laughing, or take in the scent of the stables. Think about things that you love, and the things that you miss. Continue this process as long as you like.


When you feel ready, discover your true need. Keep your thoughts on where your happy place is, find a part of what is in your happy place that you may be missing today. Figure out a way to bring that feeling into your life. Make a goal today to make your day to day life feel more like your happy place.

Backpacking With A Baby

When our son was 2 months old, it was time to hit the trail. Our friends and their two kids(girls, age 8 and 6) where ready to embark on their first backpacking trip. So in total we had 5 people on our trip who had never hit the trail before. Because, this was an experimental trip, we decided a short trip one night only and only 4 miles total. It was a great trip. Everyone had a good time, and we all learned a lot.

Here are the big things that stuck out to me, that might help you if you decide to take a very young baby backpacking.

Wild Woods Baby

Hydration, H2O, Water, Agua, etc: It was June and weather conditions were pretty hot. I needed way more water than we thought I would need. Thankfully everyone packed plenty. Being 2 months post-partum, breastfeeding, and summer heat made it necessary for me to drink everyone's excess water. I can't believe how thirsty I was for the entire trip. In total, I think I must have had 9 liters in the 24 hours we were out, and I was still thirsty when we got back to the house. I think even if the weather was cooler I still would have needed more water than is normal for me.

My backpack modification. 

Baby Carrying: I modified my husbands backpack and an Infantino baby wearing backpack to fit together, so that he could carry the baby on his chest. It was fairly simple. I cut off the waist strap on the Infantino, made new seams(using a sewing machine), and replaced the buckles on both backpacks with buckles that would marry. It turned out great! My husband and our boy were both very comfortable. Daniel even said having the baby on his chest helped to balance out the load on his back. He said he thought he could probably even carry more weight this way.

Chilling out at our campsite. 

Diapering:We packed 8 flour sack towels and 2 diaper covers for our baby. He breastfed like normal and loved looking around at all the new scenery.

Play Time: We brought a large piece of plastic to lay on the ground to serve as a "blanket" as well as the ground cloth for our tent.

Sun Protection: Babies this young are not recommended to wear sunscreen, so to protect him we dressed him in footie pajamas and had him wear a "Gilligan" style hat. 

You Can Make A Cake At Home

Hello beautiful people, 

Today I was struck with an idea that many of you might have thought you could never achieve. But I know, YOU are fully capable of making great cakes at home! They may not look as professionally polished as some that you might find at a bakery, but they will still be beautiful. I know that you can do it. You will need a few supplies. An icing bag or two(You could use a ziploc if you want), and two icing tips(a small writing tip, and a star tip) for the bag. (Note: If you want to create more elaborate designs, some other tips may be necessary) Everything else you need you should already have lying around your house. Here is a smattering of cakes that my family has enjoyed over the last several years, and details about how they were created. 

 This is a fun cake to make. The girls always love this cake. It is made by baking the cake in an 8 cup measuring cup. We use the Pyrex measuring cup. Then cut a small whole in the top of the cake and push Barbie's legs into the top of the cake. Then apply icing. The blue icing was applied with a butter knife. The skirt detail and top were created with a star tip. The writing and other details were created with a small writing tip.

 Sometimes adding fun pieces to the cake can really make the decorating pop. The curly candles and pinwheels on this cake made it special. The chocolate icing was a applied with a butter knife. The words, with a small writing tip, and the rest of the details with a star tip.

The base of cake this cake was baked in a large bowl, and the head cake in a smaller bowl. The whole thing was covered with white icing using a butter knife, and the detail added with a star tip and a small writing tip.

 This cake was baked in a 9x13 cake pan. The whole cake was covered with white icing using a small butter knife. Then shiny purple sprinkles where applied over the whole top of the cake. Rainbow sprinkles where added in a small stripe down the middle to create a rainbow road. Then the border details were added using a star tip and a small writing tip. The toys were taken from the birthday girls collection and the numbers were purchased at our local grocery store.

 Sometimes the cakes are incredibly simple. This is two small round cake stacked and covered with white icing. The candles were purchased at the local grocery store.

This cake was made by stacking four 8" round cakes. The entire cake was covered with white icing, applied using a butter knife. The hair was created using a star tip and swirling the icing around. The rest of the details were created with a small writing tip. The ears and horn were cut from a glittery piece of poster board paper. The numbers were cut from the same paper and glued to skewers which were then pushed into the cake.

 This cake is a cookie cake that my was thrown together in about 10 minutes. It looks a little messy because it was done with such haste. It still looks pretty cute though. Buttercream icing applied with a small writing tip.

 This cake was mad by using two circular cakes for each side of the track and two rice krispy treats to create the center. A butter knife was used to smooth white icing over the entire cake. Crushed Oreos were used to make the "dirt." and a blue icing was applied with a small writing tip.

 This cake was made by layering two round cakes with a filling between them. The white icing was spread on with a butter knife. The purple border was made by bouncing a star tip along the edges. The words were written with a small writing tip.

 This is a cake that was made in a 9x13 cake pan. A butter knife was used to spread white icing all over the cake. A star tip was used to create the border and the cross detail. A small writing tip was used to create the lettering. The doves were purchased from the dollar store and applied to cake with icing.


As you can see, your cake does not have to be what would be professionally considered showstopping. It can be beautiful and meaningful. AND you can save a bundle of money. May all your celebrations be made better with a delicious and inexpensive treat. If you have questions about anything you have read in this post or about anything else you think I might be able to help you with, please ask in the comments below. Happy caking!

~Daisy

Tidbit #12: Keep Trying

No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.

I've been trying to make a quilt since 2004. It's been a slow process mostly because I don't prioritize it enough. I have a friend who also wanted to make a quilt but figured she would never have to time to finish, so she chose never to start. Now 13 years later. I have an almost finished quilt and she has nothing. It might take you a long time to finish whatever it is you want to do, but if you don't try you will never ever get what you want. Put in small steps; make mistakes; have setbacks; but most importantly try. 

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 14

Do good.


Today I found a post on a social media website advertising a free dryer. "Just come pick it up." the ad stated. So, I grabbed the baby, put him in the stroller and walked over there to check it out. While I was walking I called my sister to tell her about it. She was elated and hopped in her tiny car and headed over. We were both standing in the front yard staring at the thing trying to figure out how to get it from Point A(it's current location) to Point B(the house). We had pretty much decided we were going to try to precariously balance it one the back of the car sticking out of the trunk and just walked behind it the two streets over to the house, when the woman who lived there came out and offered to have her and her husband deliver it for us. They said it was a blessing for them to be able to do something nice for us. We were thrilled and accepted their kindness with gratitude. And now sister has a nice new-to-her dryer and our backs are not dead. How amazing people can be. Thank God for good neighbors.

 In study after study, any form of generosity -- simple acts of kindness, donations, or volunteer work -- raised happiness levels. It is true in this case. That the kindness our neighbor showed to us made us happier and based on the conversation we had with them it also made them happier by knowing they were giving this piece of equipment a new home, rather than a spot in a landfill.

There are lots of ways you can do good. Some big, some small. Some require money or time, some don't. Look for ways you can make a positive impact on the world around you. That's one step closer to your happy place.

Tidbit #13: Dance In the Rain

"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain."

Enough said
~Daisy

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 13

Play to your strengths.

I have a confession to make, I have had trouble staying motivated at work lately. Being unmotivated makes me bored. Being bored makes me sad. Being sad makes me unmotivated. And, it's a vicious cycle. So this week, I decided I needed to snap out of that cycle and play to my strengths. My most usable strengths at my current job are discovery of new information, customer engagement, and infusing fun into dull situations. I made it my goal to use each of these on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. How did I do that?

Crazy Dream: Straight out of Sci-Fi

This is my dream sequence from a couple of nights ago. It's just a little gory so if you have a weak stomach you may want to refrain from reading it. If you decide to write a book or make a movie about this please be honest and give me some credit and maybe a cut of the profits, haha. I have wondered if a movie that looked as lucid as a dream would be profitable. I mean they did it with inception, but those dreams were so crisp and organized they didn't even look like dreams. Anyway, here's the adventure, enjoy:

Relocation Whoa!

Obviously I haven't written much in the past few months. So many things have happened, it's been a whirlwind adventure. In, October, the S.O. got a new job, in a new state, which has meant a lot of work for me. I quit my job, packed up the house and moved across three states back home to Texas. Yay!!! I have been pretty busy since then trying to organize the new house, get settled in, and find a new job.  I think I've finally gotten enough things done in my life to start writing again. I apologize to all of you, I know many of you were reading every post I made for awhile and I'm sure you've missed it, I know I have. Anyway, I'm back!!!! YAY!

So, about relocation. It sucks and it's exciting. Here's why:

1. Got to get rid of all my old junk, but had to pack up everything else.
2. Got to make some new friends, but had to say goodbye to some good ones.
3. Got to upgrade into a bigger place, had to clean both places.
4. Got to spend more time with my family. No negatives there.
5. Had to quit my job, haven't found a new full-time one yet.
6. I am so much happier in Texas. :)

Have you ever had a relocation experience, or thought about having one? I want to know, tell me.

~Daisy

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 12

Count Your Blessings

One of my favorite sayings and the catch phrase of my blog is, "Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Count your life with smiles and not the tears that roll."  In other words, you should count your blessings, not your "curses." If you concentrate on the things you have to feel gunuinely happy about you'll be far happier than you would be by dwelling on the negative things.

Try to think about things you have to be happy about. If your in a deep rut you might have to start by being happy you can breathe or grateful the hands on your watch can move. Eventually if you keep thinking about it, you'll realize you have a whole lot to be happy about.

Much love
~Daisy

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 11

Laugh.

This post can really be summed up in that one magical, powerful word.  The simple act of laughing releases powerful endorphin's and makes you feel good and happy. Laughter is also contagious, when others laugh with you it creates a social connection which will also increase your happiness quotient.

So do whatever you have to do. Read a web-comic, or a daily joke. Listen to the comedy station on the radio, or watch a funny movie. Tell the person sitting next to you at the coffee shop that silly joke you haven't thought about since grade school, even if it's cheesy it'll probably make both of you laugh.

Fill the world with the sounds of he-he-he, ha-ha-ha, e-haw e-haw e-haw, hic-hic-hic, etc.

Eve of DISCtruction

Picture on the dry erase board
I got for the captains to explain
the game to the new players
 and  show strategy. 

I'll bet your probably thinking, what a weird title. Well, that's the name of Daniel's ultimate frisbee team. Since, I can't play this season, I've designated myself official cheerleader and photographer, and plan to carry out these duties to the best of my abilities for each game I am able to attend.

This week they played against Dark Slime. It was a hard fought battle, both teams played really well and the score was too close to matter. Especially since it was a pre-season scrimmage match. But, there were still prizes to be awarded.

Havasu Falls Backpacking Trip

Daniel and I at the beginning of our grand adventure. 

Our trip to Havasu Falls was fantastic. We had so much fun and learned a lot about our limits. We achieved a massive hike, slept under the stars, ate dehydrated food, swam in the falls, and rode in a helicopter. I'd say that's a successful adventure. Here's the whole story.

First look at the climb down,
check out that nervous, excited expression.

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 10

Be Here Now

I've been thinking a lot lately about the future. Big things that could change, small things that could too, and plenty of things that could just stay the same. A lot of the changes are scary, and plenty of them are exciting too.

But, in all this thinking, i.e. worrying, about things to come I have forgotten to notice what is happening around me this week, today, this hour, this very minute. I have forgotten to recognize the passing of moments and how important each and every one of those moments are.

I need this and I'm sure that many of you could use it as well. So, try to take a break from worrying about things to come and focus instead on what is happening around you right now.

Photo Frame Dry Erase Calendar

Like so many others, I've been getting inspiration from Pinterest lately. I hadn't acted on that inspiration too much until today. This morning I didn't have much to do so, I made a dry erase calendar to hang on my office wall next to my desk. I spend a lot of my spare time in that room so I thought that would be a good place.

Depending on how I feel I might move it to the kitchen, or right by the front door. We'll see. (The color scheme will go with any room in my house so it doesn't matter much really)

Anyway how was this made. Well simple. My mom and dad gave me this collage photo frame last Christmas.(free) I have a ridiculous pile of tissue paper leftover from various gift giving experiences(sorta free) and a expo marker(already owned several).

So, I cut the tissue paper to the size of the frame and put it inside. I made sure the color of the paper was light enough so the black would show up when I wrote on the glass. Then voila, perfect.

I really like the soft, almost whispered, color of the tissue paper.(It looks a lot brighter in the picture than it does in real life)

Spoiler Alert: I'm going to Havasu Falls, so there will be pictures of that are probably coming soon. 

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 9

Develop An Attitude of Gratitude

Say thank you! It's as simple as that.

For some though, this might take some time to adjust. My suggestion is to do as my old college professor once told me. Put three paperclips in your pocket. Each paperclip represents one sincere expression of gratitude. As you go about your day, remember the paperclips in your pocket and say thank you. When you do move one paperclip to the other pocket, and repeat until all of the paperclips have moved to the other side.

Then when you think you are really ready for a challenge. Once a month write a thank you letter to someone who has helped you in a significant way. Your happiness will increase and so will theirs. Expressing your gratitude make your happiness levels skyrocket and it's basically the easiest thing in the world. Right?

Say thank you, and experience the benefits! :)

~Daisy

Finding Your Happy Place: Part 8

Forgive Everyone

The importance of forgiveness is huge, ginormous even. I'm not even going to explain what forgiveness is, because fundamentally you already know. You've known every since you were a tiny tiny child and you overlooked when a peer took a toy from your stack to borrow for a few seconds and you decided it was ok to share just this once, even if they did steal it, and let them have it without contest.

"Breathe and Pray"

The past couple of weeks I've been a bit down on my luck. Here's a list of some of the unfortunate events: lost my glasses while rafting on the Animas River(had to wear sunglasses full time for two weeks), one of my campers flipped over her handle bars while biking and I had to take her to the ER to get stitches(talk about paperwork), misinterpreted directions and got lost for almost an hour somewhere between Colorado and Flagstaff, one of my campers became severely dehydrated and had to be taken to the ER(that's definitely one to grow on), had a blown out tire in the middle of nowhere Utah, nearly ran out of gas in the middle of the night on a rocky curvy mountainous road. 


Now, how in the world did I make it through all of that without having a major panic attack? Well for that I have to say thanks Mom for your infinite wisdom. She has always told me something like this, "When things get hard just breathe and pray, because life is what happens when you are busy making plans."  Each time something difficult happened, I'd find myself repeating that over and over in my head, taking that nugget of wisdom and using it to help me out. I found it relaxed me and in some cases I even shared it with my campers and they found it helpful too. 


Do you have any inspirational quotes from your childhood that help you out? If so please share, if not I hope you can use this one. :) 




~Daisy