The Car Expert

In Cody's preschool, they do project based learning (remember the spiders?).  Well, this last quarter, they have been learning all about CARS and Cody is definitely a car expert.  The parents were invited to the culminating event this week and Cody got to show us everything he had learned, and though I had been following what they were doing, I was quite impressed...

He showed us how to check the oil and the other fluids in the car.  He knew right where they were and how to tell if we needed more.

After showing us all the different car parts (headlights, taillights, runner, muffler, etc), he showed told us all about the wheels- including how to tell if we needed new ones and how to change them.  Have you ever heard of the penny test??

How to change a tire:
take off the lug nuts (sound effects included)

 take off the rim

 then pull off the tire.  Then do the whole thing in reverse to put it back on (Cody did this in fast forward, so it was harder to get a picture.)  :)

Inside, Cody showed us their "Car Shop"and took down my order of what I wanted fixed on my car.

 They even had a waiting room!

Inside the shop, showing me how to change the oil.

We are so proud of our little car expert!  Not too long and I'm sure I will be putting all that knowledge to work in our garage!

Listening to a Prophet's Voice

We feel so blessed to have a living prophet of God on the earth today!  Though our church's semi-annual conference is broadcast across the globe, Corbin and I were very grateful for the opportunity to attend and hear our prophet and apostles speak in person.  What a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere it was!

As we were walking out, Corbin asked me what my favorite part was and both of us agreed our favorite talk that morning was given by President Henry B Eyring.  It was all about serving the poor and the needy, confirmation of everything I try to do and to teach my children.  I am really grateful to see our church putting such an emphasis on serving, because that is how we can truly become more like Christ.  Corbin and I also talked about out favorite stories and anecdotes that were shared.  He was such a great companion.  And I am such a lucky mom!

The Conference Center where we were seats 21,000 people and yet it was amazing how calm the exodus was and what a great feeling pervaded the whole event.  Feeling that, hearing the Mormon Taberbacle choir, being so close to the Prophet - I don't think there is anything else like it in the world!

Ready and waiting

Grandma's chickens are growing and ready for the warm sunshine . . .

Unfortunately, this is what our yard looked like yesterday.

Come on already, Spring!  We want warm weather!

Where in the World

Can you guess where I'm going this summer? 

Here are your clues...

I will be working with this anti-trafficking organization and this microfinance institution, among others.

I may wear something that looks like this:

And celebrity sightings may include these two:

If you haven't figured it out yet or want to find out more, click here.

The benefits of M&Ms & Pixy Stix

Despite what you may have previously thought, they're not just for eating . . .

Mini M&Ms are perfect for teaching math!

sorting colors

counting and comparing amounts

(we also did patterns, but I guess I didn't get a pic of that).

And Pixy Stix are great for writing and letter recognition!

 

 

Of course, I set a pixy stick aside for them to eat when they are done. :)

 

Do you have any ideas you've done?  I am always looking for fun and creative learning activities!

Friendship Bread

For our March service project we decided to spread the love with our Amish Friendship Bread that we had been feeding and tending for a few weeks. 

We took our four starter bags and turned them into sixteen more.  The boys had fun mixing and squishing the ingredients in the bag.

 

They had even more fun deciding who they would share it with.  We gave starters and loaves of bread to friends, primary teachers, neighbors and school teachers.  

The boys loved running up to the door and delivering their goodies.  I hope everyone else kept the friendship going - or at least enjoyed some yummy bread!