Week 1 of Summer Break (Letters A and B, Numbers 1 and 2)

In the previous post, we discussed our Summer schedule. In that schedule, there was an hour in the morning for theme week activities and an hour in the afternoon. Here is what we plan on doing each week we are on summer break. We will be studying two letters a week, two numbers a week, reading a book, studying a Bible passage, and doing Occupational Therapy activities (for those of you that do not know, our oldest child has non-verbal Autism, so we were sent home some OT/school activities for her to complete over the summer so we do not regress as much over the Summer.) If there's an explanation or picture on Pinterest, the link is in the blog so make sure you check it out! I hope you'll join us!

Week 1: May 28th- June 1st 

Letters of the Week: A and B

Numbers of the Week: 1 and  2
Snacks of the Week: Animal Crackers, Bananas

Monday (May 28th)

Morning Learning (9AM-10AM)

Trace letters A and B

Alligator craft

Letter A Sorting Game

Afternoon Learning (1:30PM-2:30PM)

Circle all letter As on tree
Make an 'All About Me' page

Book to Read: Arthur's Honey Bear by Lillian Hoban

Letter of the Week Bible Discussion: Noah's Ark. (Read Genesis 6)
Do Ark paper plate craft

School/ OT Activity of the Day: Make funny faces in the mirror, then draw pictures of funny faces.

Tuesday (May 29th) 

Morning Learning (9AM-10AM)

Trace letters A and B

Make Apple out of plates
Make an Ant out of construction paper

Afternoon Learning (1:30PM-2:30PM)

Circle all letter Bs on tree
Make a letter A out of Animal crackers

Book to Read: Arthur's Honey Bear by Lillian Hoban

Letter of the Week Bible Discussion: Noah's Ark (Read Genesis 7)

Make a Rainbow

School/OT Activity of the Day: Find different containers around the house. Discuss their shape/size.

Wednesday (May 30th)
Morning Learning (9AM-10AM)

Trace letters A and B
Alphabet Sheet/Match Magnets
Make letter B Bus Craft

Afternoon Learning (1:30PM-2:30PM)

Trace numbers 1 and 2
Count objects in front of you (place one object, two objects, three objects..)

Book to Read: Arthur's Honey Bear by Lillian Hoban

Letter of the Week Bible Discussion: Noah's Ark (Genesis 8 and 9)
Make hand dove craft 

School/OT Activity: Look back at the month's calendar and discuss important things that happened.

Thursday (May 31st) 

Morning Learning (9AM-10AM)

Trace letters A and B

Make letter B 'Bee' activity 

Find objects, letter A challenge (Look for objects around the house that start with the letter A)

Afternoon Learning (1:30PM-2:30PM)

Do B is for a Bunny craft

Work on writing your name

Book to Read: Blaze Loves to Race! by Mary Tillworth

Letter of the Week Bible Discussion: Baby Moses (Exodus 2)

Make baby Moses craft

School/OT Activity: Practice sight words (Our daughter has a list of sight words she studies. You can find lists of sight words on Pinterest as well!)

Friday (June 1st)
Morning Learning (9AM-10AM)

Trace letters A and B
Find objects, letter B challenge (Look for objects around the house that start with the letter B)
Make Beach Ball paper plate

Afternoon Learning (1:30PM-2:30PM)

Do B is for a Bird Craft

Make A, B, 1, and 2 out of playdoh

Book to Read: Blaze Loves to Race! by Mary Tillworth

Letter of the Week Bible Discussion: Baby Moses (Exodus 2)

Baby Moses paper plate craft

School/OT Activity: Play follow the leader and do picture matching activity

School/OT Activity for Saturday, June 2nd: Go barefoot in the grass. Talk about how the grass feels

School/OT Activity for Sunday, June 3rd: Put shoes on your hands and walk on your hands and feet.

Shopping List for the Week

construction paper

glue

pencils

markers

paper plates

alphabet magnets

playdoh

cupcake liners (baby Moses craft)
animal crackers
bananas
sidewalk chalk

Things to Make to Prepare for the Week Includes:

-Something to trace the letters/numbers (dry erase board, lined paper, etc.)

-Apples/Baskets for Apple Sorting Activity

-Tree with random letters on it for circling activity (make sure to include at least 5-6 As and 5-6 Bs- use for both circling activities)

-An All About me page for your children

-Find the book 'Arthur's Honey Bear' (or other letter A book)

- if it rains Wednesday, the 30th, may need an alternative to the outdoor alphabet sheet/sidewalk chalk/magnet activity. Possibly make a sheet for indoors.

- Find the book 'Blaze Loves to Race!' or other letter B book

Summer Schedule

We are preparing for Summer in the Bay household... and this Summer, things are going to change. I wasn't in the best place of my life last Summer and that showed in the condition of our house, their learning, their schedules, etc. BUT- through the power of Jesus Christ, He has been working on my life and I vow to have a healthier, happier, focused Summer this year.

First and foremost, we are going to stick to a schedule. Last year was all willy-nilly. We got up whenever, I started drinking by 3PM, and then we did whatever in the evening. I rarely had them outside due to anxiety. We rarely went places... and of course, a schedule flew out the window because I *needed* days to battle my mental health BUT I refuse to be that woman this year, in the name of Jesus.

Pinterest has been a great asset for our Summer schedule. Here's what Monday thru Friday in the Bay house will look like.

SUMMER SCHEDULE.

7:AM-8:30AM: Wake Up, breakfast, TV Shows, Get Dressed
8:30AM-9:00AM: Chores (There will be a chore chart below for each child)
9:00AM-10:00AM- Table time/Theme Work
10:00AM-10:20AM- Reading time
10:20AM-10:30AM- Snack Time
10:30AM-12:00PM- Outdoor Play/Free Play
12:00PM-12:30PM- Bible discussion
12:30PM-1:00PM- Lunch
1:00PM-1:30PM- Rest/Relax Time
1:30PM-2:30PM- Activity Time/Theme Work
2:30PM-2:45PM- Light Snack
2:45PM-3:30PM- Clean Up Time
3:30PM-4:00PM- Free Time
4:00PM-7:00PM- Dinner/Family Time/Outdoor Play
7:00PM-7:30PM- Tablet Time
7:30PM-8:30PM- Baths/Get Ready for Bed
8:30PM-9:30PM- Bed Time Routine

CHORE CHART.

Lucas is 3 years old. In the morning, he is in charge of:
Dusting the TV Stand and end tables
Wiping off the kitchen table after breakfast
Helping make the bed

Quinn is 5 years old. In the morning, she is in charge of:
Helping with laundry
Wiping off the bathroom counters
Helping with the dishes

Tayler is 7 years old. She has non-verbal Autism so we adjusted chores as such. She is in charge of:
Helping sweep the kitchen floor
Wiping down the windows with help from Mom
Helping vacuum the living room

The next blog post will discuss our THEME WEEKS. Lucas starts preschool this year so we want to prep for him, Quinn starts kindergarten, so we want to continue her learning, and Tayler (as I said previously) was diagnosed with non-verbal Autism so we do not want a great deal of regression to take place this Summer.

What do Summers look like in your home? I'm hoping for a lot of progress in the Bay house this year and for us to all be healthy and happy!

May Activities

It's almost Summer!! I'm so excited for warmer weather-- and to be able to go outside and do activities with the kids! How about you?? If so, lets get Summer started with a bang! Here are the May Activities-- we are going to celebrate Memorial Day, Mother's Day, the alphabet, and more!

May Activities-

May 1st- Make a construction paper letter 'C' craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Luke 12:27-28  (This week we will read some Bible verses about flowers because April showers bring May flowers)

May 2nd- Do a random of act of kindness for someone today.
*Bible verse of the day- Isaiah 40:8 (flowers wither)

May 3rd- Bake cookies together for letter 'C' week and watch a movie starting with the letter 'C!'
*Bible verse of the day- Song of Solomon 2:1-2 (A Bible verse about lillies)

May 4th-Make tacos out of construction paper for Cinco de Mayo tomorrow! (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Job 14:2 (Bible verse about flowers)

May 5th- Have tacos for dinner for Cinco De Mayo. Read about what Cinco de Mayo is. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- 1 Peter 1:24-25 (Bible verse about flowers)

May 6th- This week we will be learning about the letter 'D!' Make a letter 'D' Dinosaur out of construction paper. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Matthew 6:28-30 (Bible verse about flowers)

May 7th- Make a letter 'D' Duck out of construction paper. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- It is almost Mother's Day so we will be reading Bible verses about Mothers this week. Proverbs 31:10-11 (the beauty of a wife)

May 8th- Make an 'I love you to pieces' card for Mother's Day. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Matthew 15:4-6 (honoring our father and our mother)

May 9th- Have your children fill out a 'Mother's Day' Questionnaire. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Ephesians 6:1-3 (obeying our parents)

May 10th- Have your children fill out a 'Grandma' questionnaire. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Exodus 20:12 (honoring our parents)

May 11th- Make an 'I Wished For You' painting. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Deuteronomy 5:16 (honoring our parents)

May 12th- Make an 'I love you because' flower pot out of construction paper. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Proverbs 1:8-9 (listen to our parent's teaching)

May 13th- Spend the day with your children, Mothers, and grandmothers.
*Bible verse of the day- Proverbs 23:22-24 (listening to our parents)

May 14th- Make a letter 'E' elephant out of construction paper so we can learn about the letter 'E' this week. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Proverbs 22:6 (the importance of teaching our children)

May 15th- Make an egg out of construction paper for letter 'E' week! (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- This week we are going to read Bible verses about learning and why it is important to gain wisdom. Proverbs 2:6 (God gives wisdom)

May 16th- Hide letters all around the house and have a letter scavenger hunt (this week we will learn about learning.)
*Bible verse of the day- Proverbs 18:15 (the importance of learning)

May 17th- Have a shape scavenger hunt outside or around the house (this week we will learn all about learning)
*Bible verse of the day- Proverbs 20:15 (the importance of learning)

May 18th- Make a paper plate star wreath for the front door since Memorial Day is approaching! (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Psalms 33:12-15 (the beauty of Patriotism)

May 19th- Do a random act of kindness for someone today.
*Bible verse of the day- Romans 13:1-5 (authority- Bible verses about Memorial Day)

May 20th- Make an American flag paper chain. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- 1 Peter 2:17 (giving honor)

May 21st- Make paper plate patriotic crafts. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Galatians 5:13 (freedom)

May 22nd- Color a Memorial Day coloring page. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- 2 Corinthians 3:17 (Spirit of freedom)

May 23rd- Make handprint American flags. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Galatians 5:1 (Freedom)

May 24th- Make a paper strip American flag. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Psalms 119:45 (Freedom)

May 25th- Make an American Flag star craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Ephesians 3:12 (Bible verse about Freedom)

May 26th- Make handprint Bald Eagles (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- John 15:13 (Sacrifice of men)

May 27th- Make a Star Man craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- John 8:36 (Freedom Bible verse)

May 28th- Go to the Memorial Day parade.
*Bible verse of the day- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (God's plead for our country)

May 29th- We are going to learn about the letter 'F' this week. Make a letter 'F' paper fish out of construction paper. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Psalms 74:17 (God created Summer)

May 30th- Make an 'F' is for fireman craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Luke 21:30 (Summer is near)

May 31st- Do a letter 'f' scavenger hunt around the house and see how many things you can find that start with the letter 'f'.
*Bible verse of the day- Genesis 8:22 (a Bible verse about Summer)

Can't wait to see all of pictures this month! Thank you for joining us!

- The Bays

April Activities

How was the March activity list? Did everyone have fun with their families?? Well April should be even more exciting! Who is ready for NICE weather??? This month will be packed full of Easter crafts, Earth day activities, walks, and more! Lets gear up for SPRING!

April Activities-

April 1st- Tell Jesus 'thank you' for His sacrifice. Have an easter egg hunt.
*Bible verse of the day- Mark 15:46-47 (the importance of Easter)

April 2nd- Wear blue today for 'Autism Awareness' day.
*Bible verse of the day- Jeremiah 1:5 (He knew us before He formed us)

April 3rd- Make an umbrella out of a paper plate and construction paper. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Spring is the sign of new beginnings, so lets read some Bible verses about new beginnings. Isaiah 43:18-19

April 4th- Cut out paper rain boots and design your dream rain boots. (LINK HERE)
*Bible verse of the day- Lamentations 3:22-24 (new life in Christ)

April 5th- Make paper cup months and learn the months of the year. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Colossians 3:9-10 (new self this spring)

April 6th- Sing a song for April. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- 1 John 4:18 (perfect love from God)

April 7th- Make coffee filter Butterflies. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Romans 8:31 (God is for us)

April 8th- Learn about the parts of a plant to celebrate Spring. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Hebrews 11:1 (the benefit of faith)

April 9th- Make a rainy day window drawing. (LINK HERE)
*Bible verse of the day- Ezekiel 11:19 (a new spirit for Spring)

April 10th- Do a random act of kindness for someone today.
*Bible verse of the day- Genesis 1:12 (the beauty of Spring)

April 11th- This week we are going to learn about the letter A. Make a letter 'A' alligator today. (LINK HERE)
*Bible verse of the day- Psalms 65:11 (He gives abundantly)

April 12th- Make a letter A apple craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Isaiah 41:13 (Fear not)

April 13th- Watch a movie about Spring together and have cookies!
*Bible verse of the day- Nehemiah 9:6 (God made everything)

April 14th- If it is nice today, take a walk. If it isn't nice, have a tea party inside.
*Bible verse of the day- Hebrews 11:3 (Strength in the Word of God)

April 15th- Have an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt today. (LINK HERE)
*Bible verse of the day- Deuteronomy 10:14 (Bible verse about the beauty of the Earth)

April 16th- Make Earth Day dirt cups for a snack. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Genesis 1:3 (God said there should be light on the Earth)

April 17th- Make a Speak for the Trees craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Psalms 1:3 (the beauty of nature)

April 18th- I love the Earth craft out of construction paper. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Genesis 1:11 (the creation story)

April 19th- Make 'Earth Day' treat bags for the kids to take to school. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day-Genesis 1:7 (the Creation story)

April 20th- Make a 'We Can change the World' banner. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Genesis 1:8 (the creation story)

April 21st- Make Earth Day man out of a paper plate. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- John 4:35 (bible verse about the Earth)

April 22nd- Take a walk this afternoon and clean up any trash that we see.
*Bible verse of the day- Genesis 1:9 (The creation story)

April 23rd- We are going to learn about the letter 'B' this week. Make a letter 'B' bear craft. (LINK HERE)
*Bible verse of the day- This week, we will read Bible verses about the rain since 'April Showers bring May Flowers.' Isaiah 45:8

April 24th- 'B is for Butterfly' hand print craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Matthew 7:24-27 (The Wise Man)

April 25th- Have a camp out today and watch a movie or cartoon about Spring.
*Bible verse of the day- Hebrews 6:7 (the beauty of rain)

April 26th- Play a game either indoors or outdoors.
*Bible verse of the day- Jeremiah 51:16 (God's ability to bring rain)

April 27th- Play dress up and put on a play today.
*Bible verse of the day- Job 5:10 (God gives rain)

April 28th- Make a paper plate ring toss and play this game today! (LINK HERE)
*Bible verse of the day- Psalms 68:8 (the strength of God)

April 29th- Have an indoor/outdoor scavenger hunt about colors, size, etc. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Psalms 147:8 (God provides rain)

April 30th- We are going to learn about the letter 'C' this week.  Make a 'Letter C' for Cookie craft. (LINK HERE) 
*Bible verse of the day- Jeremiah 10:13 (God's strength)

Looking forward to a wonderful month with all of you!

-The Bays

What is WORSE? (March 20th)

The question today was:

Which is worse- failing or never trying?

And I'm sure it's cliche, but I definitely believe never trying is much worse.

As most of you know, I struggle with anxiety- especially going places alone... and sometimes with people. It just depends on the location, the people, how crowded it is, etc.

I have felt what it is like to TRY and go places alone (or with people) and, in my opinion fail (by having to hurry up and leave- not participating in the activity- not even able to go inside, etc.)

And I have felt what it is like to sit at home, in my room, and not even attempt to overcome my fears at all.

And the latter feels much worse.....

I often feel discouraged when I can't face my fears... like when I'm sitting outside of a small store with all three of my children telling myself I can do this.. but I turn around and go home.

But 'I feel even worse when I avoid a situation all together due to fear. Because then I feel RULED. I feel like they have power over me. I couldn't even get myself to try. Much worse than trying and having to reassure myself in the parking lot "I'll get further tomorrow."

So, I believe that never trying is much worse than failing.

Failing means YOU WON'T HAVE POWER OVER ME FOREVER.
Not trying means I'M LETTING YOU STILL HAVE POWER OVER ME.

What do you think?

AGE (March 19th)

The question for the day is:

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

Truthfully- I don't act my age.. and I doubt I ever will. If I didn't know any better, I would think I was in my early 20s. It's hard- because sometimes when I'm around individuals younger than me, I can sense my true age; however, I still look for an adult when I go places which makes me feel younger than I really am. Does age ever settle in? I have hard time grasping the fact that I'm in my 30s. Part of me still feels like a teenager. I don't feel old enough to have been married for 7 years, have 3 children, and getting ready to celebrate my 15 year reunion in 2 years! 

But like the saying goes- age is just a number. 

We get to choose what we do with it... whether we let it limit us.. or set us free! 

I choose to live in the moment and never think 'I wish I were (this age)..." I will live just being me. Whatever age I am! 

QUESTIONS (March 18th)

So, I know I already created a 'template' for blog discussion topics for this month, BUT I couldn't pass up these questions I stumbled upon... (*wink* *wink*)

I was stumbling around on http://www.stumbleupon.com/ (do it!) and I came across a page that stated:

"50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind"

and I thought... HEY HEY HEY. Why not join in the fun and answer these questions on my blog?

So who's joining me??? I'd love to have some others so I can visit your page and see what you answer each day! Comment me or let me know if you're linking up to do this too!

Here are the 50 questions. Can you make it 50 days? I'm sure going to try! GOOD LUCK!

1.How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

2.Which is worse, failing or never trying?

3.If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

4.When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

5.What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

6.If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

7.Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

8.If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

9.To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

10.Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

11.You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?

12.If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

13.Would you break the law to save a loved one?

14.Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

15.What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

16.How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

17.What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?

18.Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

19.If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

20.Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

21.Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

22.Why are you, you?

23.Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

24.Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

25.What are you most grateful for?

26.Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

27.Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

28.Has your greatest fear ever come true?

29.Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?

30.What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?

31.At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

32.If not now, then when?

33.If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

34.Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

35.Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

36.Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

37.If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

38.Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

39.Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

40.When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

41.If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

42.Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

43.What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

44.When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

45.If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

46.What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

47.When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

48.What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

49.In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?

50.Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

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Happy 365!