Kid Stuff?!

A few questions from Calvin's science book. I was quizzing him today and had to rethink the answers myself. Calvin, however, was able to give me the answers without hesitation. I know they studied this last year in school, but I am just amazed at how young these kids are to know this stuff.
Ahem . . .

• List the states of matter according to the speeds of their molecules, from fastest to slowest.
• In what three states does matter exist?
• Are ice, water and steam different substances? Why or why not? (to which Calvin replied, "They are the same substance, they are made up of the same molecules, they are just in different states of matter."

Does anyone else remember learning this stuff in elementary school?

Calvin has decided that wants to be a chemist when he grows up . . . and also an inventor, and also an author, and also a . . . the list keeps getting longer.

Mothers Who Know Video

I think this is beautifully done.

Christmas Photos

No explanation necessary.

"CHEEEEESE!"

Putting cookies out for Santa.

Jan, Eric and kids spent the night Christmas Eve. Having extra people in the house makes it look like Santa really loaded our family with goodies. Olivia got the table and Abby got the kitchen. Santa's presents are the gifts in red and white.

Jand and Eric trying their hand at our new Wii (thanks to G's parents!!)

"Come What May, and Love It"

Wasn't Elder Wirthlin's talk last conference awesome?! So many of us need that reminder and gentle push to enjoy life.
"The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life."

Here is a quote I read today that reminded me of Elder Wirthlin's talk:
"Regardless of your present age, you are building your life; it will be cheap and shoddy or it will be valuable and beautiful; it will be full of joy and happiness, or it can be full of misery. It all depends upon you and your attitudes, for your altitude, or the height you climb is dependent upon your attitude or your response to situations" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 161).

I am so grateful to be building my family and my family life. I am creating a home for my family . . . MY home for MY family . . . it's awesome. Homeschooling is, of course, a challenge - but we are making it work and we are loving it.

Google Readers:

To those who use Reader to view blogs - - you are missing my latest widgets. :)
Actually, my only widgets . . . that I just added.
The church website has a new site for youth . . . A Brand New Year . . . it is really a fun site. I am still getting to know it, but like it so far. It has a "vibrant" look about it - edgy almost, but fun.
Anyway, go to my blog (outside of reader) and see the new song widget I added. :)

Book of Mormon Reader Charts

I remember seeing some of my cousins use these when I was a kid.
I thought there might be some one else out there who could use them in their families.

Our Family Theme for this year is:
"Scriptures are Fine in 2009"
:)
http://www.sugardoodle.net/Book%20of%20Mormon/BOM%20Reading%20Chart.shtml
http://www.sugardoodle.net/Book%20of%20Mormon/BOMChart.pdf
I think I will use the second one this year.

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!