tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58009784083804997062024-03-13T18:20:42.878-07:00Nguyen Nguyen AcademyHomeschooling resources, DIY/craft ideas, sewing projects, and cooking recipes. Advice and hot topics about parenting and family life.Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-85923198253050159092013-09-13T07:48:00.001-07:002013-09-13T08:01:05.896-07:009 of the Worse Things to Pack in Your Child's Lunch and 9 Alternatives<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is back to school time and everyone is gearing up for the new school year. New crayons, backpacks, clothes… why not think about a new approach to your child's lunch. Listed below are the top 9 items you should NOT send with your child to school for lunch and what you can easily replace those items with. Let's start your child off on the right foot to a great school year and a healthy life.</div>
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1. White processed breads, instead, use 100% whole wheat.</div>
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Did you know that there is a difference in breads that claim to be whole wheat compared to 100% whole wheat? Companies can claim whole wheat on their packaging if the bread contains over 51% whole wheat, meaning there is still bleach used in the refining process. If you want to take bleach out of your child's diet, only serve 100% whole wheat products. Another alternative would be whole wheat tortillas, or even a gluten-free bread. The best alternative is a homemade bread so you know exactly what is in it and what your child is eating.</div>
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2. Juice boxes/sodas, instead, pack homemade lemon aid or flavored water.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 20px;">We can sum this up in one word… Sugar!!!!! Sodas and juice box are chalked full of more "simple" sugar than a child should consume in a single day! Simple sugar is very different from the complex sugars found in natural fruits and vegetables. Why is this a big deal? In the short term, simple sugars affect: mood, behavior, attentiveness, ability to concentrate, and immune system (your body's ability to make white blood cells). In the long term, simple sugars have been known to cause childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Also in recent news there has been several reported cases of mold growing in the juice boxes! Yuck! So what should you send your child to school with? Water is the number one choice for hydration and health, but if you child doesn't like the taste of water, flavor it up with organic fruits such as lemons, strawberries, oranges, or even pineapple. Your child and your child's teacher will thank you for not pumping them full of sugar in the middle of the school day.</span><br />
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3. Prepackaged lunches, instead, anything homemade!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWDFj3Ce79-LRZa8VUGo-oaVp8nwGT50NBQ7l4ZQTCBjklfRc1pyGXKRFuSq1BWlchJ_m7LfY6fFAeCb68HrM4N6ijAUAGH3RpqbS77rQ2MCPEZuvXRLaX8dp1tA_DbH_G6sXqtzwVBs/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWDFj3Ce79-LRZa8VUGo-oaVp8nwGT50NBQ7l4ZQTCBjklfRc1pyGXKRFuSq1BWlchJ_m7LfY6fFAeCb68HrM4N6ijAUAGH3RpqbS77rQ2MCPEZuvXRLaX8dp1tA_DbH_G6sXqtzwVBs/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWDFj3Ce79-LRZa8VUGo-oaVp8nwGT50NBQ7l4ZQTCBjklfRc1pyGXKRFuSq1BWlchJ_m7LfY6fFAeCb68HrM4N6ijAUAGH3RpqbS77rQ2MCPEZuvXRLaX8dp1tA_DbH_G6sXqtzwVBs/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWDFj3Ce79-LRZa8VUGo-oaVp8nwGT50NBQ7l4ZQTCBjklfRc1pyGXKRFuSq1BWlchJ_m7LfY6fFAeCb68HrM4N6ijAUAGH3RpqbS77rQ2MCPEZuvXRLaX8dp1tA_DbH_G6sXqtzwVBs/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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We all know that packaged foods are lacking in nutrients and full of chemicals that have all kinds of harmful effects on our children. But, a recent study <a href="http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9703/16/lunchables/" target="_blank">(article on study)</a>, on Lunchables shows that the high salt content affects circulation and therefore blood pressure just 30 minutes after eating a Lunchable. The better alternative would be anything that you can make at home, so you know exactly what is in it. This week try organic hummus, spread and rolled up on a 100% whole wheat tortilla. Super easy and healthy!</div>
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4. Sports drinks, instead, drink water or flavored fruit water.</div>
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The misconception about sports drinks is that they are actually good for our children. What isn't so widely known is that the ingredients in sports drinks, such as electrolytes, can actually be harmful to children. Even though these drinks are marketed toward school-aged children, they are formulated for professional athletes who perspire for long periods of time. When your body perspires you lose electrolytes, which your body naturally regulates, without the help of sports drinks. But if you perspire a lot, for very long periods of time, these sports drinks help to replace the electrolytes for maximum hydration. When you give a sports drink to your child who isn't a professional athlete and isn't sweating for 10 hours a day, you run the risk of throwing off that balance of electrolytes, sodium, and water in their body. Affects of drinking sports drinks, can be dizziness, nausea, excessive need to urinate, and in extreme cases; damage to the liver. Instead, give your child water or homemade organic fruit water with no added sugar. </div>
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<a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/Flavored_Water" target="_blank">Click here for Fruit Flavored Water Recipes</a></div>
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5. Lunch meats/hotdogs, instead, Healthy Proteins.</div>
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Any kind of overly processed meat such as deli lunch meats and hotdogs are high in nitrates as well as sodium. The worst offender of this is bologna and hotdogs, which are also made with meat byproducts and fillers too. If you have to use meat in a sandwich choose a leaner whole meat like ham or roast beef. An easy option to keep protein in your child's lunch is to use left over homemade chicken or roast beef from dinner the night before. Make sure the meat is hormone free and organic. A vegetarian option would be almond butter, nuts, seeds, hard boiled eggs, and cheeses.</div>
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6. High fructose corn syrup, instead, use natural complex sugars.</div>
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When it comes to the dreaded high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) you really have to read product labels, and when in doubt, make it at home so you can control what is put in your food. Organic sugar is better to use than white sugars, natural complex sugars found in fruits are the absolute best choice, and anything made at home is better than HFCS. Why is HFCS so bad for you? Well there have been entire books written about how HFCS is so bad for you, but the main point is the process of making HFCS. This process takes corn and chemically engineers it into a 55-45 fructose to glucose ratio, which makes things sweeter (and cheaper to make) than average sugar. But this biochemistry concoction it doesn't absorb into our bodies like normal sugar. Instead of being digested, it is rapidly absorbed into your blood stream causing minor and major problems with all systems in your body. So, how to help cut this out of your diet? Read labels and make more foods at home. For your child's lunch give them the complex natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables instead of the HFCS found in processed foods and beverages.</div>
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7. Cereal bars or Candy instead, try homemade snacks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAxgBI1GI4ZclQwg8rJuBD_mQAx0thtRjMogPC62eAGk51SMJ1OhQLZTuQk6AI4xy5O-fCbTXuqHS43qLLHBx8UOceSeRYsCwCoHJ5HRLxSGh9BhjA7BYtoJgvF6ZkUCYltzBEk4Ed_8/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAxgBI1GI4ZclQwg8rJuBD_mQAx0thtRjMogPC62eAGk51SMJ1OhQLZTuQk6AI4xy5O-fCbTXuqHS43qLLHBx8UOceSeRYsCwCoHJ5HRLxSGh9BhjA7BYtoJgvF6ZkUCYltzBEk4Ed_8/s200/Unknown.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Cereal bars that are sold in stores are usually full of sugar and fruit 'flavoring'. If you are sending a cereal bar with your child be sure to read the label and stay away from HFCS and artificial flavors. Another risk of store-bought cereal bars is if your child has a peanut allergy, since a lot of the producing of these types of products happens in factories that also produce peanuts. Most of the time it is written on the label somewhere if they were produced in the same factory with peanuts. Instead, try making a cheaper alternative at home. Cook oatmeal with organic pureed fruits like strawberries. Let the oatmeal cool and then roll into bite size balls. Your children will have fun making these with you and eating them too! You could also try homemade organic gold fish <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2011/09/homemade-goldfish-crackers/" target="_blank">(click here for recipe).</a></div>
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8. Vinyl and Plastic Containers, instead, use metal, glass, or cloth.</div>
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9. Empty Calories, instead, try veggies, fruits, and good proteins.</div>
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Empty calories come from solid fats or added sugars in foods that have little to no nutritional value. Examples of the empty calories can be found in cakes, cookies, sodas, energy/sports drinks, juice boxes, ice cream, chips, donuts, and hotdogs. Calories are good for our children, who are in the middle of growing, but only if they are accompanied with nutrients. You can switch out your child's empty calories for veggie sticks, unsweetened applesauce, a banana with almond butter, or yogurt with berries.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The goal of a healthy school lunch is to give your children real foods made at home with natural and organic ingredients. Make as much as you can at home, so you are in total control of what your family is eating, and if you can't make it, read labels so you know exactly what you are getting. Food is fuel and the best foods will keep your child healthy and ready to take on the rest of the school day!</div>
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Some great websites to check out:</div>
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<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">100 Days of Real Food</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/15-kid-approved-lunches/pictures/index.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Food Network's 15 Healthy Kid Friendly Recipes</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.planetbox.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Planet Box for Eco Lunch boxes</span></a></div>
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Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-42892955884879229602013-09-07T10:39:00.002-07:002013-09-07T10:39:44.441-07:00Back in the Saddle Again!It feels like forever since I have written on my blog, and I have to say, I really really miss it. For me blogging is almost like a support group where I can go and get my thoughts and feelings out on paper and then for some very strange reason post them here for all the world to read. Strange but it is comfort to me to have a place where I can just write and be myself.<br />
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So I wanted to send this update on the Fam since I haven't written in a long time...<br />
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We have moved to OK... it was interesting to move her, but I am really liking the area we moved to and we all have been settling in with new friends and groups.<br />
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KJ is in 2nd grade this year and yes we are still homeschooling!! I feel so blessed to be continuing this journey with her and her education. We actually bought curriculum this year and whoa what a difference it has made in my stress level! I am LOVING it!<br />
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ET is now 19 months old and babbles just as much as his sister did at this age... he is going to be a talker! He is picking up new words everyday and eats like there is no tomorrow... he must get that from Mr. D.<br />
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As for me and Mr. D.... well we are one year older and doing what we need to do to make our family function ;) I have been forcing pinterest ideas on him since we bought our first house, and have so far painted almost every wall since moving in just a few months ago. I have been continuing my photography business and also work as a teacher for a local dance studio. Life is good and we are settling into our new routine of our lives here in OK. <br />
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So I hope to be writing more often than I have this past year... and get back to posting new recipes, sewing projects, homeschool resources and such! Stay tuned!!!</div>
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<br />Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-87632138933858675912013-02-12T13:48:00.000-08:002013-02-12T13:48:03.810-08:00R-E-S-P-E-C-T... what does it mean to you?So this has been an article that I have been wanting to write for several months now, but I now finally have the time to write it! The topic of respect seems like a common sense issue, like manners or being kind to one another... but as I look at the world around me I'm just floored by how LITTLE respect I am seeing.<br />
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A few months ago I was shopping at Target and as I was waiting in the check out lane, there was a family of 5 in front of me. The husband and wife were having a disagreement of some kind and were getting kinda loud. Their three kids were running amuck and being unruly, which I'm sure was adding to the parent's stress and aggression to each other. Then the mom said something to her husband, that I was shocked came out of her mouth.<br />
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"Make your self useful and just go sit in the car... get out of my face so I don't have to deal with you."<br />
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YIKES!!!! First I couldn't believe the disrespect that was just directed toward her husband and on top of that it was in front of all three kids! As I left and was making my way to my car, I passed by the family again and they were still flinging insults at each other. <br />
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Now this was an isolated incident, but as I observe people more and more, the more I feel our society's level of human respect for each other has fallen. Where are the ladies and gentlemen of yesteryears? By being emotionally impulsive we are teaching the next generation how to disrespect other people and that this behavior is okay.<br />
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One thing I first loved about Mr. D was when we were dating he NEVER let me open the car door myself. It was second nature for him to always come to my side first and let me in the car. Now that we have two children we are both getting the kids in the car, but it was that first impression of being a total gentleman that was really attractive to me. I think we as a society need to get back to the roots of 'Treat others how you want to be treated.' We teach kids this important life lesson, but then turn around and show them how we don't respect other adults and even our family! Actions always speak louder than words especially when it comes to kids. <br />
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So my challenge for all of you and including myself, is to constantly remind yourself of the golden rule. Every hour of everyday before you speak or act ask yourself if you are being respectful. This will make you a happier person and you WILL see changes in your children and family. And just maybe we can bring back a more respectful society :)Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-10680774298654110992013-02-07T14:08:00.001-08:002013-02-07T14:08:17.404-08:00Cloth Diapers.... A Year LaterYou all know we did something new with baby ET and invested in cloth diapers instead of disposables. Here is the blog I wrote about a year ago.... <a href="http://nguyennguyenacademy.blogspot.com/2012/02/thoughtful-thursdays-cloth-diapers.html" target="_blank">Click Here for Article</a>.<br />
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So how are we liking them one year later? Would we do it all over again? YES!!!! I have to say I was a little nervous in the beginning writing about the pros and cons of cloth diapers for the world to see, and then using them for the first time. But I am very happy to report that we still love our cloth diapers and you couldn't pay me to go back to using disposables.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horrible pic... but I don't have many of just him in his diapers... and yes it is purple :)</td></tr>
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Now that we have it down to a science, let me explain our life with cloth diapers. First we invested in 24 of the Bum Genius 4.0 snap diapers, two packs of flannel cloth wipes, a toilet poo sprayer, and a plastic garbage bin. All of this ran us about $450 and that has been all I have spent on his diapers this entire year! We love the savings of not having to buy disposables and wipes and more than that I love that all of those diapers are staying out of the landfills. My favorite part of using cloth is how much ET loves them. He has never had diaper rash with the cloth diapers and we only use water on the flannel cloth wipes so there are NO Chemicals touching his skin. <br />
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People always ask me about the work of cloth diapers, and to be honest it isn't much more work. We wash the diapers ourselves in our washing machine about every three days. I just think of it as one more load of laundry, and the benefits far out way that one extra load of laundry. </div>
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If you or someone you know is thinking about cloth diapers and you have questions please feel free to contact me via email or my facebook page! I love talking about our experience and supporting others in choosing cloth. It can be overwhelming and scary at first, but you will love it in the end!</div>
<br />Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-61856720415521729652013-02-07T13:25:00.003-08:002013-02-07T13:28:23.928-08:00Hello Again.... We are back!<div style="text-align: center;">
HELLO AGAIN!!!!!</div>
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I feel like I have been raised from the dead or something! I have missed blogging this past year more than you know, but I am happy to tell you I am starting anew again and will hopefully find some time each day to get back to my blogging.</div>
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So what has been happening this past year?!?!</div>
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Well, our little E.T. just turned 1 this past week and is an amazing little walking man. He says mama, dada, ut oh, and a whole slew of baby gibberish. He also signs milk, more, please, food, and water. We are very proud of him.</div>
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We have also relocated.... and are now living in Oklahoma City. It has been a big change for all of us, but we love being closer to our family and friends.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. D jumping for joy in a nearby OKC park :)</td></tr>
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We are still homeschooling Miss KJ in first grade and going strong. </div>
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And we are currently looking for a house so I can unleash all of my pinterest ideas on it! So that is what we have been doing. I hope you missed me as much as I missed all of you and writing these blogs..... but rest assured.... I'm BACK!<br />
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Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-52448154940630651002012-08-30T08:42:00.000-07:002012-08-30T08:44:02.188-07:00Vote for ET!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><a href="https://www.pictots.com/wof/35/" target="_blank">click here to vote</a></b></span></span><br />
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Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-74772554394161708522012-08-29T17:19:00.001-07:002012-08-29T17:36:10.377-07:00What's for Dinner Wednesdays!! - The Best Corn on the Cob EVER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So maybe I'm the only one in the world who had no idea how to make amazing corn on the cob, and I'm ashamed to admit it, but I seriously had no clue you could make corn this way.</div>
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My mother always boiled corn on the cobs and they were good, but then we would go to a fair or carnival and they always had this amazing corn!!!! Well, I now know how to make it and it is easier than boiling it!</div>
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First buy corn that is still in the stalks, it is usually cheaper and saves on plastic packaging :)</div>
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Put the corn on a cookie sheet and pop in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 mins..... THAT's IT!!!!!!!!</div>
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You can also grill it, but we don't have a grill :(</div>
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When you take it out of the oven cut the bottoms off and the stalk and all the silk threads come right off with no hassles. Seriously super easy, I was shocked.</div>
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Now for the fun fair corn......</div>
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This is the list of things to put on your corn to make it exactly like the fair:</div>
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Butter</div>
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Mayo</div>
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Parmesan cheese</div>
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Paprika or chili powder (I use paprika since I don't like spicy)</div>
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<br />Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-87085053752739135832012-08-27T21:59:00.001-07:002012-08-27T22:02:24.715-07:00Back in Session!!!! First day of 1st Grade<div style="text-align: center;">
Today the Nguyen Nguyen Academy is back in session starting with KJ's first day of 1st grade. After a full month of traveling we have lots to write about in the coming months but today is all about our first day back at school.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KJ at our front door with an empty backpack on :)</td></tr>
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We started today with cinnamon rolls for a special back to school breakfast.</div>
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After our pledges, prayer, and the weather report (we do these everyday), we got started on our Bible studies. This month we are working on memorizing the Lord's Prayer. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS8V0bC7qNsPxZv_6nYWhjwnEDcBvU560sIxcxh8cwEIY-91t-zpUOzDxWmiK5cjWBZoAQxdRx-JDUQn3XUsvHVkYr__RGPaVHXFaTfrOE2T5t_zwVyXiYXnHVpjIRSbkIaeJCsyXv94/s1600/IMG_7511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS8V0bC7qNsPxZv_6nYWhjwnEDcBvU560sIxcxh8cwEIY-91t-zpUOzDxWmiK5cjWBZoAQxdRx-JDUQn3XUsvHVkYr__RGPaVHXFaTfrOE2T5t_zwVyXiYXnHVpjIRSbkIaeJCsyXv94/s320/IMG_7511.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KJ looking up Matthew in her Bible.</td></tr>
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We moved on to a worksheet helping KJ memorize our address and phone numbers. I was proud that she already knew my cell phone number by heart.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFy-K3nRHEUXMjNTZVjaCsmA3DAhZr6JmcxWFO5zi9II4YkrDBm3_bJb8Anet_cS5ggsc6goigSLm0Pw_KJPcUKUxEsIAxqax4cnhtCk2DmGWi6ZOS4hi5oYZOh6pt8nVHtnsW8AdlU0/s1600/IMG_7513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFy-K3nRHEUXMjNTZVjaCsmA3DAhZr6JmcxWFO5zi9II4YkrDBm3_bJb8Anet_cS5ggsc6goigSLm0Pw_KJPcUKUxEsIAxqax4cnhtCk2DmGWi6ZOS4hi5oYZOh6pt8nVHtnsW8AdlU0/s320/IMG_7513.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Town worksheet</td></tr>
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This week we are focusing a lot on Kindergarten review. Today working on writing our letters and sounds, and in math we worked on counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. Then we did an even and odd number activity on the board.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7bPrsrjjB4ySC7ddYl28VJuRWbU3-1-00FVrOIYlUWMLokbbLhYE9hOjQJVFn0K6OaxC4B-sAPUU39aVj-pSuJ-yakIy8VdfEZoNXPdUuKwRD6NO0nVx_HpV7Fyf4byg2xoSUIsSinc/s1600/IMG_7514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7bPrsrjjB4ySC7ddYl28VJuRWbU3-1-00FVrOIYlUWMLokbbLhYE9hOjQJVFn0K6OaxC4B-sAPUU39aVj-pSuJ-yakIy8VdfEZoNXPdUuKwRD6NO0nVx_HpV7Fyf4byg2xoSUIsSinc/s320/IMG_7514.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reviewing our ABC's</td></tr>
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Last we started our Biology study on the Human Body. This week we are working on how to keep our bodies healthy and what every human body needs to be healthy. Here KJ came up with three ways she kept her body healthy today.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LTQ1MTf5WqSqq9PNAW1rJ8ETH5pCcsxGrDPeTtNb0CwQgSRBHAdPx4ulDtNAKzCjVevKXD3S1Vm8qJ-NK1NyY3NXEa2GoGo9vcTa1DJ5__Hw-XS49a_XNzE0xKoqZmTlX1atTS1KYCc/s1600/IMG_7518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LTQ1MTf5WqSqq9PNAW1rJ8ETH5pCcsxGrDPeTtNb0CwQgSRBHAdPx4ulDtNAKzCjVevKXD3S1Vm8qJ-NK1NyY3NXEa2GoGo9vcTa1DJ5__Hw-XS49a_XNzE0xKoqZmTlX1atTS1KYCc/s320/IMG_7518.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Healthy Bodies workbook</td></tr>
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We ended our school day with a journal entry about our first day of school. KJ was asked to write one sentence about her day and then draw a picture. She wrote "I love school" and drew a picture of her sitting at her desk learning.</div>
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So in all it was a great first day for the both of us. This year we are doing a few things differently. One thing that I really think will benefit us the use of a timer. KJ is used to taking her sweet ol' time to do anything, and if I let her she would take two hours to write a sentence. So I found a free online timer <a href="http://www.online-stopwatch.com/" target="_blank">click here for online timer</a></div>
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and we now use it for each worksheet so she has enough time to do it, but it doesn't drag on for hours! Also if she doesn't finish it, it is her responsibility to finish it later after school, and make sure it gets back in her folder before bedtime. I felt she could be a little more responsible for her work and her time. We have also started 'grading' her worksheets this year. Last year she was only graded on assessments, but we found she really liked getting the grades as motivation to do really well on her work. So, today she turned in her work and I graded it and gave out stickers for good work.</div>
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Homeschooling is always a work in progress and I'm sure more things will continue to change every month and every year. That is the fun of tailoring education to your child!!!<br />
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Happy start of school for everyone out there, we hope your first day is as Blessed as ours was.</div>
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Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-49643049712649613752012-07-11T10:34:00.002-07:002012-07-11T14:11:00.554-07:001st Grade Curriculum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaPMYUp3LxN9nWx5Nivv-wiVlR229Z5bWQP9JO5trY9bQoqQ9RsZUIlvSLzAr12dplDdjduStVJn4zUFgIA_VisoobAh3IZ-Xz9xpXHmvHJGCOVUVe3JhvPZLfNb4GMSf9xN_f0T33JE/s1600/firstgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaPMYUp3LxN9nWx5Nivv-wiVlR229Z5bWQP9JO5trY9bQoqQ9RsZUIlvSLzAr12dplDdjduStVJn4zUFgIA_VisoobAh3IZ-Xz9xpXHmvHJGCOVUVe3JhvPZLfNb4GMSf9xN_f0T33JE/s200/firstgrade.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Grade: First Grade<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Year: 2012-2013</div>
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Home School Curriculum</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">Grade: 1st </span><br />
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MATH:</div>
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1. Numbers 0-500</div>
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2. Telling Time</div>
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3. PatternAwareness</div>
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4. Measurement</div>
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5. Computation</div>
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6. Money</div>
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1.1 Recognizing the words for numbers 0-500</div>
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1.2 Recognizing the written numbers for numbers 0-500</div>
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1.3 Knowing numeral patterns and sequencing.</div>
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1.4 Knowing physical amounts to correspond with numbers.</div>
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1.5 Counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, and 50s.</div>
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1.6 Even and Odd numbers</div>
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1.7 Grouping numbers in Greater and less than < ></div>
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2.1 Telling time on Digital Clock using correct number terms.</div>
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2.2 Telling time on an Analog Clock to the nearest 5 mins. (counting by 5)</div>
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2.3 Distinguishing big hand and small hands/mins and hours.</div>
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2.4 Calendar work, days of the week, months, counting down days.</div>
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3.1 Patters of color, sizes, shapes, and groups.</div>
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3.2 Problem solving with patterns.</div>
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3.3 Solving picture puzzles and mazes.</div>
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4.1 Identifying terms of measurement.</div>
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4.2 Measuring items, grasping size differences in number terms.</div>
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4.3 Using tools/rulers to create shapes and beginning geometry(2d and 3d shapes).</div>
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5.1 Continuing adding and subtraction single, and double digits.</div>
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5.2 Intro to easy word problems and numeral problem solving.</div>
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5.3 Solving a problem backwards, by starting with the answer and then creating the problem.</div>
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5.4 Introduction to fractions.</div>
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6.1 Continuing the understanding of coin values and combination of amounts.</div>
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6.2 Learning Bill money and values.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">READING:</span></div>
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1. Reading Achievement/ Leisure Reading</div>
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2. Alphabet and Phonics</div>
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3. Library Informative reading</div>
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4. Children's Lit</div>
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1.1 Recognizing 1st/2nd grade sight words</div>
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1.2 Mastering sounds of vowels and consonants to make words.</div>
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1.3 Reading beginner books on own and out loud.</div>
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1.4 Develop love for written word.</div>
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2.1 Reading and Writing all letters.</div>
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2.2 Mastering sounds of letters and blended sounds.</div>
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2.3 Correlating sounds into words.</div>
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2.4 Intro to spelling Assessments.</div>
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3.1 Learning how to use the library.</div>
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3.2 Looking up subjects at the library to find subject books.</div>
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4.1 Reading classic children's books aloud.</div>
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4.2 Expanding vocabulary with more difficult reads.</div>
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4.3 Building creativity and storytelling.</div>
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LANGUAGE ARTS:</div>
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1. Creative Writing</div>
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2. Spelling/ Grammar</div>
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3. Vocabulary Development/ Speech</div>
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1.1 Keeping a daily journal with writings.</div>
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1.2 Growth in word formations and sentence structure.</div>
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1.3 Using words in student's pictures to describe drawings.</div>
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1.4 Letter and card writing.</div>
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1.5 Developing handwriting and penmanship.</div>
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1.6 Play writing for end of the year.</div>
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1.7 Exploring fiction and non fiction and their components.</div>
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2.1 Intro to Spelling Assessments.</div>
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2.2 Exploring words: singular and plural, opposites, nouns, adjective, verb, etc.</div>
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2.3 Exploring and using punctuation and capitalization.</div>
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3.1 Memorization and retelling of oral stories.</div>
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3.2 Aloud reading of harder literature as introduction to harder vocabulary.</div>
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3.3 Oral word games such as rhyme time to engage auditory learning.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">SCIENCE:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">1. Life Science</span></div>
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2. Earth Science</div>
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3. Physical Science</div>
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5. Scientific Tools and Processes</div>
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1.1 Introduction to Anatomy and body parts</div>
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1.2 Identify basic characteristics of living things vs. non living things. Sort and classify.</div>
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1.3 Life Cycle Studies of animals/plants. Specifically frogs and butterflies.</div>
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1.4 Classification of parents vs. offspring, animals and habitats, extinct animals and current animals.</div>
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2.1 Things in the sky, observation, describing and recording what is seen in the day and night.</div>
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2.2 Taking samples, recording, and classifying information from the natural environment.</div>
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2.3 Weather information and Prediction</div>
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3.1 Classifying and comparing liquids, solids, and gases.</div>
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3.2 Effect of Sunlight and Shade Comparing Temperatures at different places.</div>
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3.3 Changing Movement and Friction</div>
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3.4 Effect of Magnets 5.1 Introduction to tools used for science.</div>
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5.2 Introduction to the steps of the Scientific Method.</div>
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5.3 Exploring the steps and using in basic activities or projects.</div>
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5.4 Talking about visual representations of scientific methods and processes with graphs, charts, etc.</div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 12.8px/normal Helvetica;">SOCIAL STUDIES:</span></div>
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1. US and State History/ Geography</div>
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2. World History/ Geography</div>
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3. Cultural Awareness</div>
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4. Basic Civics and Citizenship</div>
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5. Foreign Languages</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">1.1 Reading Historical Fiction and Non Fiction accounts of events.</span></div>
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1.2 Intro to Mapping.</div>
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1.4 Using flashcards and books to recognize states shapes and names.</div>
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1.5 State names and capitals</div>
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1.6 Beginning understanding of what History is, why we study it, and major events.</div>
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2.1 Intro to Ancient Times: Brief introduction to the time period through people, culture, dress, important figures, and important events.</div>
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2.2 Intro to Middle Ages: Brief introduction to the time period through people, culture, dress, important figures, and important events.</div>
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2.3 Intro to Modern Times: Brief introduction to the time period through people, culture, dress, important figures, and important events.</div>
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2.4 Memorizing names and locations of all oceans, continents, and larger countries.</div>
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3.1 Introduction to different cultures around the world with basic similarities and</div>
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how we differ.</div>
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3.2 Exploring different cultures with in our region.</div>
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3.3 Use arts and crafts time to represent different cultures.</div>
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4.1 Developing ideas of what it means to be a US citizen.</div>
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4.2 Basics to US Government and the three branches of Government.</div>
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4.3 Enrichment through volunteering and social activities.</div>
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5.1 Introduction to languages in other cultures and those most common in the US.</div>
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5.2 Develop use of ASL, Spanish, French, and Vietnamese, with emphasis in ASL.</div>
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FINE ARTS:</div>
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1. Music</div>
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2. Dance/PE</div>
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3. Theater</div>
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4. Performance</div>
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5. Art</div>
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1.1 Introduction to reading music and notation.</div>
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1.2 Exploring rhythm, beat, pitch, melody and other elements of basic music.</div>
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1.3 Develop piano playing with scales, basic theory, and songs.</div>
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1.4 Develop vocal singing and pitch awareness. Explore new songs.</div>
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1.5 Developing Music Appreciation with Music History.</div>
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2.1 Develop body/spacial awareness and control.</div>
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2.2 Explore team and individual coop with dance classes.</div>
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2.3 Self expression and storytelling through music and rhythm.</div>
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2.4 Development of pose and grace.</div>
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2.5 Introduction to Health Science.</div>
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3.1 Introduction to acting, costuming, and directing.</div>
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3.2 Developing memorization and exploring the construction of plays and characterization.</div>
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3.3 End of the year play written and performed by Kiera.</div>
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4.1 Developing memorization for dance repertoire, songs for piano and voice, and oral stories.</div>
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4.2 Public performance for social experience, and team building.</div>
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5.1 Intro to Arts and Crafts with many different materials and methods.</div>
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5.2 Advancing Color Theory with explorations of primary, secondary, and complementary colors.</div>
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5.3 Developing Art Appreciation with Art History.</div>
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LIFE SKILLS</div>
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Grade: 1st <span style="font: normal normal normal 12.8px/normal Helvetica;">Goals:</span></div>
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1. Personal Skills</div>
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2. Daily Skills</div>
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3. Hazards Awareness</div>
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4. Computer Skills</div>
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1.1 Memorization of important personal information such as phone number and address.</div>
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1.2 Correct usage of 911</div>
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1.3 Developing cognitive skills.</div>
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1.4 Developing good personal hygiene and Intro into Health Sciences.</div>
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2.1 Discovering chores; cooking, baking dishes, laundry, cleaning up, etc.</div>
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2.2 Creating a daily schedule while working on sequencing, and time management.</div>
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2.3 Elaborating on money and budgeting.</div>
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3.1 Development of street and pool safety.</div>
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3.2 Development of stranger dangers.</div>
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3.3 Introduction to household toxins and other poisons.</div>
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3.4 Exploring emergency procedures both in the house and out.</div>
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4.1 Typing Practice 4.2 Exploring online games</div>
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4.2 Online safety</div>
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BIBLE STUDIES</div>
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1. Memorization</div>
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2. Character Building</div>
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3. Story Time</div>
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1.1 Memorization of Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:9-13</div>
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1.2 Memorization of Books of the Bible</div>
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1.3 Memorization of Psalms 23</div>
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1.4 Weekly Verse Memorization from Awanas Program.</div>
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2.1 Relating character traits to scripture verse and stories.</div>
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2.2 Life lessons and moral lessons for everyday life.</div>
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3.1 Learning the major stories of the Bible and reading comprehension.</div>
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<b>Activities:</b></div>
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Awana Sparks - Wednesday's 6:30 - 8pm</div>
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Tacoma Youth Chorus - Tuesday's 4-5pm</div>
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Elite Dance Classes - Wednesday's 4-5pm</div>
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WBC (Washington Contemporary Ballet - Saturdays 9:15-10am</div>
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<b>Supplemental Materials:</b></div>
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Programs - Rosetta Stone</div>
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Videos - Bill Nye the Science Guy, Signing Time, PBS specials, documentaries, Planet Earth Series</div>
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Internet - Brainpop.com bbc.co.uk/schools/typing ixl.com/math/grade-1 brainpcleary.com abcya.com</div>
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Field Trips and Excursions</div>
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<br />Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-28219692839791794122012-07-05T11:19:00.000-07:002012-07-05T11:19:09.930-07:00BUSY!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously homeschooling is a full time job on top of being a stay at home mommy....</div>
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Sorry I have been MIA lately, but I have been writing KJ's 1st grade curriculum and getting her lesson planning done for the year! I will share with everyone once I have it done.</div>
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Just wanted to everyone to know that, yes I'm still alive, no I am not stopping my blog... just super busy!</div>
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Oh and happy late 4th of July!</div>
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<br /></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-12032414412149763742012-07-04T14:10:00.000-07:002012-07-04T14:10:32.363-07:00Vegan Hamburgers with Avocado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Vegan Hamburgers with Avocados</div>
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This is an in depth recipe but very very good! One of Mr. D's favorites :)</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed</div>
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5 cloves of garlic, minced</div>
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3/4 cup yellow onion, diced</div>
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1/4 cup leeks, finely diced</div>
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2 tbsp flaxseed, ground</div>
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5 tsp dijon mustard</div>
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3 tbsp unsalted tomato paste</div>
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1tsp chile powder</div>
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1 tsp turmeric</div>
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2 tsp cumin</div>
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1 cup cooked brown rice</div>
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2 tbsp EVOO</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbxd1cgtDDahD0PIO0nbkIYxnko3r10xRqaj9VFXswZBc08lDS9-YK7FC8xmiaO1ZYbrJKFgFIG0js4KeH5mk0Cjt5WombnhVv1ykLXVHmZHu4h_jJkeqPtn5XQuEf5L-vx9mwTiFrEk/s1600/IMG_9960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbxd1cgtDDahD0PIO0nbkIYxnko3r10xRqaj9VFXswZBc08lDS9-YK7FC8xmiaO1ZYbrJKFgFIG0js4KeH5mk0Cjt5WombnhVv1ykLXVHmZHu4h_jJkeqPtn5XQuEf5L-vx9mwTiFrEk/s320/IMG_9960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. Line Baking sheet with parchment paper and cook lentils according to package</div>
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2. Large bowl mix: garlic, onion, celery, leeks, flaxseed, dijon, tomato paste, and spices. When lentils are cooked mash them with fork and add to the mix bowl, then add rice. Mix everything all together!</div>
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3. Heat oil in pan, Medium Heat. Form mix into 6 patties, and cook in pan for 2-3 mins per side until light brown.</div>
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4. Transfer patties to baking sheet and cook in over on 350 for 15 mins.</div>
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Top with vegan cheese, sliced tomatoes and Avocados!</div>
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ENJOY!!!!! :)</div>
<br />Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-4752976281559910662012-06-27T18:34:00.002-07:002012-06-27T18:35:15.258-07:00What's for Dinner Wednesdays - Ham Sammies!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is my family's new favorite dinner!!!</div>
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HAM SAMMIES:</div>
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<u>Ingredients</u></div>
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1/2 Stick of Butter</div>
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1/2 Onion - chopped</div>
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3 tbsp dijon mustard</div>
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2tbsp BBQ sauce</div>
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3 tsp poppy seeds</div>
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1 pkg Hawaiian Sweet rolls</div>
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1/2 lb ham</div>
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5-6 slices swiss cheese</div>
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1. Melt butter in skillet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizj-66Aq0j4DdV5mX83fW3wosVNwSAFV1JwVsEs3vzV0fSdSS9D4YhH6k_8qcjwkgnTuz2F1PF_tiOlbyuudSaD547HMA0-q7ygCPNsKTaR2-2M3Jm_CFqtpCNEbnNAwdvL2YoWJedZo/s1600/IMG_7247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizj-66Aq0j4DdV5mX83fW3wosVNwSAFV1JwVsEs3vzV0fSdSS9D4YhH6k_8qcjwkgnTuz2F1PF_tiOlbyuudSaD547HMA0-q7ygCPNsKTaR2-2M3Jm_CFqtpCNEbnNAwdvL2YoWJedZo/s320/IMG_7247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Add onions, mustard, bbq, and poppy seeds. Stir and simmer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauoyHWOPVfhRPBVgQCJesw9fD0lT6go0ndUGNwZ5McqKVBubDJRZzmpswRGjC8IK873Fsdpxms_6T28ZBbIoqSSiUXjCwXmdxiXJsZJrLBt6S6B41kcLN-UQJI_KvxxCgaEJsFQx_Ndo/s1600/IMG_7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauoyHWOPVfhRPBVgQCJesw9fD0lT6go0ndUGNwZ5McqKVBubDJRZzmpswRGjC8IK873Fsdpxms_6T28ZBbIoqSSiUXjCwXmdxiXJsZJrLBt6S6B41kcLN-UQJI_KvxxCgaEJsFQx_Ndo/s320/IMG_7248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. On a cookie sheet place foil then the rolls that have been cut in half length wise. Layer ham then cheese.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahmLnH8TYDUqliEQPqNnx2YiOj5ELTHH-XQtDFjcjru1GkjWXRDk5VH8rJJAzTwqip4chlTYM4F8U2nA1S0Ycau2Koph_2pM0y2dhl3xiGCfhxoU5D7ypIq3TbOPyB58AAlD68h9BpVQ/s1600/IMG_7249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahmLnH8TYDUqliEQPqNnx2YiOj5ELTHH-XQtDFjcjru1GkjWXRDk5VH8rJJAzTwqip4chlTYM4F8U2nA1S0Ycau2Koph_2pM0y2dhl3xiGCfhxoU5D7ypIq3TbOPyB58AAlD68h9BpVQ/s320/IMG_7249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Take the mixture from the pan and put half on top of the cheese. Then put the top of the rolls back on and put the last half of the sauce on top. KJ doesn't eat anything with onions so as you can see I left the mixture off two of the sammies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYYvhX5SiHWeV2v8YImkbybJU2BBHT6M6Lt8CduMlveson0CAY_gaYbhA4YKrdBymXMPXn3xvlAwpkMDHuZjNBGKSF9E16A5svHtdL1kAp97Ce4Kbbog420kGC9NO7zALcwo6A9Kfwrs/s1600/IMG_7250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYYvhX5SiHWeV2v8YImkbybJU2BBHT6M6Lt8CduMlveson0CAY_gaYbhA4YKrdBymXMPXn3xvlAwpkMDHuZjNBGKSF9E16A5svHtdL1kAp97Ce4Kbbog420kGC9NO7zALcwo6A9Kfwrs/s320/IMG_7250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Cover the sammies with foil and bake at 350 for 20 mins!!!</div>
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ENJOY!</div>
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We ate them with curly fries :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPcWAxD9njor3AQpNnB8_wDXSHrOkIRku718PPDwoWl8S0j8hv1xeQEAQChAjSi1UendsnsznQXIL2I2OOg3FBFcrhRHY2OeSSyMzsoqzj8Ab85yR4xFaEf5vd6bcBylzhMC_ifmhCVY/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPcWAxD9njor3AQpNnB8_wDXSHrOkIRku718PPDwoWl8S0j8hv1xeQEAQChAjSi1UendsnsznQXIL2I2OOg3FBFcrhRHY2OeSSyMzsoqzj8Ab85yR4xFaEf5vd6bcBylzhMC_ifmhCVY/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-78804542459418555732012-06-26T13:14:00.001-07:002012-06-26T13:14:51.667-07:00Plastic and Us<div style="text-align: center;">
So I'm an avid Documentary watcher... everything from childbirth, to politics, to food, and now plastics! I think documentaries are a great way to gain new prospective and hear information that you might not otherwise ever find. I understand that most documentaries are mostly one sided in their opinions and views but there is still a ton of great information out there.</div>
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A while ago I blogged about food and GMOs <a href="http://nguyennguyenacademy.blogspot.com/2012/04/thoughtful-thursdays-scary-thoughts.html" target="_blank">Click here to read it!</a></div>
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Well most recently our family (yes KJ watches this stuff too), has been watching documentaries on plastics and the effect of plastics on our planet and our bodies. Yes you have chemicals from plastics in your body right now, and if you are prego your baby has them too!!!! It has totally opened up my eyes to the problem of plastics. Here are a few documentaries that I recommend, and are all streaming live on netflix. 'Bag It!' Was my personal favorite.</div>
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<a href="http://www.homotoxicus.com/english/index.htm" target="_blank">Homo Toxicus</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1292648/" target="_blank">Plastic Planet</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bagitmovie.com/" target="_blank">Bag It!</a></div>
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If you have the time, watch all three... if you only have two hours, watch 'Bag it'. IF you don't have any time at all I have prepared a quick list of things to do to help reduce your plastic use and the harmful effects on your body and children!</div>
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1. Say 'NO' to plastic bags: This is such an easy fix... buy the 99 cent reusable tote bags and only use those for all your shopping trips. We produce 500 Billion tons of waste just from the use of these plastic bags! CRAZY. Also most of these plastic bags end up in our oceans where turtles mistake them for jelly fish and then eat them. If you want to kill a turtle go ahead and use those plastic bags next time you check out at the grocery store..... Just sayin'.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNyOuRQUzPwWhoO9V9mf8RqAbbma6aqdE0ffHufMZWo4nwvpnoFCCeivf5pag3bZGjzyzMKxOVo39HTuMtE3rsm7WN5MOQOyKI1LhlV1XoNqLLh0x_Zs3BVDoSVB_wIQFqzKOq1G2EL0/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNyOuRQUzPwWhoO9V9mf8RqAbbma6aqdE0ffHufMZWo4nwvpnoFCCeivf5pag3bZGjzyzMKxOVo39HTuMtE3rsm7WN5MOQOyKI1LhlV1XoNqLLh0x_Zs3BVDoSVB_wIQFqzKOq1G2EL0/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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2. Stop drinking bottled water: You realize that bottled water is tap water from other countries, right? But we Americans spend money, fuel, and resources to import tap water. Not only does it cost America fuel and money, but the bottle that it takes you 20 mins to drink takes over 300 years to decompose in a landfill. Even if you recycle these bottles are down cycled so they only get two lives out of them before they are trash.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-iTKW_M4kHPZu9sHafcbZD7zYKduARpJGW6iy-xMntTNG6YhWYfs0j1CV31UfOUFaEaz744N-CqZX5X6CkVwC-oJec-BpDanq1_iVZAnlR7Je8Y9YvNl9BmGIwPtVNZdB9PEuKA2-JY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-iTKW_M4kHPZu9sHafcbZD7zYKduARpJGW6iy-xMntTNG6YhWYfs0j1CV31UfOUFaEaz744N-CqZX5X6CkVwC-oJec-BpDanq1_iVZAnlR7Je8Y9YvNl9BmGIwPtVNZdB9PEuKA2-JY/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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3. Use cloth diapers: Seriously they are just as convenient as disposable and way cheaper too! It is estimated you will save 1200+ in your baby's first two years if you use cloth instead of disposable. If you want to read my blog on cloth diapers <a href="http://nguyennguyenacademy.blogspot.com/2012/02/thoughtful-thursdays-cloth-diapers.html" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4bwfbBuW4CXYpXBRxSsZybOWyrbxpSZ6ERNIJA1-yxxVTbKBnxtC5P3ElbccL3Bazvg5oUSek0p1sljaleYzBBa6hCSMKlL8_8WahCM9u35GbGcCRZn6T9PZ5cdukBvpj1LQKBpUdHM/s1600/IMG_1005_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4bwfbBuW4CXYpXBRxSsZybOWyrbxpSZ6ERNIJA1-yxxVTbKBnxtC5P3ElbccL3Bazvg5oUSek0p1sljaleYzBBa6hCSMKlL8_8WahCM9u35GbGcCRZn6T9PZ5cdukBvpj1LQKBpUdHM/s320/IMG_1005_edited-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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4. Limit the amount of plastic you use in your home: If you were anything like us, as of last week we were using plastic tupperware for food storage and drinking from plastic washable cups. After watching these docs we switched and bought glasses to drink from and glass storage for food. Total we spent 28 dollars at Target to get rid of our plastics in the kitchen. If you chose to keep your plastics please remember to NEVER heat them in the microwave. The plastic WILL release chemicals and compounds into your food and you will eat them. Also once your plastic gets that frosted, hazy or cracked look to it, it is time to throw it away. That means the plastic is actually starting to break down and will release even more nasty stuff into your food and body.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NJZnXD3afPmwYdyBzZRBQQeB0J6vRGaGXd2E4r85HMuVWcyDyv7oqE_ZkApaIC3GHkUuxi1Ny3YT0v1WhO3XKaVyP2ZaJLN-YxXx27ISG1alkqalATxsNmMs46KtVflPVsSmKMvCWwM/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NJZnXD3afPmwYdyBzZRBQQeB0J6vRGaGXd2E4r85HMuVWcyDyv7oqE_ZkApaIC3GHkUuxi1Ny3YT0v1WhO3XKaVyP2ZaJLN-YxXx27ISG1alkqalATxsNmMs46KtVflPVsSmKMvCWwM/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
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5. Look for BPA Free: Plastic companies are not required to label all the chemicals they use to make their products... so you really have no idea what you are handling or giving to your children. Today (mostly on baby toys) you can find some products that advertise as BPA free. This is important, since BPA has been linked to caner, ADD, ADHD, infertility, liver problems, diabetes, poor brain development in children, and heart disease.... just to name a few. If you must buy plastic toys or items for your babies and children LOOK for that BPA free sign on the product.</div>
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These are just a few simple things you can do to help our planet and your families health. After watching these our family is limiting the plastic in our lives. Go Green with us and remember the three Rs....</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px;">Reduce, Reuse, Recycle</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-18036631816294892752012-06-20T15:51:00.000-07:002012-06-20T15:51:47.596-07:00Milestones<div style="text-align: center;">
How do you record your child's milestones? What do you consider a major milestone worth recording? I think most parents know what the big ones are... first step, first tooth, first bike, first date etc.....</div>
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But what about all the little things that aren't major milestones but they are things that you want to remember about your children in 5 years, 10 years, or even 40 years from now? I am giving you a list of 5 different ways to document milestones for each of your children that you will have forever to love and look back on for years to come.</div>
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1. <b>Traditional baby book</b>: Most brand new parents get their first baby book at the baby shower from a loving friend or family member. These are great ways to keep track of your baby through the first year. They usually have pouches for little souvenirs, places for pictures and lots of space for writing about your little one. The only thing I found annoying about these was the book is very specific in it's pages. So if you don't need a certain page for something then that page just stays blank.... forever... But for a quick way to record milestones it is a good way to go.</div>
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2. <b>Photo Albums (with space to write by every picture)</b>: I LOVE having pictures of all the milestones, so I use photo albums much more than I used KJ's baby book. We didn't even buy a baby book for ET. But the photo albums with a few lines of writing at the sides is a great way to see the milestone and also know the exact date, age, or other info you want to add with the photo. These take a little more work but still pretty easy to put together for the busy mom.</div>
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3. <b>Scrapbooking</b>: With scrapbooking you have complete control over ALL aspects of how you record your child's milestones. The only draw back to this is you have to be super creative on your pages and it usually takes a ton of time to do. I have two scrapbooks for KJ but I only work on them once a year and I dedicate a full week of locking myself in with my craft supplies to get it done! They are amazing to look back at when they are finished, but good luck getting them done.</div>
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4. <b>Movies!!!</b>: We take lots of videos in our family, KJ loves watching our home movies from years ago. They are a quick and easy way to get moments on our computer and easily burnt on a DVD. I am a Mac girl, so I use iMovie and iDVD to make all of our home movies. Another piece of advise is to use a simple point and shoot camera instead of an actual video camera. The quality is about the same, and you are sure to have your little point and shoot with you about everywhere you go and therefore will take more videos than if you had to remember to get out the video camera. It is also way easier to upload from a point and shoot than it is from a video camera that uses those little tapes.</div>
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5. <b>Journal</b>: This is an idea that most people don't think of for recording milestones, but I LOVE doing this. I have a separate journal for each child. I write in them on a weekly basis or more if more is going on with that child. What is great about this is I have the freedom to write about <b style="font-style: italic;">everything </b>that pertains to that child. So I am not restricted to just the major milestones... but the everyday things that I find funny or amusing. Quotes that KJ says, or songs that she likes to sing, and right now all of the 'first' stuff for ET. Another thing I really love about Journaling is I'm writing my feelings down along with my child's journey. So when they are old and they read these they know exactly how I felt about them at that time. Also, I don't find it is very time consuming. I look forward to journaling usually at night when the kids have gone to bed. But if something awesome happens during the day I grab my journal and make a note of it too!! This is by far my favorite way to document my kiddos.</div>
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I hope I was able to give you all some ideas of how to better document your kid's milestones! If you have any other special ways that you have found or use please comment below and share with all of us!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KJ's 5th BDay getting her first big girl bike!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-52331695509309449492012-06-16T06:05:00.003-07:002012-06-16T06:05:16.294-07:00WHO Convention Weekend!<div style="text-align: center;">
For any homeschooling families in WA it is convention weekend hosted right here in Puyallup!!!</div>
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Here is a link to the WHO website for all the convention details. Hope to see you there!!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.washhomeschool.org/convention/convention.html" target="_blank">WHO Convention</a></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-151161683580700072012-06-13T21:06:00.002-07:002012-06-13T21:08:37.907-07:00Children and Technology<div style="text-align: center;">
At what age do you let your children start having their own accounts for online stuff or technological gadgets? Examples are Email addresses, social sites (facebook, myspace, pintrest etc), a cell phone, ipod, or laptop.</div>
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Today I had to ask myself these questions and not because I wanted to. KJ has been in Texas for this past month and today I was told by her biological dad that he not only bought her an ipod, but also created a skype account, an apple account, a facetime account, and an email account for her, in her name. Keep in mind she just turned 5..... So does a 5 year old really need all those accounts? </div>
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Thus far KJ has been using skype through our accounts (her dad's and mine). And there has never been a problem using our own accounts, so I don't know why he felt he needed to create one for her. If I was in total control I don't think I would have let her have an email account until at least the age of 9 or 10. Legally, children under the age of 13 aren't suppose to have facebook accounts. I think 15 or 16 would be a better age, but that is my opinion. What about cell phones? I have heard some parents say they feel better with their children having a cell phone at a very young age incase something happens.</div>
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Don't get me wrong.... I let KJ get online to practice her typing, and play online games on the PBS kids site, and if the ipod was only to be used for movies and games I wouldn't have a problem.</div>
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But what do you all think? At what age is the internet and technology appropriate for children? I am really struggling to be okay with my 5 year old having a gmail account. I feel like it will be just one more thing I have to monitor, and be worried about. Does anyone have any advice or opinions about this? Am I over reacting?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KJ watching a DVD in the car with her headphones</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-26581940305012189202012-06-12T10:15:00.001-07:002012-06-12T10:15:20.184-07:00Happy Anniversary!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a quick post to say I love you to Mr. D on our second year wedding anniversary!!!</div>
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2 years ago today we married on top of a mountain where we had our first date. Since then we have been through a deployment to Afghanistan, a court battle with my ex, a career change, a move from TX to WA, had a baby, and lots of trips a travels in between!! It has been a crazy two years and I can't wait to see what the rest of our lives has in store for us!</div>
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<br /></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-23279647235223670242012-06-08T14:51:00.001-07:002012-06-08T14:51:49.651-07:00Teething!!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
So little ET is now 4 months old and apparently teething.</div>
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His current symptoms:</div>
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Pulling at his ears</div>
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More fussy/grumpy than normal</div>
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no fever (thank goodness)</div>
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waking more during the night</div>
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pulls away during feedings (ouch)</div>
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more drool</div>
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swollen gums</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little ET letting me know he isn't having fun :(</td></tr>
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So I wanted to share with everyone what we are doing to ease his pain the all natural way :)</div>
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Some pediatricians recommend small doses of infant tylenol but I don't like drugs so we aren't going that route. You can get baby Orajel 'Naturals'... it is benzocaine-free, alcohol-free, and dye-free. You can also try teethers that you can purchase from babies r us. After watching a documentary on the toxins in plastics, I have tried to limit the amount of plastic ET is exposed to. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1292648/" target="_blank">Plastic Planet Doc</a></div>
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But our favorite thing that helps little man, didn't even cost a dime!! Take a wash cloth (or wash rag if your from KY, hehe) and place a single ice cube in the middle. Then I took a hair tie but you can use anything they can't bite through, and tie off the ice cube in the center of the wash cloth. That gives your little one a cold hard cube to chew on, the cloth soaks up any melting water, and his hands don't get cold like they would with a teether because he holds it where the cloth is dry and room temp!! And an added bonus of it not being plastic and therefore more natural and cheaper than your average teether!!!</div>
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I hope this helps some of my other natural mammas out there that are going through teething!</div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-60726761237446902132012-06-07T10:52:00.001-07:002012-06-07T13:07:06.031-07:00My new love.... Aperture<div style="text-align: center;">
So I have been taking these photography classes and I must say they are dramatically changing my photos. <a href="http://improvephotography.com/courses/" target="_blank">Click here to see the courses :)</a> I can't wait to use them on my next shoot or even just on KJ and ET!! Here is an example of what I'm talking about...</div>
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I have always used the normal automatic settings on my camera. (I use a Canon 60D and I have two lenses... my kit lens which is 18-135mm and my newest lens the 50mm 1.8.) But I don't really know anything about the technical side of my camera and how to successfully use the Manual mode. So with these classes I am hoping to never use the auto modes again!!! </div>
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Well last week one of our assignments was to play with our aperture and thus affecting our depth of field. So I took Mr. D and little ET to a nearby field and started playing. I couldn't believe the difference!!! I was expecting some difference but not this much. Both were taken with the same 50mm lens the ONLY thing I changed was the Aperture. Here are the two photos totally unedited.......</div>
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Click on the photos to make them larger :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F/22</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F/1.8</td></tr>
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Pretty amazing huh?</div>
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The blurry background with the F/1.8 really makes Mr. D and ET stand out. Like I said I can't wait to use this on future photos! Let the learning continue!!!!!!!!</div>
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<br /></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-84531240374045670152012-06-05T10:41:00.001-07:002012-06-05T10:41:23.755-07:00Continuing Education<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a firm believer that we should never stop learning... including taking classes, picking up a new hobby, or just reading a book about something new. </div>
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This summer I am taking a photography class. It is a 30 day online course that gives the ins and outs of photography and how to use my expensive camera. Yes I have been a photographer for years now, but I really don't know much about the technical side of my camera. So my mission this summer is to really know my camera and by the end of my class be able to confidently use my manuel mode with everything I shoot. </div>
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So, what would be something that you would like to take a class on or learn more about? Growing up my mother and I used to take those community classes.... I even took swing dance lessons. The possibilities are endless!!!!!</div>
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Get out and learn something new this summer!!! I would love to hear what you all are interested in :)</div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-79717548304549543302012-05-31T18:03:00.001-07:002012-05-31T18:03:47.812-07:00Thoughtful Thursdays - The Death of Distance<div style="text-align: center;">
This past weekend the family took a trip to OKC to visit Mr. D's side of the family and it got me thinking about something I learned in college.... The Death of Distance.</div>
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The death of distance refers to the gap technology has filled for people who live far away from each other. This technology ranges from the social networking sites (facebook/twitter), to video chatting, to the invention of fast flying airplanes. Before these inventions, one had to travel by ship, horse, and had no communication other than what we consider today as 'snail mail'. If you wanted to move out West, the trip took months in a wagon train. Today you can move across the world in a matter of hours or days. Most generations stayed in one town or one state and usually one country where as today there are people from everywhere found just anywhere on the globe. I can video chat with my mother in KY and then just as easily chat with my BFF in Japan. Through FB I talk to friends from my past who I probably would never keep in contact with if I didn't have FB. In my lifetime I have lived in three different states spanning across the entire United States, and have studied abroad in Europe. I was young, independent, motivated, and free spirited; but was I also missing something?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aMpBk4j91dmVVDkmFQFUt27JC7rDxHPGX59vwNUBbHOh86uv6tifOXGs6_-CxE3HqOjw6EEQzMwoenqFsgvhebgfdZudFFAbZz0so6jWqG2J3ToDPgq3rXLVyCuxt_tpG3qEzAobruk/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aMpBk4j91dmVVDkmFQFUt27JC7rDxHPGX59vwNUBbHOh86uv6tifOXGs6_-CxE3HqOjw6EEQzMwoenqFsgvhebgfdZudFFAbZz0so6jWqG2J3ToDPgq3rXLVyCuxt_tpG3qEzAobruk/s320/IMG_0673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Stonehenge</td></tr>
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With these advances in technology people are able to live far away from family and friends and still keep in contact on a daily basis.... but..... is that enough? Are we losing the human connection by replacing the real person with technology? </div>
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Having lived away from my family now for about 10 years I can say that while I missed my family I always felt okay about moving and living my life how I wanted, with out loyalty to the place where I grew up. But now that I have kids things have changed. The perception of 'place' has changed for me. I'm no longer interested in the biggest cities and cool things to do, but more about who I'm surrounded by. In a sense you could say I would like a 'village' for my children, a group of people to surround my family.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our latest move from TX to WA</td></tr>
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This weekend being back in a city that might not have the most glamour, but has friends and family who love and support my family, it got me thinking about if the 'death of distance' is enough emotionally for people. We have met people here in WA who live away from family and they go back and visit every few years.... and I just can't imagine doing that. I go back to KY about 3-4 times a year and Mr. D goes back to OKC about 3-5 times a year. Are we the only ones out there who can't rely on new technologies as a replacement for the real thing? Yes I can see my mom on skype.... but is that the same as living 10 mins from her? Yes we can fly to OKC to visit friends and families, but is that the same as living there? I'm not knocking technology by any means.... I couldn't have made it through Mr. D's deployments with out skype. So thank goodness for technology!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHg1NDHfy_Y-stu_aMLJ4kbKNmXeakU7UNkIXGY8WLHsReuEK86LVZ7fX1qhR1RxcmGvAelpJ1q2hE2Gucw4fKZ810-MLZjMNeGW2aQe1ZPfysxJph3tIqOo3F0ebD4rgJ7rEIMJsX4k/s1600/IMG_4910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHg1NDHfy_Y-stu_aMLJ4kbKNmXeakU7UNkIXGY8WLHsReuEK86LVZ7fX1qhR1RxcmGvAelpJ1q2hE2Gucw4fKZ810-MLZjMNeGW2aQe1ZPfysxJph3tIqOo3F0ebD4rgJ7rEIMJsX4k/s320/IMG_4910.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skype Date with Mr. D in Afghanistan</td></tr>
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I want to know if people living away from their villages some how has a lasting emotional effect on them and their families. Would we all be happier if we lived within 20 miles of our families? Or is chasing the American dream and where ever that leads us.... does that make us the happiest, the most full filled emotionally? </div>
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Are we as connected as ever through social networking and video chats? Or do we feel as lonely as ever and these outlets are just a bandaid over our emotional wounds?</div>
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Just wondering how everyone else felt about this....</div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-4075697167922494472012-05-30T15:58:00.001-07:002012-05-30T15:58:47.990-07:00What's for Dinner Wednesdays - Meatloaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meatloaf: My family LOVES this stuff and it is so super easy to make!</div>
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This is how I make it but feel free to add or subtract ingredients to your family's liking.</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 cup oats</div>
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1/4 cup ranch dressing</div>
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1/4 cup BBQ sauce of your liking</div>
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1/2 onion diced</div>
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1/2 green pepper</div>
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1 lb ground beef</div>
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Ketchup</div>
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Mix all ingredients together except for the ketchup in a mixing bowl then spread it out in a casserole dish. I guessed at the amounts since I hardly never measure when it comes to cooking. But when all mixed together it should look something like this.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LWYa5b-r3xKmPTpMJfQXQLvyR9t2XlIVgJpPUaBlxARmpsNTVZdTZ23EjVrVKrUgHHbBzI1k8vIEGqK1dRmqmF5XZbQamUjtXRBnKIF5ebt7MB8xhS2QyevP4hYID1nvzGdazW4pI-w/s1600/IMG_7208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LWYa5b-r3xKmPTpMJfQXQLvyR9t2XlIVgJpPUaBlxARmpsNTVZdTZ23EjVrVKrUgHHbBzI1k8vIEGqK1dRmqmF5XZbQamUjtXRBnKIF5ebt7MB8xhS2QyevP4hYID1nvzGdazW4pI-w/s320/IMG_7208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Top with ketchup...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaB-IQ2KrDQXDX9jBx6ni0X_-9IkY9CAaN4aNH2eQHZVkA3mj-oNHXToG-IkFTzc_ZRvefYXH9cyBzfrAELeBFghTUrwyQbBWZUSXXU4iN8WMpn-VVxKz42Q3lTRHgcYMaql2QxtJrHjo/s1600/IMG_7209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaB-IQ2KrDQXDX9jBx6ni0X_-9IkY9CAaN4aNH2eQHZVkA3mj-oNHXToG-IkFTzc_ZRvefYXH9cyBzfrAELeBFghTUrwyQbBWZUSXXU4iN8WMpn-VVxKz42Q3lTRHgcYMaql2QxtJrHjo/s320/IMG_7209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bake at 350 for about 40-45 mins. Done!!!!</div>
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We made ours with fresh peas and made from scratch mashed potatoes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdYcWoAQvY6Pxc3BzK1ffKsflXCNZuoDjWWekaX1l7MIwObhLy2ySNHhIK1Mk-cFmihxgvc9v3kPk1KHUy7l64tul1F63vN1qmQflOf4NTRO04I3UQa9yqTbwhCD2bw9-TMnD11-5Xr8/s1600/IMG_7211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdYcWoAQvY6Pxc3BzK1ffKsflXCNZuoDjWWekaX1l7MIwObhLy2ySNHhIK1Mk-cFmihxgvc9v3kPk1KHUy7l64tul1F63vN1qmQflOf4NTRO04I3UQa9yqTbwhCD2bw9-TMnD11-5Xr8/s320/IMG_7211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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ET joined us at the dinner table for the first time :)</div>
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<br />Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-84995264662682677342012-05-23T08:45:00.002-07:002012-05-23T08:45:12.033-07:00What's for Dinner Wednesday - Baked Salmon<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my own recipe for Baked Salmon... I like mine really sweet not smoked, so if you have a sweet tooth like me you will really enjoy this salmon!</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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Filet of Salmon .6-1.2 lbs</div>
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Honey</div>
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Brown Sugar</div>
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Bread Crumbs</div>
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Olive Oil</div>
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Take a cookie sheet and line it with foil.</div>
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On the foil drizzle EVOO so the fish doesn't stick to it.</div>
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On top of the filet add brown sugar first, rub it into the fish.</div>
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Then drizzle honey on top. The brown sugar should keep the honey on the fish instead of running off.</div>
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(If the honey runs off the fish it has a better chance of burning in the oven so try to keep it only on the fish)</div>
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Then top with bread crumbs. Your salmon should look like this.</div>
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Pop into a 350 oven for about 15-25 mins depending on the thickness of the fish. This one cooked for 22 mins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0SV61xJV3g__ppPYqyVB2T8J2MsaZ819fO40O7aLjaKp6rsho6ExYFZN5DfonQcwmt8d8QoC5sxMolcy6BGePz79J424hL80aZE0rNIS60cs3vdlr-2sBhbUeKV6fwTAUaDHYvPlO-8/s1600/IMG_7204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0SV61xJV3g__ppPYqyVB2T8J2MsaZ819fO40O7aLjaKp6rsho6ExYFZN5DfonQcwmt8d8QoC5sxMolcy6BGePz79J424hL80aZE0rNIS60cs3vdlr-2sBhbUeKV6fwTAUaDHYvPlO-8/s320/IMG_7204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Your salmon is finished!!!!</div>
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We paired ours with rice and fresh steamed veggies (squash and zucchini).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU1-mDEnR0WJKL8IG9GOEt14w_moC2uenZRz-EYCgBB744eosD32sW_PtQtnl20UHjfvbJyujp9N9XsAMh2ErgKjAg4T_SCVuy9D9HRfPcB5NWn3z4tE5uLAfTF1RbHDH7SQujd3u6Bo/s1600/IMG_7205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU1-mDEnR0WJKL8IG9GOEt14w_moC2uenZRz-EYCgBB744eosD32sW_PtQtnl20UHjfvbJyujp9N9XsAMh2ErgKjAg4T_SCVuy9D9HRfPcB5NWn3z4tE5uLAfTF1RbHDH7SQujd3u6Bo/s320/IMG_7205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoy!!!!!!</div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-6245388610315213042012-05-22T13:57:00.001-07:002012-05-22T13:59:54.376-07:00Tuesday Book of the Week<div style="text-align: center;">
Before KJ left for Texas she picked out her last book of the week, and I have to say it was a favorite for all of us....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc4LDcTFhGoLjaLCPjoXqDGwTEiPx0HyLThhp86T7z7FzL8MQEZrVgvuSQ8DV4eNYNvG7l-Y5NOvFph4i7jGvYrWsCtHB8MRdx2lUfsghwUjkGdti50m3I1iVkTKw5QXIrcdigbXTtIE/s1600/51HZd8rT-aL._SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc4LDcTFhGoLjaLCPjoXqDGwTEiPx0HyLThhp86T7z7FzL8MQEZrVgvuSQ8DV4eNYNvG7l-Y5NOvFph4i7jGvYrWsCtHB8MRdx2lUfsghwUjkGdti50m3I1iVkTKw5QXIrcdigbXTtIE/s320/51HZd8rT-aL._SS500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bunny-Days-Tao-Nyeu/dp/0803733305/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1" target="_blank">check out this book!</a></div>
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This book is a series of short stories about a family of lovable bunnies, a couple of goats who always cause problems, and a bear who always seems to know what to do!!! The stories are super cute and the pictures funny and entertaining. KJ read it over and over again until we had to take it back to the library, then she made me pinky promise I would use it for the book of the week :)</div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5800978408380499706.post-47157343345499855172012-05-17T11:45:00.002-07:002012-05-17T11:47:44.800-07:00Mother's Day 2012!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
This week I have been taking the week off blogging because it is our first week since school has ended and the last week we have KJ here before she travels to Texas for her summer visitation. So I have been soaking up lots of bonding time with her before she leaves. But I had to post some pics from this past Sunday which was Mother's Day.</div>
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Mr. D asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day and I knew right away what I wanted. Pictures with my children! Since I'm the photographer of the family I never get to have good pictures with me actually in them. The pictures are always of the kids or Mr. D with the kids. So I forced my husband who knows nothing about photography or my camera to take pics of us. I have to say he did an amazing job and I might just have to make this a new Mother's Day tradition!!!!!!!! Enjoy pics of me and the kiddos :)</div>
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<br /></div>Meghan Nguyen Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10964739969657932377noreply@blogger.com0