Summer Reading Programs 2014
Summer Reading Programs 2014
Here are some great opportunities to make reading fun this summer for your family and win some prizes as well. Click the links and sign up. Make sure to check your local libraries for their summer reading programs. Our family once won tickets to a baseball game. Click Here to download the pdf.
Happy Summer Schooling!
Monica
BJU Press Summer Reading Program
Make reading a part of your summer! Explore new places, meet new people, and experience amazing adventures—all while sitting in a lawn chair or on your couch at home! Once readers submit the completion form, they will receive a free surprise and will be eligible for the prize drawings!
Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge 2014
Kids who read 8 books from any Pottery Barn Kids recommended reading list by July 31 can earn a FREE book at participating retail stores, while supplies last. Join staff at your local Pottery Barn Kids store to complete the challenge together at their Weekly Story Time and enjoy healthy snacks from Happy Family, activities and more.
Scholastic Reading Challenge 2014 The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge™ is a FREE online reading program for children. Kids can read and log minutes all summer, take weekly challenges and earn rewards, and help set a new reading world record! (May 5-September 5, 2014)
Sylvan Book Adventure 2014 Kids in grades K-8 can find a book, take quizzes on what they’ve read, and earn prizes for their reading success.
Half Price Books “Feed Your Brain” 2013 Summer Reading Program Kids ages 14 and younger can participate and earn Half Price Books® Bookworm Bucks. Read for at least 15 minutes each day of June and July (Grown-ups may read aloud to kids who are still learning), add up your minutes, and once you’ve read 300 minutes, turn in your completed log to earn HPB Bookworm Bucks for each month. One top reader per age group each month will receive a Top reader prize — a $20 HPB Gift Card. (Promotion valid for June and July, 2014.)
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Kids Earn a Free Book, Summer Reading Kit and More! Activities and Teaching Tips in our Exclusive Kit
Pizza Hut’s Book It Summer Reading Challenge
The challenge incorporates reading with fun activities, exciting games and a chance for your kids to win some impressive prizes.
TD Bank: Read 10 books this summer and log then on the free summer reading log. Take the completed form in to your nearest TD Bank and get $10 deposited into your new orexisting young savers account.
Chuck E Cheese Reading Rewards
Earn 10 FREE tokens each time your child reads for 2 weeks in a row. Complete the form to claim the free tokens. A food purchase is required though. They also offer other reward calendars. Check them out HERE.
Florida Public Libraries Check your local library for more free reading programs with activities and incentives for kids of all ages. Most libraries also have story times and other reading themed activities.
Here is a small sampling of what’s going on around Florida Libraries this summer in my neck of the woods:
Reading with the Rays: Read Your Way to the Ballpark
By reading books this summer, elementary school students in grades three through five in Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties can circle the bases – first, second, third and home – and collect prizes as they go. Make it all the way around to home and the ultimate reward is a ticket to a Rays game at Tropicana Field this season to see my teammates and me in action.
Go to your local library to get your game card. As you read, track your hours by rounding the bases on your game card and collect Rays rewards along the way. Round the bases by reading a total of 24 hours this summer and receive a ticket to a Rays game!
Orange County Library Summer Reading Program 2014!
Fizz, Boom, Read! Join us this summer with weekly special events featuring science, animals, arts and storytelling at all Orange County Library System locations. Complete the reading and activity calendar and enter the drawing to win prizes such as free stuff, a hotel stay for your family or tickets to WonderWorks, Orlando Putting Edge, Central Florida Zoo and lots more! Teens can win Blue Man Group, a brand new wake board and bindings, iFly gift certificate and more! They even have a program for adults.
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens makes a wonderful theme for family evening together. Below is a short film narrated by Vincent Price. I remember this actor well from my childhood. I love his eerie voice!
My Audio School has an audio version of the popular story. Listen with your kids as you all cuddle under the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree. If you prefer to read click below.
Continue your lifestyle of learning with your kids by visiting David Perdue’s Charles Dickens Page wonderful page.
Florida Family Fun 411_Christmas 2011
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Here are some sweet memory making events to enjoy with your family this Christmas season. Visit Our Homespun Holidays where we will be posting more holiday family fun to share with your family.
GO MAKE MEMORIES!
G-FORCE 411 * DECEMBER 2011
cHRISTMAS EDITION
North Pole Express
All Aboard for an express trip to visit Santa Claus at the North Pole! Christmas Carolers will be entertaining the passengers with festive songs throughout the journey. Santa will be available to greet every child upon arrival at the North Pole and present each one with a special gift. The round-trip ride with stop at the North Pole will last approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Santa Claus Special
The Santa Claus Special is a day-time excursion that lasts approximately 1.5 hours round-trip. Guests do not get off the train as Santa will be onboard to greet every child and present them with a small gift.
For available dates and pricing visit The Florida Railroad Museum
Universal Orlando Christmas
Holiday Celebrations
December 4th, 2010 through January 1st, 2011
No need to travel to New York City for the holiday season! Universal Orlando brings a touch of New York City to Orlando during this holiday celebrations.
Experience a Musical Celebration of Holiday Fun & Excitement at Universal Orlando Resort.
Bring your family and enjoy the Universal Christmas Celebrations from December 4th, 2010 through January 1st, 2011.
Enjoy the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios, with authentic balloons, floats, and performers direct from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Meet the Grinch in Islands of Adventure, presenting the one and only "How The Grinch Stole Christmas Live." And experience some of your all time holiday favorite performers in the Universal Holiday Concert Series.
Universal Holiday Celebrations Highlights
- The KidZone Holiday Show: Join the fun with your character friends as they dance to holiday hits in this live show.
- Barney’s Christmas Show: Sing along and clap along with Barney and friends in A Day In The Park Show. A show your little ones will never forget!
- Blues Brothers Christmas Show: See the Blues Brothers live performing holiday favorites like "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and "Blue Christmas" with snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show.
- Wrap up your day at Universal Studios with the big Hollywood finish of Universal 360–A Cinesphere Spectacular. Through the unique "Cinesphere" technology you’ll experience the sights and sounds of some of Hollywood’s biggest films projected onto huge spheres in the Universal Studios lagoon, plus one of the largest laser displays in Florida, dazzling pyrotechnics and more. It’s the most explosive, jaw-dropping cinematic adventure you’ve ever seen!
Christmas Family Fun in St. Petersburg, FL
Annual Santa Holiday Parade.
Sat, December 3, 10:00am – 12:30pm
St. Petersburg’s 84th Annual Lions Club Santa Parade is Saturday, December 3, beginning at 10 a.m. from Central Ave. and 5th St. NOTE NEW ROUTE THIS YEAR: the parade travels east on Central to 2nd St. then turns left to 1st Ave. N., turns right and goes east along 1st Ave. N. for two blocks to Beach Drive, then turns north to 5th Ave. NE, disbanding near the Vinoy Resort. Free family fun, bands, floats, costumed characters, dancers and much more. Followed by Snowfest in N. Straub Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 727-893-7441.
SATURDAY FORECAST: 65 TONS OF SNOW…Snowfest!
A Real Snow Event – 65 Tons of Snow!.
Sat, December 3, 11am – 3pm
North Straub Park, St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg expects sixty-five tons of snow to fall Saturday, December 3 at Snowfest, a "real" snow event in North Straub Park, 5th Ave. and Beach Drive NE. from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Activities include toboggan slides, climbing wall, art tent, moonwalk, reindeer races, giant slide, glice ice skating, and KiddyLand — an area designed especially for pre-schoolers with inflatable games, cookie decorating, snowball toss, and more. Wristbands cost $5 and include all activities. Call 727-893-7441.
Holiday Lights and Illuminated Park Displays
N. Straub Park and S. Straub Park, Beach Dr. area. Come out to celebrate with the lights the holiday tree and the illuminated displays across the waterfront. Holiday lights and illuminated displays on nightly through Dec. 31. 727-893-7441.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed into a winter wonderland
with activities and amusements for the entire family.
- Visit with Santa Claus
- Enjoy continuous holiday entertainment
- Make-n-take holiday crafts
- Hands-on games and activities
- Ice skating
- Fun for the young and the young at heart!
Holiday Parade
At 11 a.m. the will begin at Morgan Street and Kennedy Boulevard,
travel west on Kennedy Boulevard to Ashley Drive,
turn north and end at Ashley Drive and Cass Street
Download a parade application.
For parade and festival information, please call
(813) 251-3378
SeaWorld Orlando special annual event: Sea World Christmas Holiday Celebration
See fantastic Christmas holiday lights and shows at SeaWorld’s Christmas Holiday Celebration. Watch a special Shamu show, ride the polar express train, see colored water fountains dance and fireworks explode. SeaWorld’s Christmas Holiday Celebration is lots of fun for everyone!
December 31st 2011 and January 1st, 2012
SeaWorld Orlando special annual event: SeaWorld New Years Eve party
Put on your party hats and ring in the new year with SeaWorld’s New Years Eve party! See all the special shows that have been going on during the holidays. Then watch a special new years eve show and fireworks at the Bayside stadium.
Trees & Traditions – A Centennial Celebration
December 3, 2011 – Flyer
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Suggested $2 donation
The Pinellas County Historical Society will sponsor an open house with refreshments, children’s activities and crafts, holiday music and carols, tours offering a look back at how Pinellas residents celebrated the holidays from the mid-1800s through the 1950s, and a special visit from Santa Claus! Visitors can also find those one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at the Beach Cottage Gift Shop.
BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum
705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
813.228.8766
Come aboard the American Victory Ship for the best seats in Channelside to view the Boat Parade of Lights. It’s fun for the whole family and will become a favorite holiday tradition!
2011 Christmas Shows – Begin Thursday, November 10, 2011
The mission of the Holy Land Experience is to communicate the gospel truth of God’s word through our exciting and moving presentations which range from the theatrical and musical to dramatic historical recreations. Performed daily on a wide range of stages these original Christmas presentations can only be seen at the Holy Land Experience! And as always our powerful "The Passion of the Christ – We Shall Behold Him" will be a highlight of your day and should not be missed. And in addition there will be touches of Christmas in some of our popular year-round shows such as "Legna" and the "Women Who Loved Jesus. Make your plans to join in the celebration today at the Holy Land Experience where the Bible comes to life.
Please note, show schedule is subject to change and not all presentations are performed daily.
Legna
What is Legna?
A hilarious comedy that features clever retellings of classic Bible stories such as “Daniel and the Lion’s Den” and “Peter and Rhoda.” A thought provoking look at God’s messengers and how they are still at work in the world today. One of the most popular shows from the Holy Land Experience that is unlike anything you have ever seen before.
Come and experience Legna; where lions talk, prison doors are opened and nothing is exactly as it seems. Legna is a dramatic presentation that stirs your heart and soul and offers a powerful reminder of God’s love. Experience the story of Legna and discover the secret for yourself.
Bethlehem’s Miracle Night
The town of Bethlehem comes alive in the Holy Land original musical "Bethlehem’s Miracle Night". Experience the hustle and bustle of a town turned upside down. Follow Mary and Joseph to the lowly stable where God gave His greatest gift of all. Feel the amazement of the shepherds as they hear the angel’s charge to find their Messiah. Join the Magi as they worship and adore the newborn King! Watch as the lives of the innkeeper and his wife are changed forever because of their encounter with the newborn Messiah. All the wonder and beauty of the season as you have never seen before, "Bethlehem’s Miracle Night" is a joyful and exciting celebration of our Savior’s birth!
The True Story of St. Nicholas
Laughs and surprises wait for you in this hilarious show, "The True Story of St. Nicholas". You will visit the tiny village of Patara and discover the amazing story of a 3rd Century bishop who learned it was better to give than receive. Hear the myths that became legends and sit on the first church council (complete with boxing gloves). This may not be exactly how you remember it but you will never forget "The True Story of St. Nicholas!"
Women Who Loved Jesus
Experience for yourself the story of four women who each share a deep bond of love for the Lord Jesus. As their stories unfold you will see the pages of the Bible come to life in this original, Holy Land Experience drama. Gain valuable insight and depth into the Scriptures as you explore their lives and learn how each one has been forever changed by their loving Savior. Their love is their testimony, poured out like fine perfume at the feet of Jesus – "Why I love Him" is the expression of that love as you’ve never seen before!
Christmas Time is Here
A brand new musical production for our 2011 Christmas Season will have you coming along with us on a Christmas Journey. Christmas Time is Here will stir memories from the past as well as putting you in that unmistakable Christmas mood for this wonderful season. From old standards, to moving ballads and songs that make you want to get up out of your seat and join in the fun – Christmas is Time Here is sure to have something for everyone. A combination of concert, drama and fun.
The Passion of the Christ – We Shall Behold Him
Experience the Passion of the Christ – We Shall Behold Him in a way that will change your life forever. New music, new scenes and new drama have been designed to put you right in the middle of the action and make you feel as if you are really a witness to the most important event in all of history! Then be witness to Jesus; returning in all His glory for His bride. See for yourself as His train fills the Temple. Come and see why this incredible Drama is our longest running and most powerful presentation. It is our prayer that once you’ve seen it you will never be the same!
Remember Me – Communion with Christ
Join us for a presentation like no other. You will be ushered to the Lord’s Table where a Disciple of Jesus will transform you back in time to that moment when Jesus and his followers shared their last meal together. You will be given the bread and the cup and allowed to partake as Jesus leads you through the significance of his sacrifice. This service is a special and precious time that you are sure to remember.!
The Great American Christmas
We cordially invite you to join the residents of Pickashaw Parish in celebrating a very special Christmas with a touch of patriotic nostalgia. The time is 1945. The war has just ended and this town is ready to welcome back the troops and start the holiday season all at the same time. So, come and join this cast of unique characters as they spend the day celebrating the many things they have to be thankful for.
Celebrate Jesus – Karaoke
Come and share your love for singing and Praise and Worship with guests from around the world. You select the song, let our MC introduce you and then wow us with your talent. A wonderful time of singing, laughter and lifting up praises to our God.
http://www.holylandexperience.com/
Santa Parade.
When Sat, December 3, 10:00am – 12:30pm
Where St. Petersburg, FL (map)
Description Dec. 3 – Annual Santa Holiday Parade. Parade travels through the downtown to the waterfront. Beginning at 5th St. and Central Ave. traveling to the waterfront ending at North Straub Park. Begins 10 a.m. The St. Petersburg Lions Club, The Exchange Club of Northeast St. Petersburg, Florida Central Credit Union, The Suncoasters of St. Petersburg and the City of St. Petersburg invite you to celebrate the holiday season with the sounds of marching bands, beautiful floats and most of all to welcome Santa to sunny St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441. Participation Inquiries call: Monday – Friday (8:00 – 5:00 pm) 727/525-5950. Weekends or after 5:00 pm 727/528-7763.
10:00am
Christmas Jamboree
We attended this event a couple of years ago and had a blast. You can read about it at Our Homespun Holidays.
When Sat, December 10, 10am – 4pm
Where The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st St. S., St. Petersburg, FL
Description Dec. 10 – Christmas Jamboree. The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, 3130 31st St. S., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Old Time Christmas decorations, food & crafts. Free admission. 727-866-6401.
http://www.stpete.org/boyd/specialevents.asp
Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort
November 16, 2011 – Jan 2, 2012
ICE!
ICE! will return to the Gaylord Palms Resort again this year to chill and thrill guests as part of the resort’s holiday celebration. The holiday attraction is one of the coolest and most spectacular in the nation… and it happens in sunny Orlando, Florida.
Hand-carved from nearly two-million pounds of ice, the Christmas attraction has garnered national recognition from USA Today, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Southern Living magazine, and Travel + Leisure magazine.
In its ninth year, the popular family experience gives guests a chance to visit a whimsical winter wonderland of interactive environments and larger-than-life, three-dimensional ice monuments and sculptures. The enormous structure used to house ICE! — dubbed "The Florida Fridge" — is cooled to a chilly nine degrees, making it necessary for the resort to provide over-sized parkas for visitors to wear.
After freezing your "noses and toeses," you’ll be ready to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa in the ICE! Cavern, a pre- and post-show area, where the ICE! experience continues. Here additional "Best of Florida Christmas" activities, such as family shows, atmosphere entertainment, special meals and visits with Santa take place.
Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW
A brand new "Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW" will have guests crawling through underground snow tunnels and sliding down rolling hills on the all-new 64-foot pagoda slide. Kids will be able to throw snowballs at Tai Lung from Kung Fu Panda and Lord Shen from Kung Fu Panda 2 and some of their evil henchmen.
"Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW" features real snow — 130-tons of it made fresh daily — where guests can make snowmen and forts and play in over three-feet of the cold stuff in a 55-degree atmosphere.
December 10, 2011
Beach & Shore Blvds.
Gulfport, FL 33707
727-344-3711
Holiday Hoopla is a celebration of arts, crafts, foods, live music and roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere amid bright, twinkling, colorful lights, and Santa & Mrs. Claus. Stroll the decorated streets filled with up to 200 talented exhibitors and unique shops from 10am-6pm. The festival will provide shoppers with one-of-a-kind gifts that cannot be found anywhere else, and all of your holiday shopping can be done in one place!
Visitors will be enchanted by a variety of festive and fun holiday-themed music, holiday carolers, dance performances, and roving street performers. Many types of entertainment will perform during the Hoopla, from local school bands & Choral groups and local musicians to area performing arts groups. Roving performers include Dickens characters and carolers, Your Total Entertainment street artists and Spotlight Amusements will be on site with children’s amusement rides and games. Oh, yeah, and the big guy in the red suit and Mrs. Claus will be there, too, from 1-6pm, and will be available for photos with children adults and pets!
Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s, 26th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade takes place following the festival. Members spend many hours planning and then decorating their boats in hopes of sharing the holiday spirit with the surrounding communities. The parade will begin by entering the Gulfport Municipal Marina at approximately 6:00pm. It will then travel past the William’s Pier in Gulfport and into the canals of Town Shores Condominiums and Pasadena Yacht Club Estates.
Christmas at Walt Disney World 2011
VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARADE
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This festive celebration is filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.
HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD
One of the highlights of Christmas at Disney are the Holiday Storytellers. Each country represented around the World Showcase at Epcot has a special presentation of the original of the holiday in their country and how they celebrate. We enjoyed spinning dreidels after learning about Hanukah and playing along with the Norwegians. In Norwegian Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘God Jul’ (pronounced goo-you).
Candlelight Processional
Dates: November 25, 2011 – December 30, 2011
During the holidays, Epcot theme park is transformed into an international celebration of Yuletide traditions filled with festive decorations and live entertainment. From Holidays Around The World to Candlelight Processional, delight in the sights and sounds of the season.
Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot theme park as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator † accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Special Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
November 10, 2011–December 7, 2011 and
December 9, 2011–January 7, 2012
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park is a breathtaking seasonal display featuring millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music.
The lights are so extensive you may find it hard to comprehend their magnitude. Entire buildings are blanketed in sheets of multi-colored lights, and thousands more lights form twirling carousels, heavenly angels, and even Santa and his reindeer. Approximately every 10 minutes, the lights dim and then dramatically spring to life — dynamically choreographed to traditional holiday music. You have to see the effect to believe it!
Some nights, if you truly believe in holiday magic, the show is capped off with an enchanted flurry of snow.
SNOW AT CELEBRATION
Snowfall and Events EVERY Night through December 31st *
(including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Nightly Snow Falls at 6, 7, 8 and 9 PM. Photos with Santa, Strolling Holiday Carolers, an Ice Rink, Entertainment and more!!!
A Celebration tradition! Join Celebration Town Center as they kick off 13th Annual Now Snowing event with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 26th from 5:30-9 PM. This special tree lighting event will feature live music, a special entrance by Santa Claus himself, and family fun for everyone.
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers an all new ice rink and a schedule filled with surprises. Now Snowing is a month long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens Carolers, photos with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, the Celebration Express train, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 PM.
The ice rink will be open daily from 4:00-10:00 PM through January 2nd – Make sure to ask about Resident Skate Passes or multiple-day skate passes for guests.
In addition to the everyday fun at Now Snowing Nightly, join us for the Orlando Sentinel Celebration of Voices on December 3rd and you can catch a special Radio Disney Holiday concert and filled with surprise performances on December 10th.
Largo Train Rides
February 05, 2011 – February 04, 2012
101 Central Park Dr.
Largo, FL 33771
This is the little miniature railroad that could. Kids and adults can experience rides aboard 1/16th-scale replicas of trains on the 1 1/3-mile track through Largo Central Park, site of the old Pinellas County Fairgrounds and one of the city’s most popular gathering spots. Take a trip on a 1927 Amtrak F40Ph passenger train, a 1960s CSX MP15AC freight engine and a Seaboard freight engine. Public runs are held on the first full weekend of each month. "Birthday runs" can be arranged on other weekends.
Holiday Stroll
SATURDAY * DECEMBER 3, 2011 *
Stroll through Storyland!
5:00 – 9:00 pm
Largo Central Park
FREE to Attend!
Come to beautiful Largo Central Park to delight in the extravagant light display as you Stroll Through Storyland.
A million LED lights (85% more energy efficient) brighten the path. The playful scenes they depict will surely dazzle you.
Ooh and ahh when we light up the tree at 7:00 pm.
Take pause at each of the picnic shelters to experience some of your favorite holiday stories.
Treat yourself with a variety of delicious festival foods and desserts.
New this year – take a photo with Santa in the life sized snow globe for $5.
Enjoy live performances on the mobile stage and other special places around the park. Entertainment will feature aerial acrobatics, dancing, singing, and puppets! Performers will include Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay, LHS Madrigal Singers, LHS Band of Gold, Tutterow Dancers, Late Night Brass, Largo Smuppets and more!
PARKING INFORMATION
All on-site parking is $5:
– Lot One (pass only)
– Lot Two (handicap only)
– Lot Three (opens at 4:45pm)
– Lot Four (opens at 4:45pm)
– Lot Five (Library staff only)
Free shuttle available to/from:
– Largo High School
Wait times vary. Average 10-20 minutes.
Last shuttle leaves Largo Central Park at 9:15 p m
Off-site parking is free:
– Largo High School
– Largo Middle School
This is a free event open to the public
Winter Wonderland
December 2nd, 2011 at 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM
This is a family friendly event.
Event Location:
George C. McGough Nature Park
11901 146th Street N
Largo , FL 33774
Winter Wonderland
Join us and the amazing Southwest Recreation staff as we
have a blast throwing snow balls with real ice shavings,
making winter crafts, going on night hikes, and roasting
s’mores by the campfire-we’re talking some serious fun
for the whole family! Come out for a night of fun, memories,
and a good old snowball toss! Call (727)518-3047 to
pre-register.
Cost: $5 per person, children 2 and under free.
Sunsets At Pier 60
Pier 60
10 Pier 60 Dr.
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
The Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival is a nightly sunset celebration that takes place in Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach, Florida. This free family event features artisans, crafters, street performers and live musical entertainment, weather permitting.
Merry Christmas!
LOST!
Through a tunnel or through a mountain down a bumpy slide you have to go in order to get lost in a corn maze at Mount Dora’s Scott’s Maze Adventure’s.
Fishing pond and zip line for kids along with a truck tire playground and large traditional playground.
We had a blast! We all took turns leading the family around the maze. It was quite interesting seeing how the kids handled leading each other. We had lots of chiefs in that maze including mom
.
The weather was great. It was cool and sunny. One of the things that made the maze extra fun was the games they include throughout. Our first maze was the small one it was a “fortune maze”. There were five places within the maze where you chose a finger to put the found color on. Once you get out of the maze you can look at a chart and match your fingers to a chart and find your “fortune”. Fun!
After a nice break laying on the grass soaking in the warm sun we GOT LOST, AGAIN! This time we did the large maze. It took us about two hours to get out. This maze gave us a unique “family bonding experience”. It helped us to work better as a team. Zack started using our flagpole to mark arrows on the ground. Mike took pics of the maze map and studied it with Seth as we took turns left and right trying strategize our next turn. Dad held up the rear and Alexa and I had fun taking pictures along the way. We can’t wait to go again next year and try it in teams.
Thanksgiving 2011
The holiday season is upon us and I have been on the hunt for resources to make it fun, meaningful and memorable for our family. I hope the following resources help you to make your family’s Thanksgiving holiday.
Here is a wonderful article by Family Life that will help you slow down and enjoy the celebration Teaching Life Lessons at Thanksgiving.
I wrote some time ago about the resources we have used to celebrate Thanksgiving HERE.
Check out my Autumn and it’s Holidays Board on Pinterest for even more inspiration! Here are a few of my favorites:
Try it Mom’s Caramel Apple Bites
The Old Schoolhouse Digital Holiday Supplements
Barbara Rainey’s, Thanksgiving a Time to Remember, is a true keepsake to hand down to future generations. She speaks to my heart in this article adapted from her book Thanksgiving a Time to Remember.
The Legend of Squanto Radio Theatre Drama
Focus on the Family presents our Radio Theatre production of "The Legend of Squanto," a fascinating account of the origin of Thanksgiving and one American Indian’s journey to freedom.
Disney’s Family Fun website is chock full of Thanksgiving Family Fun. You will find recipes, crafts, printables, games, decorations and more. Have fun playing with your kids and making your holiday dinner table special.
You Are There (TV series 1953–1957)
Original Air Date: 22 November 1953
I am so excited to have found this episode on
My Audio School. Enjoy!
Here is a sweet find for Thanksgiving ideas by the Aussie Pumpkin Patch.
And last but not least a Thanksgiving tradition from my childhood growing up in the Big Apple is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs nationally on NBC-TV to an estimated 50 million viewers and is widely considered to be the "official start of the Holiday Season." It will air from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, November 24, 2011.
Happy Thanksgiving!
"O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His loving-kindness is everlasting."
1 Chronicles 16:34
Eat Turkey & Go Make Memories!
*Jesus is the Reason* Operation Christmas Box 2011
What a great way to set the tone for the holidays by than by putting others first. Our family will be putting together a couple of boxes for needy kids to brighten their lives.
You are still in time to do this with your kids. You have until November 21st to drop off your boxes. To learn more visit Samaritan’s Purse.
Foghorns and School Bells
Todd Wilson of Familyman Ministries recently spoke to our local homeschool support group. It was bombastic! We laughed and cried and heard the gentle voice of God through Todd encouraging moms and dads alike.
The Lord spoke so clearly to Alf and I that we left with clanging and ringing in our ears. Let me explain. It was exactly what my husband and I have been discussing. Todd gave voice to our thoughts and painted a clear picture of where our homeschool family has been and needs to go.
According to Todd’s informal poll of homeschool moms across the nation, we ALL feel like we are not doing a good enough job. Yes, each and every mom out there feels like you do! Like I do! No matter what they look like on the outside and how their kids are excelling academically and otherwise we all wish we could do better to some degree. He believes we mom’s are in a fog because we have forgotten that our kids are all masterpieces, created by God and given specifically to us. We are hand selected by God to be our kid’s mom.
I have often been tempted and succumbed to comparing our homeschool to others. I think we all have done that at times. Our desire to give our kids the best can drive us but it can also drive our kids into the ground and we lose site of what’s most important, our relationships to our kids and the Lord purpose. I have raised my standard higher than the Lord’s at times and totally crashed our “school boat” by not heading the warning of the foghorn.
Wikipedia definition for Foghorn is:
Foghorn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other meanings see Foghorn (disambiguation).
A foghorn or fog signal or fog bell is a device that uses sound to warn vehicles of hazards or boats of the presence of other vehicles in foggy conditions. The term is most often used in relation to marine transport. When visual navigation aids such as lighthouses are obscured, foghorns provide an audible warning of rocks, shoals, headlands, or other dangers to shipping.
On our worst days when we are ready to throw the kids on the yellow bus or throw ourselves in front of it, God says We are our kids best!
“to warn vehicles of hazards or boats of the presence of other vehicles in foggy conditions”
We don’t need to compare ourselves to the system that we fled from. The test scores, the extra curricular activities, the fellow homeschool friend’s kids that are reading at 3 years of age and all playing stringed instruments are not our standard or reason for homeschooling. This is a trap to distract us from seeing our kids as the unique masterpieces God mad them to be.
“When visual navigation aids such as lighthouses are obscured, foghorns provide an audible warning”
Why do you homeschool? I am doing it because God called me to. That’s my navigational aid. The Lord and his word and calling on my life as a homeschool mom. We want to have deep and abiding relationships with our kids and for them to grow strong in their faith above academics. I want them to want to be with us when they are older and out of the home. We want our kids to be the best of friends and not be separated from each other for hours on end. We wanted to teach enjoy every moment we had with them because time flies whether or not you are having fun!
Dad’s were encouraged to help us get out of the fog by actually making foghorn sound. When my hubby comes home from work and finds me in a puddle on the floor all he has to do is “blow” his foghorn and it reminds me of why I am doing this and I get up and press on!
Now here is the really fun part, ringing the true school bell. Real school happens when we get to teach our kids about the Lord, walk them through a difficult time, and when they say things that show us that they are growing in Christ and being obedient. When times are tough and the stress level is high and our kids suggest to us to play praise music or want to stop and pray, that’s when school’s in session. This is our purpose and upmost goal for our kids education. Math, reading and science are secondary.
I have had quite a few opportunities since hearing Todd speak to ring our school bell. My husband is overjoyed when I call him to tell him that I just rang our bell.
I want my kids to know that I love them no matter what! I want them to know that I will always love them and value them whether or not they ever learn to read, or learn algebra or get high SAT scores.
What bell do you hear? Are you in the fog and ignoring the warnings? Are you ringing YOUR school bell or listening to someone else’s ring?
To learn more about Todd Wilson and sign up for his encouraging devotionals visit Family Man Ministries.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Romans 12:2
*Jesus is the Reason* World Vision Gift Catalog
Every year our family hosts a Christmas party. It is a BIG party. It has not only become a tradition for our family but for some of our friends too. It fills my heart to bless our friends with this fun night of fellowship in Jesus as they have been Jesus to us on countless occasions.
In recent years we have begun putting out a jar to collect money to donate to World Vision for the purchase of a goat and two chickens. This year we are hoping to raise funds for even more. We just ordered a free fundraising kit and extra catalogs to share at our Samaritan’s Purse, Christmas Child Box Party. Click below to order your own catalog(s) and fundraising kit.
You can also sponsor a child. It’s like adopting one. You not only give financially but you can also pray together as a family and write letters to your sponsored child. What a meaningful and sweet gift to the family for Christmas, to “adopt” a child by sponsorship in the name of JESUS. Joseph “adopted” Jesus! How is your family celebrating JESUS, the reason for the season?
Our family is going to sell cookie dough to help raise funds for our World Vision Gift Catalog. It’s perfect timing for cookie dough with the holiday season right around the corner. You will have hot, fresh baked, homemade cookies within minutes. Our family is making a variety of homemade dough and mixes. Would you prayerfully consider buying a tub of cookie dough from us. If you are interested leave a comment below and I will send you the information. Help us help them!
GO MAKE MEMORIES!
Florida Family Fun 411-November 2011
There are lots and lots of great events for families to enjoy this month. I might have to split it this 411 into a few posts it’s so big. As always I post what tickles my fancy, is family and budget friendly.
If you have any other events like this please post it by leaving a comment at the end of this post. I would also like to hear about it if you attended any of these events especially if you blogged about it.
*These are not listed in chronological order because that is time consuming and I want to get out and have some fun with my peeps!
GO MAKE MEMORIES!
G-FORCE 411
November 2011
Free Museum Admission Weekend for Bank of America Customers
Saturday Nov. 5, Dec. 3 & Sunday Nov. 6, Dec. 4
Free admission to participating museums for Bank of America Customers! (includes science centers, zoos, botanical gardens, etc.) and more on the first weekend of every month (Check with your local Museum for available days and times)
Dania Beach
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum
Davie
Young At Art Children’s Museum
Fort Lauderdale
Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Museum of Discovery & Science
Jacksonville
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Science and History
(MOSH)
Miami
Miami Art Museum
Miami Children’s Museum
Miami Science Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
(MOCA)
Miami Beach
Bass Museum of Art
Orlando
Orange County Regional
History Center
Orlando Museum of Art
The Mennello Museum
of American Art
St. Petersburg
Florida Holocaust Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Tampa
Tampa Museum of Art
West Palm Beach
South Florida Science Museum
Here are some neat Amazon Kindle FREEBIES. I don’t own a Kindle but I save these on my Kindle for PC.
Circle of Friends Cookbook – 25 Savory Pie Recipes [Kindle Edition]
Gooseberry Patch (Author)
Holy Bible, GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) (with direct verse lookup and book and chapter navigation) [Kindle Edition]
Baker Publishing Group (Author)
Nov. 8 – 13, 2011Carol Morsani Hall
Watch Tony Award nominee Cathy Rigby soar in a timeless production that takes flight at Carol Morsani Hall in the Straz Center. Tickets start at $38.50. Nov. 9 is Broadway Family Night; buy one adult ticket, get one free child’s ticket (12 and younger). Also enjoy pre-show family activities. www.strazcenter.org
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*
Florida
Canaveral National Seashore
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Mark your calendar for the final fee-free days in 2011:
November 11-13
Veterans Day weekend
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Martha Stewart Living™: Holiday Small Projects
Get holiday ready with help from Martha Stewart Living
· Discover how to choose the correct paint, tools and accessories for your home small projects
· Learn more about our selection of MSL project paints and stencils
· Decorate a frame and tile coaster using MSL project paints and stencils – FREE to take home!
19th Annual Downtown Dunedin Craft Festival
November 19th & 20th, 2011
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free Admission
Main Street in Downtown Dunedin, FL
If Tampa is on your travel agenda this November, you can not miss out on this terrific craft event in the city’s most desirable suburb of Dunedin. It is here, a short drive from Tampa, along Dunedin’s Main Street, you will meet some of the country’s finest artists and crafters with products all handmade in the U.S.A. Botanical hotplates, ceramic planters, functional pottery, hair accessories, handmade one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and an expansive Green Market offers something for every taste & budget.
Directions:
I-275 to exit 39 (Clearwater/Tampa Airport Exit), take Highway 60 (Gulf to Bay Blvd.) to US 19. Go North to State Road 580. West on 580 to Alternate 19, left on Alternate 19 to Main Street.
Florida Craftsmen’s CraftArt 2011 returns to the great outdoors on Saturday, November 19th & Sunday, November 20th from 10am – 5 pm just outside the doors of Florida Craftsmen Gallery, on Central Avenue in beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg.
New this year: CraftArt will be joined by an adjacent festival, St. Petersburg Artscapes, which will feature fine art, photography and sculpture. The two festivals will appear seamless along Central Avenue from 4th St. to 7th St. S.
One of the most eagerly anticipated arts events each year by collectors and patrons, CraftArt features some of the nation’s best established and emerging fine craft artists with handmade works in jewelry, clay, fiber, glass, wood, metal, paper and mixed media.
Enjoy Craft Beers featuring exciting varieties by the Cigar City Brewing Company in Tampa. Sample great food, watch artist demonstrations, bid on raffle items which have been donated by the artists and try your hand at creating a piece of coral for the reef which will be in Florida Craftsmen next summer. The weather is usually fabulous and it’s a great event for the whole family.
For information, call Florida Craftsmen at 727-821-7391 or email us at info@floridacraftsmen.net.
501 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Free and open to the public.
$5 Day at MOSI
Presented by Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) at MOSI, Museum of Science and Industry
November 11, 2011
On Friday, November 11, the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is offering all visitors admission to MOSI for only $5. Five Dollar Day allows guests access to MOSI exhibit galleries, including The Amazing You exhibition, TARGET AMERICA: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause, Kids In Charge! and a 3-D film in The Coleman Science Works Theater. Admission also includes one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre ticket.
November 11th, 12th, & 13th, 2011
22 Years of "ROCKIN’ RIBS – HELPIN’ KIDS"
Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Gates open at 11 AM daily – No Re-entry
Dig in to this sumptuous event at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Blvd., St. Petersburg. Kick back with live music, including John Fogerty, Trace Adkins, and Styx, while dining on tasty barbecue. www.ribfest.org
This fun filled three day charity fundraiser features the best barbeque ribbers in the world, national touring bands playing classic and southern rock and country hits.
Ribfest™ 2011 Headline Acts – click HERE to see All the bands performing on the Main Stage
Check out the Family Fun Zone. Video Game theatre & 4D Movie Ride experience, face painting, carnival games with prizes, putt putt mini golf, make and take crafts, fun with bubbles,, their very own stage and much more. All the events for kids 12 and under are free except for Giant Inflatables.
Farm City Day
November 19, 2011 – Flyer
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pinellas County’s Heritage Village will host a Farm City Day celebration on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is the kickoff for Farm-City Week, celebrated nationally each year during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Participants will be able to enjoy agriculturally-inspired arts and crafts and play "olde-time" games. Farm-City Day is sponsored by the Pinellas County Farm Bureau. There will be lots of giveaways and “make and takes.” Call (727) 582-2123 for further information.
I had an amazing date with my hubby here. We intend to go back soon and bring our kids and their friends.
November 12, 2011 – December 17, 2011
Address: 400 Alt Keene Road, Largo, FL 33770
Weekly Swing Dance in the fabulous GOODMAN BALLROOM (Largo Community Center)DJ plays it all – Big Band * 50s’60’s Rock n Roll * Jump Blues * Rhythm n Blues * NeoSwing! 7-8 PM Beginner-friendly Dance Lesson8-11 PM DJ Dance$7.00 Admission, includes the lesson at 7:00 PM Smoke-Free! All-Ages, FUN!!! Well-lit Parking * Great Dance Floor * Snack Concession * Cash Bar
Christmas Under the Oaks Arts & Crafts Show
Sunday November 13, 2011
GFWC Clearwater Junior Woman’s Club and the City of Clearwater presents the annual Christmas Under the Oaks Arts & Crafts show on November 13, 2011 at beautiful Coachman Park on the waterfront in downtown Clearwater, Florida. Show proceeds benefit the scholarships, grants, and projects our club provides for the community.
"Oaks" in the St. Petersburg Times
The Hyde Park Village Fresh Market takes place at the Fountain the first Sunday of every month, year round, rain or shine, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
With space for over 70 vendors, the Hyde Park Village Fresh Market will feature:
Agricultural products | Fresh, Organic, Hydroponic & Conventional Produce | Plants, Herbs & Flowers | Gourmet Take Home Foods | Fresh Bread | Pasta | Honey | Spices | Ready-to-Eat Foods | Brooklyn-style Knishs | New Orleans-style Crawfish Pies | Kettle Corn | Southern Style Foods | Hand Crafts | Local Art | Handcrafted Jewelry | Accessories | Live Music | Cooking Demos | Outdoor Seating | Mini-Massages | …and more!
2011 Hyde Park Village Fresh Market Dates:
Sunday, November 6
Sunday, December 4
Admission and parking are free to the public and friendly dogs on leashes are always welcome at the Fresh Market and in Hyde Park Village.
The Hyde Park Village Fresh Market is sponsored by Tampa Bay Markets, the St. Petersburg Times, tbt* and Hot 101.5!
Meet home improvement experts and check out more than 600 exhibits related to Florida living at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Times: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. www.tampabayhomeshows.com
February 05, 2011 – February 04, 2012
101 Central Park Dr.
Largo, FL 33771
This is the little miniature railroad that could. Kids and adults can experience rides aboard 1/16th-scale replicas of trains on the 1 1/3-mile track through Largo Central Park, site of the old Pinellas County Fairgrounds and one of the city’s most popular gathering spots. Take a trip on a 1927 Amtrak F40Ph passenger train, a 1960s CSX MP15AC freight engine and a Seaboard freight engine.
Public runs are held on the first full weekend of each month. "Birthday runs" can be arranged on other weekends.
Description
The Largo Central Railroad, founded in 1991, was built and is now maintained through the work and dedication of the LCRR club members and through generous donations from the people of Largo, Florida. We currently have approximately 1.2 miles of main line track with numerous passing sidings running through beautifully landscaped Largo Central Park. Public runs are held on the first full weekend of each month.
Largo Central Railroad
101 Central Park Dr.
Largo, FL 33771-2112
727-585-9835
Sunsets At Pier 60
February 01, 2011 – January 31, 2012
Pier 60
10 Pier 60 Dr.
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
The Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival is a nightly sunset celebration that takes place in Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach, Florida. This free family event features artisans, crafters, street performers and live musical entertainment, weather permitting.
"Sunsets at Pier 60," a Clearwater Beach tradition, offers a variety of crafts and entertainment from 6 – 9 p.m. each night. A beautiful view of the sunset makes for a perfect way to celebrate the end of the day. Enjoy live music, local artists, jugglers, magicians & other entertainers. Parents will also be glad to know that a well-equipped playground provides hours of enjoyment for little ones.
The 36th Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels® is a vibrant, open-air art festival in the Downtown Disney area. Featuring more than 150 award-winning artists, this world-renowned show is a highly anticipated annual event for Guests, artists, collectors and art lovers.
Showcasing one-of-a-kind and limited-edition painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more, this prestigious show is ranked among the country’s finest outdoor art festivals. And there’s a lot more to enjoy, like amazing chalk art, live music, specialty foods and family-friendly activities.
Dates and Times
- Friday, November 11, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Interactive Activities With Michaels
Cultivate your creativity with the Michaels Design Team, offering interactive arts and crafts experiences designed to delight the entire family. Featured activities include:
- Custom Framing: Explore the different ways you can showcase any great piece of art. Located at Downtown Disney West Side.
- MiDesign@Michaels™: Enjoy new ways to personalize—in an instant, online—with digital scrapbooking, photo books and more. Located at Downtown Disney West Side.
- Collaborative Painting: Join the Michaels Design Team and work together to fill a larger-than-life masterpiece. Located at Downtown Disney West Side.
- Design-Your-Own Friendship Bracelets: Commemorate your trip to Disney by creating customized friendship bracelets with colorful threads. Located in the Downtown Disney Pleasure Island area.
- Disney Wood-Framing Experience: Start with the basics—and walk away with your own picture frame decorated with fun Disney embellishments. Located at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
- Michaels at the Waterside Stage: Discover crafty ideas and tips for every age and interest. Come join Jo Pearson, Kate Gribbon, Kathy Kromer, Jennifer Mele and Paula Schweikhard on the Waterside Stage at the Marketplace.
Waterside Stage Performance Times
Friday, November 11, 2011: 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 12, 2011: 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 13, 2011: 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Admission and Parking
Enjoy complimentary admission and parking for the Downtown Disney area.
More Information
For additional details about this event, view the Festival of the Masters pdf.
Vets & Military can get
a Free Meal on Monday, November 14, 2011
at Golden Corral!
On Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Golden Corral will be giving out Veteran’s Day free meals to any person who has ever served in the U.S. military. No identification is required to get your free meal!
Ice skating — in Tampa?
Well, at least for a little while. Head over to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for Tampa’s only outdoor ice skating rink. Yes, it’s real ice.
The 44- by 100-foot rink sits on a bed of sand. Above the sand sits a sheet of plastic and a series of tubes filled with a substance colder than freezing, which circulates through a chiller turning water to ice.
For more information, call (813) 251-3378 or visit www.tampasdowntownonice.com
Tampa’s only outdoor ice skating rink opens
Friday, November 11 at 10 a.m.
Admission is only $10 per person and includes skates
90 minute skate
The rink is open daily from Nov. 11, 2011 – Jan. 1, 2012.
Monday – Thursday from 4 p.m. – 9 pm.
Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday from Noon – 9 p.m.
Holiday Hours:
Thanksgiving Day, November 26 – CLOSED
Friday, December 24 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, December 25 – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- 1-19 people $10 each
- 20-49 people $9 each
- 50-99 people $8.50 each
- 100 & up $8 each
Contact JR Malone at icerinkeventstampa@yahoo.com for more information.
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony in Hyde Park Village. This free, family-friendly holiday spectacular has become one of Tampa Bay’s most highly recognized events! Highlights include the new holiday light display, Santa’s Cottage, a variety of live entertainment, free cookies, cocoa and cider, drink specials, cigar stand, a street festival and Santa’s Arrival!
Hyde Park Village
1621 W. Snow Circle
Tampa, FL 33606
Holiday Tree Lighting and Illuminated Park Displays.
When Fri, November 25, 5pm – 7pm
Where North Straub Park, St. Petersburg, FL
N. Straub Park, Beach Dr. and 5th Ave. N.E.
Description 5 p.m. activities, 7 p.m. tree lighting Come out to celebrate the tradition of the Mayor flipping the switch and lighting the holiday tree along with the lighting the illuminated displays across the waterfront. Activities begin at 5 p.m. with holiday entertainment:Ccommunity Band and Radio Disney. Blanket Seating and concessions available. 727-893-7441.
Holiday lights and illuminated displays on nightly through Dec. 31.
IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy!
IKEA
1103 N. 22nd Street, Tampa Bay, FL, United States, 33605
Featuring FREE activities, a FREE meal and a FREE IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy t-shirt for kids under 12 years old who attend.* Activities last 20 minutes and start at 11:00am, then repeat at 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm.
November 11, 2011 Students can make a flag to honor our service men and women.
November 21, 2011 Use your hand print to make a festive turkey decoration.
November 22, 2011 Use our PYSSLA craft beads to design and make a special decorative item.
November 23, 2011 Use our DUKTIG baking set to make cookies for your holiday guests.
November 25, 2011 Kick start the holiday season by making your own wrapping paper with our MALA paints.
KIDS AHOY!
American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum
705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
813.228.8766
Join us each and every Saturday from 10am to 5pm for Kids Ahoy! We promote education and learning through fun and encourage family bonding and communication. Come aboard, participate in a scavenger hunt, arts & crafts projects, receive a fun snack and free Kids Ahoy! bookmark. It’s brought to you by the Kinder Morgan Foundation and Publix Super Markets Charities.
31 Day Challenge 2011, Part Two
31 Day Challenge
Here is my 2011 “TO Be” list:
· Juicing during day except for dinner for a week
· create and follow family schedule
· a date with Alf twice a month
· Monthly date with each individual child
· Begin to wake 15 minutes earlier every other day until I reach 6:01 AM
· Homeschool stuff, timeline, graduation stuff, lesson planner pages, semester lesson plans
· Cook healthy avoid processed foods
· Holiday planner pages
· Weekly Mommy and Me time.
· Incorporate family fun night and worship night
Finalize foster care paperwork and setting up bedroom and supplies
· Try Shabbat
· Work on Family Celebrations binder
· FPEA Ambassador
· Finish bible study
· Blog planner
· Read 1 or 2 books per month
WHOA! WAIT A MINUTE! This is looking like a to do list! Stopping to pray… (Jeopardy thinking song playing for your enjoyment)
Ok, I have collected myself and my list and dumped it at the feet of Jesus.
In order to be able to become that woman God has called ME to be I need to PRIORITIZE. I recently came across an old planner Priority Planner written by Linda Dillow. It was meant to go along with her book Creative Counterpart. Here is a blog post I found about it on Pursuing Heart .
Picture Courtesy of Pursuing Heart
I love how the author still has her 1984 planner. How wonderful to be able to look back at what you were up to and what you were like back then. It just tickles my futuristic bone. I even found a vintage one on Etsy. How cool is that?!
The concept is simple, plan your days according to 6 priorities. I love Mrs. Dillow’s suggestion of six priorities to focus on for women. They are:
1. God
2. Husband
3. Children
4. Home
5. Self
6. Outside the Home
I have been working on creating my own planner based on my roles and values. tying your values to your roles in life helps you to better define your priorities and plan accordingly. Mrs. Dillow suggestions tie in beautifully with this concept. God has been giving me lots of puzzle pieces to strengthen our family this year. I am enjoying putting the pieces together Knowing God has the final picture in mind brings peace.
These priorities clearly define the calling the LORD has put on my life. I have been called to love and serve my God, my husband, my children, my home, my extended family, friends, church family and ministries.
I am keeping Efesians 4:1-2 in mind as I write out my list.
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
I can prioritize better when I strive for godly character. I hope this inspires you to get some sisters together and challenge each other in your own callings. Here are the priorities in purple attached to each “to be”:
· Juicing during day except for dinner for a week SELF
· create and follow family schedule HOME
· a date with Alf twice a month HUSBAND
· Monthly date with each individual child CHILDREN
· Begin to wake 15 minutes earlier every other day until I reach 6:01 AM GOD
· Homeschool stuff, timeline, graduation stuff, lesson planner pages, semester lesson plans CHILDREN
· Cook healthy avoid processed foods SELF, SPOUSE, CHILDREN
· Holiday planner pages HOME, OTHERS
· Weekly Mommy and Me time. CHILDREN
· Incorporate family fun night and worship night GOD, FAMILY LEGACY
Finalize foster care paperwork and setting up bedroom and supplies OTHERS
· Try shabatt at least once per month GOD, FAMILY LGACY
· Work on Family Celebrations binder GOD, FAMILY LEGACY
· FPEA ambassador stuff OTHERS
· Finish bible study GOD
· Blog weekly FAMILY LEGACY, OTHERS
· Read 1 or 2 books per month SELF
I feel better now looking at this list through the godly priorities lens. I have full confidence that the Lord himself will guide my steps everyday in accomplishing these. Leave a comment if you want to join in the challenge. You don’t need such a long list but I am crazy like that! I will post a weekly update of my progress and what I am learning along the way. I hope to be done by the first week in December, right in time for the holidays!
Happy Homemaking!
31 Day Challenge 2011, Part One
Last year a couple of friends and I decided to take 21 days to hold each other accountable in the things we wanted to accomplish in our lives. We were tired of talking about it and one of us, Melisa, issued the 21 Day Challenge. We recognized that we needed help and that God meant for us to carry each other’s burden’s and not take our faith walk alone. We are sisters and we had a power within each of us greater than any in the world, the Holy Spirit.
Surely, with God nothing is hopeless especially with each other’s prayer, encouragement and accountability we should succeed.
Here was my list:
· Cardio 15 minutes 5x’s a week
· 1 completed load of laundry daily
· Wake at 6:01 ( the number one to remind us that God is #1 and we must make time to be in His word first)
· Make Alf breakfast and send him off with a kiss (Alf is my #2)
· Quiet time/bible study daily
· Pray for my family and others, journal requests and answers ( I want a written record of His grace for future generations)
· 1 box of junk eliminated daily (that shouldn’t take more than half an hour)
· Bake daily, whether bread, muffins, pancakes, tortillas (get whole grains in us daily)
· Menu plan
· Garden
· Computer at the end of the day when “my list” is completed and Alf is ok with it
Focus Verse:
“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJ)
The one thing I remember most about that challenge is that as I worked on my list I was a sweeter momma and wife. I wanted to be able to speak kindly and not yell at my kids. Focusing and accomplishing the goals the Lord had put on my heart created a peacefulness that flowed from heaven itself. And I not only succeeded for 21 days but my steadfastness lasted almost 4 months. I do not remember now what made me stray. I would have to find it somewhere in my journal. I want that again. A whole year older and wiser I hope to achieve new goals.
The challenge has been reissued!
In 2010 I viewed my “list” as a list of “to do’s”. Today I see it as a “to be” list. To be the woman God has given me the vision to become. Today is my father’s birthday. He died not having fully lived his life to the fullest he lived with regrets. I want to live fully and on purpose, being prayerful and proactive in my choices that I might reach the end of my days not feeling like butter scraped thinly over toast as Bilbo Baggins said in The Fellowship of the Ring, but like heaping globs of sweet strawberry jam piled high on that toast!
I choose to believe that I can become that woman through the provisions God has made for me by His loving sacrifice on the cross and with the power and direction of the Holy Spirit that is within me!
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness”
2 Peter 1:3
I will post my “TO BE” list soon.
Homeschool Parent’s Night Out with Todd Wilson of Familyman Ministries
I wanted to share with a an event that is being hosted by the PPEA-Pinellas Parent Educators Association. It is now open to non-members. Alf and I are going. It’s only $3! We’ve heard him speak at FPEA Convention. I blogged about it. You can read it by clicking HERE. He’s hilarious and real! He wrote the book LIES Homeschooling Moms Believe. It will make a fun date night. Feel free to pass it on.
Smooches!
Happy Schooling!
Todd Wilson
"The Familyman"
www.familymanweb.com
“Reminding Dads of What’s Important”
When was the last time you smiled or really laughed? 
You started this homeschooling thing because you thought it would be fun. But somewhere along the journey, the fun vanished, leaving behind frustration and feelings of failure.
The problem is not that you don’t work hard enough, but that you’ve forgotten what really matters.
Join us as Todd Wilson reminds us and helps us laugh again. This will be an incredible evening for both homeschooling dads and moms.
You’ll be glad you came. ![clip_image004[1]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image0041.gif "clip_image004[1]"){kind=small}
View video interview with Todd and his wife.
Thursday, October 20th-7pm
Grace Brethren Church
6300 62nd AVE N
Pinellas Park
$3 per adult-no Child Care available-please reserve your own babysitter as due to space this is an adult only event. Nursing babies are welcome.
Sign up now as space is limited by visiting
*For any further information or questions contact the event coordinator. Her email link is on the sign up link.
Organized Optimist: Family Mega Chart
I decided to post a series of how we are getting Organized as a family. Check out my Pinterest Board: Organized Optimist to see where I get my inspiration.
I designed this chart to have all we need to know and do in one central place for all the family to see. We have tried it for a month or so. After a few tweaks we will have a new and improved one with color I will send it to print and get laminated at Staples. I plan on using wet erase markers with it.
This chart is 16 x 20. It is a week at glance that includes a spot for our daily family schedule, chores, the zones of the house that get blessed each and a big box for the family scripture memory focus of the week. It has a column for everyone to write their to do’s or places to be. Service Opportunities are where the kids can see the above and beyond available for hire. Weekly chores get rotated on a weekly basis. More on how we do it all in other posts.
happy Homemaking!
Florida Fall Family Fun 411-OCTOBER
Can you sense it? The holiday season has begun. At least for me it has. We’ve been busy getting our home ready for foster parenting and this week I can finally focus on planning some fun outings for our family. I hope you find this Fall 411 helpful and are able to take advantage of some these activities. This in no way is a complete list of activities going in all of Florida. I just pick the ones that tickle my fancy and are mostly affordable and family friendly.
Leave a comment to add you own ideas and especially if you’ve done any these. I will be adding things as I come across them and following up as we do some of these activities. To receive blog posts directly in your inbox click subscribe box to the right.
Happy Florida Fall Ya’ll!
Oktoberfest-2011
Friday, October 7
Saturday, October 8
Celebration Kicks Off Fifth Annual Oktoberfest with Falling Leaves
On October 7th and 8th, Celebration Town Center transforms before your very eyes as the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street in the all new Fall Festival known as Oktoberfest. Listen for the rustling of leaves, relax by the lakeside and rock your troubles away, or enjoy the live music with family and friends in this one-of-a-kind themed extravaganza.
On Friday October 7th Oktoberfest will be celebrated in the old-world German tradition featuring the sounds of Dan Witucki & Heimatland Musikanten. Come join in on the interactive live show featuring everything from yodeling to crowd sing-a-long fun.
Then, come back on October 8th as Celebration Town Center welcomes Central Florida’s premier rock and blues band-Mo Geetz and opening act, the incomparable Jordyn Kane. Lead by Micah Read, Mo Geetz band has been featured in both local and national media and was named one of Florida’s top artists by one prominent local newspaper.
Hop on a hayride, ride the Celebration Express Train, dance to terrific live music, paint a pumpkin, or just stroll and enjoy the crisp fall air and enjoy the great savings at the lakeside promenade.
Leaves fall daily at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM.
Parking and Admission are FREE!
Shuttle Bus service is available Saturday only from 215 Celebration Place, Celebration, FL 34747
There is something for everyone at this one of a kind Fall Festival presented by Lexin and sponsored in part by Florida Distributing Company, The Mona Lisa Suite Hotel, Confetti of Celebration, Celebration Sanitation, Axis Magazine, The Celebration Town Tavern, and Yuengling. For more information, visit us at celebrationtowncenter.com
Come early, Stay Late, and have fun at Celebration’s 5th Annual Oktoberfest!!!!
Prices
Admission is $5.00 per person, This is for 2 Movies. Children 5 to 8 years old are $1.00 per child. Children 4 years old and younger are free with their own parents. Prices are subject to change without notice. We only accept cash, no checks or credit cards allowed
Now Playing –
September 23 to October 13
Friday thru Thursday
Movie 1:
Dolphin Tale
(7:45 pm) (PG)
Inspired by the amazing true story of a brave dolphin and the compassionate strangers who band together to save her life after being caught in a crab trap, severely damaging her tail. Rated PG for mild thematic elements.
Running time: 1 hour 53 minutes.
Movie 2:
The Smurfs
( 9:40pm) (PG)
The smurfs make their first trip to the big screen in this live-action/animated family comedy. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the smurfs out of their village, they are forced through a portal, out of their world and into ours, landing in the middle of New York’s Central Park. Rated PG for mild rude humor and action. Running time: 1 hour 42minutes.
First Friday Friends & Fun
Morean Arts Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S. 6 p.m. Your chance to play in clay for one low price the first Friday each month. Note: all classes will take place at the Morean Arts Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S. Individuals – $30; Two people – $50. All materials included in cost. 727-822-7872 or www.moreanartscenter.org
Sunrise Run-Walk-Wave
October 8, 2011
Vinoy Park, 501 5th Ave. N.E., 7 a.m. Registration. Walks begin at 7:15 a.m. Get your weekend off to an active start with a 5K run, 1 mile fun run or 1 mile walk to benefit local charities. Children’s art tent, inflatables, live music and refreshments. Register online at www.active.com or at 4th St. Chick-fil-A, 4241 4th St. N. and receive a free chicken sandwich or kids’ meal! 737-822-7475 or http://www.firsttothecross.com
Saturday Morning Market – *Returns in October*
Al Lang Sta
dium parking lot, 1st Ave. S & 1st St., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the largest farmer’s market in Florida for a variety of fresh and organic produce, gourmet baked goods, prepared foods. plants and flowers, arts and crafts or a variety of handcrafted items. The market is held each Saturday from Oct. 2 through May 28. www.saturdaymorningmarket.com
October 8 – Gulf Coast Jazz Quartet
October 15 – Pete Merrigan & Friends
October 22 – Ben Bryan Band
October 29 – Kevin Wilder
November 5 – Al Berard Cajun Combo
November 12 – TBA
November 19 – Steve Arvey Band
November 26 – Empty Hats
December 3 – Charles Morris Band
Pops in the Park
![clip_image001[5]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image0015.jpg?w=244&h=185 "clip_image001[5]")
![clip_image002[4]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image00243.jpg "clip_image002[4]")
Sat, Oct 22, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Vinoy Park
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a free Pops in the Park Concert under the stars with The Florida Orchestra. Guest Conductor Daniel Boico is on the podium for a program of fun and familiar favorites by Brahms, Dvorak, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky and Strauss, along with selections from The King and I, The Muppet Movie and other favorite popular fare…with the evening ending in Tchaikovsky’s explosive 1812 Overture.
Canned Food Donations: Concertgoers at both Park Concerts are invited to bring canned food donations for Tampa Bay Harvest for their food bank services in the Tampa Bay area.
Young Artists in Pre-Concert Performance at Vinoy Park: The Vinoy Park Concert will have a pre-concert performance from 6 pm to 6:30 pm by two finalists from VSA Florida Young Soloists Competition, who will be representing Florida in the national competition in Washington, DC later this year. Serving the entire state, VSA Florida provides people with disabilities the opportunity to learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. For further information, call 813.558.5095 or visit www.vsafl.org.
Sat, Oct 22, 7 pm Vinoy Park
Vinoy Park is located at 501 5th Avenue Northeast, St. Petersburg, FL. For directions on how to get to 5th Avenue NE, click here.
Sun, Oct 23, 7 pm Compton Park
Compton Park is located at 16101 Compton Drive, Tampa, FL. For directions on how to get to Compton Park, click here.
Fall Jubilee
Saturday, October 22
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free – donations support Heritage Village operations
The 33rd Heritage Village Fall Jubilee is the first place to search for gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Giant flea market and book sale a special feature. Handmade holiday crafts, paintings, jewelry, stained glass and wooden treasures are among the offerings as well as musical entertainment, tours of historical homes, and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Free, but donations are accepted to support Heritage Village operations. (727) 582-2123 . (Interested vendors can call (727) 582-2233.)
Free parking and shuttle to event entrance is located off 119th Street between Ulmerton and Walsingham Roads. Free, but donations support Heritage Village operations.
Fall Jubilee Flyer ![clip_image001[6]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image0016.gif "clip_image001[6]"){kind=small}
Flea Market and Book Sale ![clip_image001[7]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image0017.gif "clip_image001[7]"){kind=small}
Pumpkin Patch Express
October 29 & 30, 2011
All Aboard for the annual Pumpkin Patch Express! This popular trip takes you to our patch of pumpkins. Children are invited to pick their own pumpkin to take home. Everyone is also invited to participate in the hay ride, Lincoln log building, crafts and other activities offered at no additional charge!
The Pumpkin Patch Express departs at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3 PM on October 29 & 30.
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.
Be sure to allow extra travel time for traffic, parking, ticket pickup and boarding.
The Museum is located 25 miles north of Sarasota and 35 miles south of Tampa off Interstate 75 at exit 229. Our physical address is:
- 12210 83rd St East
Parrish, FL 34219
For more information visit The Florida Railroad Museum
$5 Saturdays at the Museum!
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave.NE. Trace how St. Petersburg became a city. Regular museum admission: $9, ages 60 and up: $7, Students w/ID: $5, Children 7-17: $5, under 6: FREE. Rates for a family of 4: only $24 (any additional child only $2). 727-894-1052 or www.spmoh.org for museum hours.
What you need to know to start planning your trip to LEGOLAND Florida, opening in Winter Haven Oct. 15, 2011.
LEGOLAND Florida is an 150-acre, full-day family theme park designed for families with children ages two to 12. It features more than 50 rides, shows and interactive attractions, restaurants, shopping and botanical gardens.
LEGOLAND Florida is located in Winter Haven, 45 miles southwest of Orlando and 45 minutes from downtown Tampa.
Address:
LEGOLAND Florida
One Legoland Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Sunday in October.
General Admission:
Adults 13-49: $75, plus tax
Children 3-12 or Seniors 60-plus: $65, plus tax
Children under 3: Free
Check the website for special pass prices.
Parking: $12
Information: 877-350-LEGO(5346)
Guided Tram Tours
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 1101 Country Club Way S., Tues. through Sat. 1 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ranger guided tram tour through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. 727-893-7326 or www.stpete.org/boyd
Jungle Boogie
Boy![clip_image002[9]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image0029.jpg "clip_image002[9]")
d Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S., 11:15 a.m. Every Wednesday & Thursday, teach your preschooler about Florida’s natural ecosystems, animals and plants with a romp through Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Ages 3-4. Cost: $2.50/child; parents free. 727-893-7326 or www.stpete.org/boyd
Saturday Guided Hikes
Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Island Drive N.E., 9 to 11 a.
m. Bring water and a snack for the 2 hour hike through the coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve. Closed toed shoes and a hat are recommended. For ages 6 & up. Reserve your space by 2 p.m. on the Friday prior to the hike of your choice. Free. 727-453-6500 or http://weedonislandpreserve.eventbrite.com
October 1, 8, 15, 22
Saturday Guided Nature Walks
Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, 10 to 11:15 a.m. Enjoy the beauty of Ft. De Soto Park with a nature walk for the entire family including a guided Beach Walk. Free. Call 727-552-1862 for tour information, meeting locations or to register. www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm
Say Good-By to Summer Heat and Hello to St. Petersburg Preservation’s October Music and Movies in the Park!
There isn’t a more beautiful spot then the downtown St. Pete waterfront in which to sit and relax while enjoying a picnic and listening to live music as the sun goes down and you are getting ready to watch a classic movie on the big screen! If you miss October Movies in the Park you won’t have another chance until May!
North Straub Park, Beach Dr. between 4th & 5th Aves. N.E. Live music at 6 followed by movies at dark. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner or purchase one from Saturday Morning Market vendors. Then settle back for an evening of music and a movie under the stars.
Convenient parking located at the BayWalk garage and the Pier parking lots. 727-824-7802 or www.stpetepreservation.org
October 6 Major League (1989) – A great comedy starring Wesley Snipes and Tom Berenger. Music by local favorite Rebekah Pulley.
October 13 Shane (1953) – The Oscar award winning western classic starring Alan Ladd and Jack Palance. Music by Hot Rod Hornets.
October 20 Key Largo (1948) – The classic with Humphreget ready for Halloween, starring Alec Baldwin & Geena Davis. Music by Daniel O’Ryan.y Bogart, Edward G. Robinson & Lauren Bacall. Music by Clearwater Bluegrass Review.
October 27 Beetlejuice (1988) – What better ready way to get ready for Halloween, starring Alec Baldwin & Geena Davis. Music by Daniel O’Ryan.
*I am not familiar with most of these movies. I advise you do google search before you take your kids out to see them. It might nake a nice date night though.
Saturdays@the Morean
Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families with children ages 5 through 10 can explore art with open art stations and take-home projects from on-site instructors. Sponsored by Bank of America. Free. 727-822-7872 or www.moreanartscenter.org
Planetarium Shows
The Planetarium at SPC – Gibbs campus, 6605 5th Ave. N., Natural Sciences Bldg., SC 205. Fri![clip_image002[11]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image00211.jpg "clip_image002[11]")
day nights, 7 and 8:15 p.m. Cast your eyes toward the skies and view the stars over Tampa Bay in summer. Weather permitting, the show moves to the roof, where you can see Saturn’s majestic rings. Free admission and parking. No reservations required. For ages 5 and up; children under 5 cannot be admitted to the planetarium. 727-341-4320 or http://www.spcollege.edu/spg/planetarium.htm.
Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival
Admission: General Park Admission
October 1 through November 14
Savor unique foods and fine wines from many other exotic locales. It’s a culinary and cultural potpourri, complete with tasty sounds from the concert series and over 20 international food and wine marketplace
The concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, will be at the America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.
*Homeschoolers
Here are are some resources to make your trip tasty and educational:
Pick up Your Marketplace Discovery Passport
Visit the Festival Welcome Center or any Disney Vacation Club Information Center in the Park to receive your Marketplace Discovery Passport. Use it to travel to a world of flavors at all of the international marketplaces around World Showcase.
When you dine at an international marketplace, you’ll receive a stamp on your passport. Each marketplace has its own unique stamp design, so you can return home with a fun keepsake.
The gals at World of Learning have made a fun and educational guide to this year’s festival. Print and prepare it before you leave. It’s small enough to tuck away in your backpack when you are going to get on some rides. Click Icon to download.
2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Tasting Guide
Indulge in the ultimate "Great Taste Test" at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival using our FREE Tasting Guide! This booklet is designed to supplement your family’s experience at the Festival with some fun facts, basic geographical and culinary information on each location represented and some simple mapwork. Perfectly sized to easily carry in the park, our Tasting Guide is arranged geographically and includes menus for each location with an accompanying Great Taste Test. Happy Tasting!
Want a place to take the family, go with friends, Church groups, Scouts or educational groups? Scott’s Maze Adventures offers a unique and fun time in the country!
Come and explore Central Florida’s only Maze Adventure Park. Located just 30 miles northwest of Orlando, Long & Scott Farms is just a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida.
Our many attractions include a six acre Corn Maze, half-acre Mini Corn Maze, Mist Maze, Labyrinth, 60 foot Super Slide, picnic and play area.
We have a new and challenging maze each fall! Journey through seven acres of live field corn with miles of paths where you will find pictures, clues and games to make learning FUN!
For Information on Admission and Pricing visit Scott’s Maze Adventures
Who Do You Think You Are?
St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave. N.E., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn how to trace your family tree, ex![clip_image002[13]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image00213.jpg "clip_image002[13]")
plore your roots, and figure out who you are and where you came from with former St. Petersburg Times genealogy columnist Donna Murray (Allen). You’ll learn how to obtain documents, military records, research strategies and sort through conflicting information. And you’ll find out how to navigate the web, forums, message boards and find free web sites with Internet Genealogy. (Participants must bring a laptop). $50 per person/series of 4 classes. 727-894-1052 x 200 or James@spmoh.org for information or to register. Registration deadline October 8. www.spmoh.org
![clip_image004[4]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image0044.jpg "clip_image004[4]")
Williams Park Wednesdays Picnic & Music Series
Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Take a midday break under the shade of Williams Park every Wednesday through September 28! Pack a lunch or purchase one from nearby restaurants and enjoy live music, games including Corn Hole Toss, and more! Downtown St. Pete…it’s the place to be! Sponsored by St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation. 727-893-7441
Hunsader Farms 20th Annual Pumpkin Festival
![clip_image001[9]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clip_image0019.jpg "clip_image001[9]")
Oct. 15 & 16 – 22 & 23 – 29 & 30, 2011
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
ADMISSION $8, Children 12 and under are free PARKING $5
Everyday at the Pumpkin Festival is loads of fun and consists of:
100+ Craft Booths • Live Music • Pumpkins • Charity Pumpkin Games • Pioneer Trades Village • Hayrides • Pony Rides • Chainsaw Sculptor • Corn Maze Scarecrow Displays • Homemade Ice Cream • Farm Roasted Sweet Corn • Food Galore • Pumpkin Pie • Pumpkin Cannon-hourly• Corn Cannons• Rock Climbing Wall• Power Jump • Petting Zoo • Barnyard Playground • Face Painting • Children’s Train Ride • Juggler • Fresh Produce • Bi-Plane Rides • Remote Controlled Airplanes • Butterfly Experience • Frog Jumping Championship
The admission price includes: craft show, live shows, musical entertainment, hayrides, Pumpkin Cannon viewing, Chainsaw sculptor, playground, petting zoo and Pioneer trades village
Sarasota Pumpkin Festival
October 28-30, 2011
Sarasota County Fairgrounds
3000 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34237-5333
(941) 953-4359
Food Booths,Vendor Booths, Games, Rides, Stage, Power, Pumpkin Wall, Hay Rides, Food Vendors, Haunted House, Rock Climbing, Wall of Pumpkins, Concert, Pumpkin Patch, Shows
GO MAKE MEMORIES!
Zachary’s Disney Birthday Celebration
Buzz Light-year shirt-check! Birthday Pin-check! Birthday hat-check!
Let the celebration begin!
Hey, Where’s Perry?!
Dad decided to start a new family tradition for Disney Birthday Celebrations. Disney cast members and guests love to wish guests Happy Birthday. He thought he would issue the challenge to count how many greetings he got and if he received 25 by the time we left he would get a special gift of his choosing. the dollar amount would equal the number of greetings he received. Wearing a pin birthday pin but a huge birthday cake hat should do the trick! Clearly my hubby wants them to win when he bought that hat. Can you guess what he chose as a prize?
We all had an amazing time at Hollywood Studios.. We rode some of our favorites Star Tours, Rockin’ Roller Coaster by G-force Records (yes, by us, just kidding!) and Tower or Terror.
One of our favorite things to do at Disney is play with the characters especially Citizens of Hollywood. Zack got to participate twice in their street skits. He played a bush in the Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet. Check out the video
We had our partial packed lunch at the Backstage Lot. We were all treated to FREE DESSERT! We were surprised to find out that a blue tray was magical and got you free dessert. How blessed we are!
The magical dessert tray.
Boy he is a birthday ham for sure!
As if he didn’t feel special enough he went with his dad to get ice water and they gave him FREE chocolate cake in honor of his birthday!
I’d say he was one happy go lucky, tired as all get out, blessed kid!
There you are Perry!
Free Museum Day @ The Burg-Part 1
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The Aquarium at the Pier
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It was a great day for all in the Burg! FREE Museum entry to most museum’s in town. Our family headed to The Aquarium at the Pier first. I was so happy it was free because it was small and had very little to offer. When we left a light rain started that felt quite refreshing.
We passed lots of artsy vendors on our way to The Museum of Fine Arts. I know what I ‘m doing with all those old Lp’s in the garage!
Kind of cool, kind of creepy Wizard of Oz inspired Art?
We girls found some funky domino bracelets, vintage spoon bracelets and composition notebooks with vinyl albums for covers.
The kids have an assignment to make their own replica of one thing they liked best from our day out. When their projects are finished I will post them.
Stay tuned to see our favorites from the Museum of Fine Arts.
Our Homeschool Planners-Part 1
Our family celebrates the start of the new school year by having a special date with each child with just mom and dad. It’s usually a dessert date. A sweet start to the new school year! We talk to them about what they are interested in learning about, their struggles, their strength’s. After the date hubby and I take time to write out a letter of blessing to them.
We write them another letter at the end of the school year. I am trying to be diligent in sending actual pictures to print on a monthly basis to add to their personal yearbook at the end of the school year.I will include scans of sample of their artwork and special assignments. I have a thermal book binder so I may try using that for textural book. ‘We’ll keep you posted of our progress.
I wanted to make their portfolios more of a keepsake, a treasury of their favorite and things they are most proud of. We include pics and stats and they get to fill it out themselves. I enjoy digital scrapbooking and have used freebies from Shabby Princess.
Setting Goals
We set goals together with the child and then we pray for them.
They love having their own calendar to fill in.
Monthly Reading Log
Weekly Lesson Log
During the Thanksgiving break they have a journal page to write in what they are thankful for and to help them think of ways they can keep Christ in Christmas.
See YOU at the Pole
See you at the Pole is a nationwide student led prayer rally done mostly in public schools the 4th Wednesday in September each year. My oldest son Mikael and a friend have been organizing this event for two years for homeschoolers in our city. This year Mikael took it on by himself. He did a great job. He has chosen to hold the event in a central city in the county. He emailed people in our local support groups and contacted the city hall to inform them of the event and to invite their staff to join us.
We were pleasantly surprised to find out that the mayor of the mayor of the city is a Christian. He shared with the kids about his faith and encouraged them to be obedient to their parents, to work hard at their studies and thanked them for praying for him and his staff.
![clip_image001[5]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/clip_image0015.jpg "clip_image001[5]")
![clip_image001[11]](https://gforceacademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/clip_image00111.jpg "clip_image001[11]")
The sun is always blaring hot but the joy of watching our kids standing together praying for their families, local communities and national leaders makes it all worth it.
Immediately following the event we have fellowship and lunch at a park close by.
This was Mike’s final year facilitating the prayer rally since he graduates high school this year (sniff, sniff). I was blown away by his devotional share. It was a rally cry for warriors for Jesus! In spite of wrenches that the enemy has tried to throw his way this year he has fought the good fight and emerged victorious in Christ Jesus. His focus is being set apart for his purpose for his life.
He encourages me and inspires me not only to be a better mom but a more holy one. One that surrenders her agenda for her kids and continually gives them over to God, for His glory.
Thanks to all the families that came out to pray and play!
I hope you and your family take advantage of this opportunity in the coming years. Visit See you at Pole for more information and to sign up for updates.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Compartment Food Craze!
I thought I was going all out with my kids lunch when I bought these trays some time ago. Then I saw the muffin tin craze. I loved the idea! I was looking for a way to have better portion control especially for our snacks. and this has been a God send.
What is a Muffin Tin Meal?
Pretty simple here. It’s a meal served in a muffin tin. For Muffin Tin Mondays we make them for our kids, but anyone can have a muffin tin meal! A muffin tin is also known as a muffin pan, cupcake tin or cupcan pan and for our purposes here, we also use silicone and paper baking cups, pans and tins.
But even that pales in comparison to the Bento. Simply put Bento is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. 
Now the fun or crazy fun comes from a character bento. This style of Bento is called kyaraben. The food is made to look like characters.
They are so stinkin’ cute!
Read, learn, and be amazed. Maybe you will even be inspired to try something new for your family’s lunch box.
Calvin & Hobbes a family favorite!
From Wikipedia
Bento can be very elaborately arranged in a style called kyaraben or "character bento". Kyaraben is typically decorated to look like popular Japanese cartoon (anime) characters, characters from comic books (manga), or video game characters. Another popular bento style is "oekakiben" or "picture bento", which is decorated to look like people, animals, buildings and monuments, or items such as flowers and plants. Contests are often held where bento arrangers compete for the most aesthetically pleasing arrangements.
I would not eat this! It’s just wrong to make THAT face into food! LOL!
From Wikipedia:
There are similar forms of boxed lunches in the Philippines (Baon), Korea (Dosirak), Taiwan (Biandang), and India (Tiffin). Also, Hawaiian culture has adopted localized versions of bento featuring local tastes after over a century of Japanese influence in the islands.
A typical bento Bento served at a restaurant in Japan
I wanted to try this at least once because it is too time consuming for this homeschool mom. As I searched the wonderful www. I found some doable Americanized versions of this fun food.
Check these sites:
Photo by Bentolicious
Happy Eating!
Collect ROCKS Day! Huh?!
Yes, September 16th is Collect Rocks Day.
Although I found no credible source Martha Stewart has rock crafts. If she playing with rocks then I will too!
My kids have been collecting them well since they could reach for them to stick them in their mouths.
Go for a walk and make sure to bring a basket or tote bag for each person to toss their finds in. when you get home gather the troops for a rockin’ good time decorating.
If you want to make a day of it. Pack a picnic and take the paints, brushes, and any other supplies and make the mess at the park. Invite some friends to join and no doubt there will be some trading of these freshly made collectables.
I am amazed at how many resources and ideas I found to incorporate into Collect Rocks Day. Maybe it’s my love for unit studies. I try to always incorporate our faith into our schooling. And there are a few scriptures that refer to rocks. (Well Duh!) God made the rocks! Share these verses with your kids as you celebrate the day.
He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.
Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV)
Joshua 4:1-9
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Memorial Stones
1 And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying: 2 “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’”
4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; 5 and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”
8 And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the LORD had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9 Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.
Exodus 17:5-7
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 And the LORD said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.”
And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 So he called the name of the place Massah[a] and Meribah,[b] because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
Exodus 33:21-23
New King James Version (NKJV)
21 And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. 22 So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. 23 Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
Matthew 16:18
New International Version (NIV)
18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it.
(the Greek word for Peter means rock)
Psalm 18:2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
(horn symbolizes strength)
Luke 6:47-49
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
(Jesus is the Rock!)
Matthew 7:23-25
New King James Version (NKJV)
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
1 Samuel 17:48-50
New King James Version (NKJV)
48 So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David.
Luke 19:37-40
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Here is a short video of Douglas Stahlman’s and his fabled "Scripture Rocks."
Below are some cool pics and links to inspire you
from around the WWW.
Paint with acrylic paints, glow in the dark paints or permanent markers. If you want to be able to change up the design use Chalk Ink markers.You can wipe them clean and start over.
Use some permanent markers to write thoughtful words, names and scripture. What a neat way to carry your bible memory verse around. You can just reach into your purse or pocket for it. If you run into a friend you can share it with them and then they can pass it on to someone else. I think this rock thing is gonna catch on!
Use as garden markers
Make them into necklaces. Boys would definitely wear a rock necklace, especially if it looked like a gross eyeball.
Happy Rock Collecting Day!
You can also decoupage paper, fabric or any drawing or magazine cutout to your rocks. Here is a simple recipe I saw on Pinterest by the DIY Divas. I have always just used straight glue but will give this recipe a try when we decorate our rocks.
I just love how you can incorporate these rocks into your home décor by displaying them on a shelf or putting them in a bowl or basket.
fabric or decorative paper decoupage from modpodgerocksblog.com
matryoshka rocks also from modpodgerocksblog.com
These hot rocks are crazy cool! I saw them on A Girl and a Glue Gun. All you need is crayons and an oven. Oh, and DUH, rocks!
Go Make Some Memories!
Mi Familia
Alfonso and Monica are highschool sweethearts. They will be celebrating their 2oth anniversary during their favorite season of the year, Christmas. They moved to St. Petersburg from Miami 8 years ago. Her family has been homeschooling for 11 years. They have 4 children and are graduating their first in 2012.
The Lord led them to homeschool for various reasons. The top reasons being to raise godly men and women for His glory and pleasure, to teach for mastery of skills and to each child’s individual learning style and strength’s, also to stay together as a family. She has a passion for sharing information that helps and encourages families on their homeschool journey. Alfonso leads the karate ministry, CKC-Calvary Karate Club , at their church Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg. Monica served for 4 years on the leadership board of the PPEA-Pinellas Parent Educators Association, the oldest and largest support group in Pinellas County. She has the honor of being one of FPEA-Florida Parent Educators Association’s new Ambassadors. The FPEA is one of the largest and most innovative state homeschool organiztions.
She enjoys sewing, blogging at the G-Force Academy, crafting, and making memories with her family and friends. Being passholders their family loves playing and learning at Disney every chance they get. They enjoy watching sci-fi and fantasy movie and TV shows, and musicals (ok mom likes these the best;).
We are very excited to share our family’s journey with you. Our greatest desire is to leave a legacy of faith in Jesus Christ to her children and their children and so on. She looks forward forward to serving her fellow homeschoolers.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18
G-Force Academy 
