Great things to come

I'm super excited about an opportunity that Caleb has recently had.  While I can't share the details yet, suffice it to say that it was a voice acting job that required time in a recording studio in Seattle.

...Caleb in the sound booth...

I'm sure he'll yak about his experience in much more detail on his blog, Pens of Plaid.  I, of course, will update you with information about the project and its release when I am able, so stay tuned.   :-)

The Snowy Day {BFIAR}

One of my favorite things to do is read aloud to the kids.  It's always a great time snuggling and giggling. 

I am loosely using the Before Five in a Row  {BFIAR} "curriculum" with the little girls.   Some of the books on the book list are out of print, and not even available at the library.  However, we own several on the list, and the remaining ones I've had no problem reserving.
The premise of Five in a Row - is that you read the book each weekday {hence 5 in a row}. The curriculum has you do many things that would stretch across all academic areas.

But for me and my busy home, we have simplified it.
Every day {except piano lesson day} we read the book, followed by an activity {either a craft or something to make in the kitchen, or a printable from Delightful Learning or Homeschool Creations}. 
I really love BFIAR because it exposes them to great classic children's literature.  The stories naturally lend themselves to fun activities that you can do to expand on the story. 

Last week we read The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.

I'm pretty blessed to have a resident voice actor.  Though he is not often available, he makes read-alouds all the better with lots of different voices and inflections.  We ALL love it when he reads. 

I decided to make these fun dimensional snowflakes.  Blissfully Content had a great tutorial on how to make them.  

There were steps that each of the little girls could do.
Folding.

Mary had a great time folding all her papers. She felt like such a big girl.

 Cutting

Taping

Just look at that team-work!

Scotch tape can be so...sticky!

Voila...our snowy day.

{Yes, Mary is still in her jammies.}

Now, let's see if we get any real snow from the next Polar Vortex that is on its way.

So Stinkin' Excited

Many of you know that Caleb has wanted to be a voice actor for quite some time.  Last summer he attended The Guild.  Mark Hamby of Lamplighter Publishing has an incredible vision to bring together students and master teachers in a setting that is inspiring  {spiritually and artistically} and intensive. 

Five days, from early morning until late at night, students are under the tutelage of masters  of audio and visual arts, with an emphasis on theater, sound design, and voice acting.  The master teachers' passion for their craft and for the Lord permeates everything they say and do and this is translated to the students!  It was certainly a life-changing event for Caleb... and it continues to be.

A couple of weeks ago, Caleb received a phone call and was asked if he would like to be a part of a collaborative effort to put together a dramatized audio book.  This end product would serve as a thank you to those who contribute financially to Lamplighter Theatre. 

Caleb auditioned and was chosen to voice the main character and the credits as well.

Go here

Just think...you can say, "I knew Caleb when he was just starting out in his career." 
He may be the next Rod Serling or Nolan North! 

I am so stinkin' excited at the way the Lord continues to confirm this career choice for Caleb.