Hi Gang!

Well, change of plans!  Good thing I make it a practice to be flexible.  Dalton is coming home tomorrow.  The Flippens had a car accident.  Don't worry, no one was hurt except for the van...  They will be stuck in Washington (State) for at least the next two weeks.  Dalton was originally only supposed to stay 4 weeks, which he has, but was going to stay an extra period of time to allow them the time to make it to the Grand Canyon.  Well, that is not going to happen in that time period now, so we decided it was time for him to come home.  Of course, we are so thankful to the Flippens for what he did get to experience.  His plane will only bring him as far as Nashville, so I will be gone from Monday through Wednesday.  We are going to visit the Hermitage, the Parthenon, and go through the Amish community in Etheridge, TN.  It should be a fun trip, and I am so ready to see my youngin'. 

The American Girl Club went to the Early Works Museum in Huntsville on Tuesday and had a blast!  Believe it or not, this is one of those places that I had never been.  The girls absolutely loved it!  There is a huge map of the United States where you can label the states, a huge mural of different landmarks that you put a flag up showing where it is located, a Hall of Presidents, a Pioneer Log Cabin with all kinds of authentic items to play with, a dress shop where the kids can put on period clothing, a General Store, a Native American Village, Pioneer Wagon, American Girl room with all of the American Girl Dolls and accessories to play with, a cotton gin, a trader ship, and on and on.  Everything is hands on.  The girls played forever and just had the BEST time.  Thanks so much to the Hollbrook family for hosting.  Click on the link below the picture of the girls in the wagon to see a whole photo show of the American Girl Club.  If you would like to be a part of the American Girl Club, please let me know.  We are having a great time.  By the way, I showed the Early Works Museum my teacher I.D. and they not only let me in free but Dae also. 

We also went to Tannehill Trails on Wednesday with Teen Scene.  Click here to see a photo show of that event. We had a really good time.  Thanks so much to the Smyda family for hosting.  We had about 40 people there in all.  I counted 9 teens, about 20 younger siblings, and 8 parents.  We had a potluck lunch, played kick ball, rode horses, and played Bache ball.  The kids had a great time, and the parents really enjoyed the social time.  

I wanted to remind everyone not to forget the thrift store as a resource.  I went into the American Thrift Store on Saturday and bought:

Blurt! - A Webster's Dictionary Word Game for .59

Der Siedler - A German Game for .79

World Map Puzzle - .59

Volcano Science Kit (included a 42 page book with activities) for .59

Environment Science Kit (included 35 experiments) for .59

They were all complete and in good condition.  The Der Siedler Game had never been opened.  Dae has already read part of the volcano book, put about 75% of the world map puzzle together, and asked to play Blurt.  You can't beat games for learning, especially for under $1. 

Wow!  You guys sent in some great resources last week!  You will see them listed throughout the newsletter.  The winner of the Barons Baseball tickets is Teresa Walker....  The tickets will be in the mail shortly.  Please e-mail me your address.  Congrats!  And thanks to everyone who sent in new resources!

As many of you know, I have had some yucky experiences with my computer this year, so I am working to get everything web-based rather than computer based.  In doing so, I have moved all of my documents, pictures, and now e-mail to the web.  My new e-mail address is:

everestacademy1@gmail.com

Please remember that all the new information or changed information is in BLUE!!! 

Also, please note that it is time to renew your Teaching At Home subscription.  The fee schedule is at the bottom of this newsletter. 

I hope you enjoy your week Teaching At Home, and I hope to see you all soon! 

Deb Spradlin

Please contact me directly at everestacademy1@gmail.com if you would like to be included.  Please include your information in this order:  county, your name, area, contact information, children's year of birth, and any other information you would like added.  Please consider adding your information here!  This could be SUCH a great resource for you!

• Children's Theater - Hi Gang!  It's time again to sign up for Children's Theatre.  They have a great season this year!!!  Check here for full information: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/355709/
• Alys Stephens Center Free Performances - This series allows the Alys Stephens Center to share the arts with area students and aspiring young artists. These one-hour performances by internationally acclaimed artists let students experience the thrill of a live performance in a world-class performing arts venue.  During these interactive presentations, artists will engage students with anecdotes about their educational and artistic training and life as a professional, touring artist. They will also offer insight into the music they will perform, as well as strategies for perfecting musical techniques. Resource materials are available for some performances.  Please look here for full details:  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/teachingathome/356110/

• Ballroom Dancing in Adamsville - I have been talking with Wendy of  http://www.curtnwendy.com/ and they have agreed to teach a homeschool ballroom dance class if we have enough interest.  I am just now in the "feeling it out" stage so the details are rather sketchy.  The details are as follows: Ballroom Dance Class in Adamsville (about 15 minutes NW of Bham)  Weekly class to be held during the day starting either this summer OR in September for grades 7-12 (Six months of classes count as 1/2 credit in either Phys. Ed. Or Fine Arts) Either $20/month per child (with half-price for additional siblings in the family) paid at the first class each month, OR $5/class paid weekly for each of the first two kids in a family with any additional siblings at no charge. Let me know if this is something you think you might be interested in, and we will get things underway.
• FREE FIELD TRIP Aug 11 - Tigers For Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain in Collinsville at 8:00am.  A walk through Untamed Mountain, known as Tigers for Tomorrow.  Bring the entire family for a new experience, where life is wild by nature. During your visit you will get up close and personal with over thirty-five large cats, wolves and bears in a safe and natural setting. Bring lunch and plenty of film!  Register for this free event at director@freshairfamily.org
• FREE FIELD TRIP Aug 12 -  Perseid Meteor Shower in Bibb County with Fresh Air Family.   The "Tears of St. Lawrence"  are on spectacular display as stars fall from the heavens. This year's Perseid Meteor Shower is predicted to be one of the best in decades. Come with us to witness the starry show from the Comet Swift-Tuttle. The comet's tail intersects Earth's orbit, creating dust particles which make a vivid streak of light, a meteor, as it disintegrates. The meteors fly out of the constellation Perseus, therefore, they are called Perseids.  Bring a picnic dinner, water, chairs and blankets to view nature's wonder.  6:00PM - Caravan will depart from Barnes & Noble parking lot at The Summit  Register Here

• Aug. 18 - Mom's Night Out!!!  Would you like to join me at the Alabama Theatre for a 7:00pm viewing of "Gone With the Wind"?  If you have not ever been to the Alabama Theatre, it is breathtaking!!!  You can take a virtual tour of The Alabama as well as read it's history here:  http://www.alabamatheatre.com/AboutTheAlabama/TourtheAlabama/tabid/62/Default.aspx .  This would be the perfect place to view "Gone With the Wind"!!!  Tickets are $6 a piece and payable at the door.  We can go to dinner before or after if you would like to!  Please R.S.V.P. To debbido4@charter.net .
  
• FREE Field Trip Aug 25 - Cathedral Caverns near Grant, AL  with Fresh Air Family.  Beat the August heat in the cool 60 degrees of the cavern!  See the world's largest frozen waterfall and the world's largest stalagmite in the cathedral-like rock formations.  The cavers is cited as one of the best scenic attractions in Alabama and the South.  Bring a picnic lunch, water, and wear shoes/boots for walking.  
  Beat the August heat in the cool 60 degrees of the cavern! See the world's largest frozen waterfall and the world's largest stalagmite in the cathedral-like rock formations. This cavern is cited as one of the best scenic attractions in Alabama and the South.  Caravan will depart from the Lakeshore Dr. WalMart at 9:00 a.m.  Please register with Fresh Air Family Register Here
  
  
  
• Aug. 31 - Spring Valley Beach Homeschool Day in Blountsville from 10:00am - 6:00pm.  Cost is $10.00 per person (ages 2 and under are free) to get in.  You will pay at the door.  You can bring your own food and drinks.  I am going to rent a pavilion if enough show an interest.  We went last year and had a blast!  This is a very family friendly place.  www.springvalleybeach.com  Please R.S.V.P. And let me know if you would like to attend with Teaching At Home, and I will arrange for us to have a pavilion.



• Oct. 23 - Pompeii:  Tales from an Eruption at Birmingham Museum of Art at Noon.   This exhibition of 500 stunning works of art and artifacts offers a rare glimpse of life in the ancient world. It tells the stories of the final days of Pompeii and the nearby resort cities of Herculaneum, Oplontis and Terzigno following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Excavated from 1780 through current day, many of these artifacts have never toured outside Italy. The magnificence of these vibrant cities is reconstructed, with body casts and skeletons shown in the context in which they were found as the pyroclastic surges’ ash and superheated gases engulfed their world. Citizens clutched their most precious possessions including exquisitely designed jewelry, coins and the tools of their trade. The exhibition also features large-scale frescoes, mosaics, and powerful bronzes depicting subjects from Greek mythology and Roman politics. Cost is $8.00 for children and $9.00 for adults.  Deadline for reservation, payment, and cancellation is Aug. 9.  Please sign up with Debbi Spradlin. Audio Tours are included in the price of the tickets.
  
  
• Nov. 26 - 30 - Disney World Trip Teaching At Home will be going to Disney World in Orlando again this year.  We went last year and had a blast.  You can check out the information from last year here:  Disney Trip 2006 .  The trip will include a 5-day hopper pass to all four parks plus two visits to either Typhoon Lagoon or Disney Quest.  We visited Typhoon Lagoon and Disney Quest last year and had an absolute blast.  These tickets will also include one Y.E.S. Program for the students.  These are absolutely wonderful programs, and my kids are still talking about the one they attended last year.  The rest of the time is your's to spend as a family.  Disney Information
• Dec. 13 - Alabama Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Samford Wright Center at 10:00am.  While visions of sugarplums have not yet danced in your heads, the Alabama Ballet is already working towards our holiday season production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.  Alabama Ballet is currently one of six companies in the world licensed to perform Balanchine's performance.  Cost is $7 per adult.  Children free.  I know it is early for this; however, the quicker we send in our reservations, the better seating we will get. Deadline for sign up, cancellation, and payment is Oct. 15. 
  

• Fridays now through Oct 26 - Bagpipes Ryan Morrison, Alabama's only professional bagpiper and Pipe Major of Heritage Pipes and Drums, performs every Friday at noon. He is expanding his repertoire in anticipation of performing with the Atlanta Pipe Band this fall at competitions. He will be performing out front of Highlands Trading. So if you are at Five Points for lunch come on by. He will be there every Friday through the fall
• Now through September - Tour of Historic Three Caves What a “cool” tour - cool as in 65 degrees year ‘round! Located in the heart of Huntsville, rock from this former limestone quarry was used in roads for the young city becoming known as “The Rocket City.”  Mining ended in 1952 and Three Caves is developing into a natural cave, offering a glimpse into a unique geological window in time.  Visitors will see baby stalactites and smooth calcified rocks known as cave pearls.  Reservations Required at 534-5263 at least three days in advance.  For more information, please look here:  http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/calendar_of_events.htm
  
• Aug 7 - Dance Out Crime Irondales "Dance Out Crime" event will include an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, a live band (Charlie Soul), free food and more! National Night Out is a celebration that promotes police-community partnerships and heightens awareness of crime and drug prevention programs.  "Dance Out Crime" will be held in the parking lot of the Whistle Stop Cafe. 1906 1st Avenue N., Irondale, Al 35210 from 6:30 - 9:30pm. 
  
• Aug 7 - National Night Out  The program will be held from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M at Target at the new Colonial Promenade in Alabaster on U.S. Hwy 31.   As part of the event, several “tools” of the trade are scheduled to be on display including patrol cars with the latest in computer technology, marine patrol watercraft, K-9 units, tactical response units, and fire trucks.  Deputies, Officers, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Service personnel will be on hand to meet and answer questions from the public.  Free food will be provided.  The event will give members of the community an opportunity to meet with public safety personnel to exchange ideas and information to assist in crime prevention and the building of police-community partnerships.  Thanks Kerrie!
  
• Aug 8 - Faith Comes by Hearing at the Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Held in more than sixty different Birmingham area churches, weekly mass meetings brought cohesion and a sense of shared sacrifice to Birmingham's Civil Rights Movement. Pepperdine University historian David Holmes will explore the rhetoric of the preachers and activists who helped mold a mass movement into a revolution
• Aug 9 & 11 - Handmade Fiber and Finger Weaving  at the Birmingham Museum of Art from 10:00am - 12:00pm.  Take a short-course in Native American textiles! Start with making essential cordage from native plant fibers. Then try the art of traditional finger weaving (without a loom!) and twined bags, an important and nearly extint 18th-century Indian art.
• Aug 10- Frog Metamorphosis Explore how amphibians transform from a single cell to the wonderful hopping creatures we adore. Dr. Rayburn will also discuss problems faced by all animals during their development.  DeSoto State Park 8:00 - 9:00pm. 
  
• Aug. 11 - Learning by the Lake Series: Native Fishes at 7:00p.m  Join United States Forest Service and JSU biologist Dr. Mark Meade for an interesting hour of educational fun at Coleman Lake Recreational Area in the Talledega National Forest.  Take advantage of the beautiful location and camp for the weekend!
• Aug 11 - Venomous Organisms of Alabama at DeSoto State Park 8:00 - 9:00pm  Some plants and animals really get your attention with their special lines of defense. Toxicologist Dr. James Rayburn of JSU will present this program on a variety of species that can cause pain, injury, or even death.
  
• Aug 11 - Free Kid Concoction Event Learn how to make Gooey Creation Gunk, Power of Prayer Rain Stick, and Splongee Ball of Virtue. Also that day all Kid Concoctions books will be on sale for $4.99 (regular price $14.99).  LifeWay Christian Store (in Lee Branch shopping center off 280) from 10:30 - 12:00
• Aug 14 - "For the Record: Stories of True Love, Blue Moons, Dumb Luck, and Fast Friends" will be a wonderful treat! Join us for this Story Concert with actress and story performer Dolores Hydock.  To be held at Emmet O'Neal Library Reception from 6:30-7:00 Story Concert 7:00-8:15 Come be part of the live audience as storyteller Dolores Hydock records material for her seventh CD of original stories. The evening's concert will include her original stories "Looking for His Luck," Everything I Know About True Love," "Different Versions," "Age Before Beauty," and other stories for the record.  For more information, please contact the library's Reference Department at 445-1121 or 445-1122.
• Aug 15 - Dealing With Drought at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Since 2000 Jefferson County has experienced three drought seasons.  Sally Lee from the Jefferson County Extension Office will explain how to deal with these dry spells.
• Aug 16 - ArchiTreats: Food For Thought (Montgomery) - Aug 16, Montgomery ArchiTreats: Food For Thought 334-353-4712. www.archives.state.al.us. Alabama Department of Archives & History--Bring a sack lunch and participate in the Lecture Series. This month's topic, "Fallen Prince: William James Edwards, Black Education and the Quest for Afro American Nationality" presented by Donald T. Stone. 12:05-1 p.m.
• Aug 17 - Heritage Alive at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute located at 520 Sixteenth Street North in Bham from 6:00 - 8:00pm.  Heritage Alive is a Community of Readers, a new family reading initiative.  The free monthly evening program will feature reading, movies, food, and fun. This is a free event, but registration is encouraged. For registration or additional information on the program contact Sylvea Hollis at 328-9696 ext. 246 or shollis@bcri.org.
• Aug 18 - The 5 Points Worship service of Highlands United Methodist Church will offer three concerts throughout the summer featuring the 5 Points Worship Band. The music played will range from blue-grass to rock, jazz to gospel. All concerts will be held on the front lawn of the church, right behind the famous fountain of 5 Points South. Bring your lawn chairs and your blankets to this family-friendly event taking place in the heart of 5 Points South, and enjoy an evening full of great music, fellowship, and fun. Complimentary bottled water will be served at each concert. This event is free and open to the public. Call or go online for more information. 933.8751, ext. 229. www.5pointsworship.org.
• Aug 18 - Snakes of Alabama (Fort Payne) - Aug 18, Fort Payne Snakes of Alabama 256-782-5697. Free admission. DeSoto State Park Campground--Ever wondered what use there is for all those stinging, biting, crawling, irritating critters? JSU entomologist Dr. Cole Benton will discuss the fascinating ecological role of these common animals. 8-9 p.m.
  
• Aug 22 - Alabama War Dogs at Birmingham Public Library starting at noon.  Hear the oft forgotten story of War Dogs, also referred to as military working dogs. John O'Malley tells the story of war dogs, their training, and their jobs in the military. A special emphasis is given to the dogs that accompany our armed forces in harm's way with true stories about Alabama war dog handlers and their canines companions.
• August 23 - Through the Back Door: The Music that Bridged the Bayou is part of the Alabama Humanities Foundation Road Scholars 2007-2008. They say in Southwest Louisiana that you can be a Cajun in one of three ways: by blood, by the ring (marriage) or through the back door (by befriending the culture). This program paints a portrait of Cajun and Creole music and musicians and the role that music played in allowing non-Cajuns to slip "through the back door" into the world of the spirited people of Southwest Louisiana. This presentation includes stories and anecdotes collected from more than 50 Cajun and Creole musicians as they talked about the importance of music in their own lives and the lives of their families. The stories are funny, touching, sometimes irreverent and often deeply moving. The presentation includes samples of the music itself, both in its early style and its modern-day sound. This program is presented by the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library and the Leeds Arts Council. 6:00 - 7:30
• Aug 25 - Muster on the Tallapoosa, Living History (Alexander City) - Aug 25, Alexander City 8th Annual "Muster on the Tallapoosa," Living History 256-234-7111. www.nps.gov/hobe. Free admission. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park—Various activities throughout the day, living history camps of the Creek and Cherokee Indians and the Tennessee Militia, and guest speakers who offer insight into the Creek Indian War. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Aug 29 - The Imprisonment of Geronimo at the Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Please join us to hear Jackie Matte talk about Geronimo the leader of the last American Indian fighting force to surrender to the U.S. Government. Geronimo and his followers, Chiricahuas, were shipped to Fort Marion and later to Fort Pickens, Florida. After a year they group was relocated to the Mt. Vernon barracks in Alabama where were held until 1894 when they were taken to Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
• Sep 1 - Butterbean Festival in Pinson from 9:00 - 4:00.  Outside event featuring live music; Tail Waggin' dog pageant; Regional Elvis impersonator competition; BBQ cookoff; Butterbean/Cornbread recipe competition; 5K and 1 mile race; century bicycle run; softball tournament; bowling tournament; golf tournament; lots of arts and craft vendors and three stages of entertainment.
  www.butterbeanfestival.com
• Sep 3 - Burning Man Birmingham Arts Festival brings artists and dancers together to create and celebrate art. Participation is the only rule. The art will do the rest.  Oak Mountain State Park Free with Paid Park Admission
  
• Sep 5 - Music of the Mines, Mills and Railroads of the Birmingham District  at Birmingham Public Library at noon.  Migrants pouring into Birmingham's industrial district, whether from the cotton fields or the Appalachian hills, brought with them their own unique styles of music. Sloss Furnaces curator Karen Utz will present personal recollections of musicians and an array of recordings ranging from soulful ballads to union songs to old time fiddling.
• Sep 5 - How to Build a Scarecrow Seminar at the Aldridge Gardens at noon.  Learn the easy way to build your own scarecrow from expert Dawn Bowman. Dawn has won several awards for her scarecrow designs during the Gardens' "Scarecrows in the Gardens" and she will pass along her tips to you. Whether you want to enter "Scarecrows in the Gardens" or simply learn how to build a scarecrow for your own home or business, you won't want to miss this seminar.  Deadline for entering "Scarecrows in the Gardens" is Monday, September 24.
• Sep 6 - "Standing by the Fire: Living in John's Symbolic World." at Reid Chapel, Samford University 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229 at 10:00 a.m.  This year's lecturer is Dr. Richard B. Hays, professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C. His topic will be "Standing by the Fire: Living in John's Symbolic World."
• Sep 6 - Copyright & Trademark Law at The Arts Council 700 Monroe St. Suite 2 Located inside the Von Braun Center Huntsville, AL 35801 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.  Alabama Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (ALAArts) along with The Arts Council are hosting a free workshop entitled Copyright and Trademark Basics. Arts and Entertainment Attorney and founder of Alabama Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts, Mr. Marcus Hunt will present information on the everyday issues that relate to those in the arts and arts organization in the areas of Copyright and Trademark Law. This workshop will benefit songwriters, musicians, writers, poets, visual artists, craftsmen, producers, actors, dancers and performers, as well as, those involved in arts organizations.
• Sep 6 - The Tale of the Iron Man at Leeds Library at 2:00 p.m.  The Seasoned Readers, a special wing of The Seasoned Performers presents The Tale of the Iron Man by Lee Eric Shackleford. Through dramatic readings this senior adult troupe will share the ups and downs of Vulcan's first 100 years.
• Sep 9 - Grandparent's Day Celebration at McWane Center from 2:00 - 5:00p.m.  Enjoy an afternoon of fun and learning with your grandparents.  McWane Science Center members are invited to bring their grandparents for FREE adventure hall admission.  Present your valid McWane Science Center membership card for admission to the Grandparent's Day Reception.  Refreshments and activities will be provided for the entire family.  Please RSVP to (205) 714-8218.  
  
• Sep 18 -NASA Discovery Program Workshop for educators to be held in Huntsville at the Educator Training Facility at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.  for  4 - 12 science educators including homeschooling parents. 
  NASA’s Discovery Program of space exploration missions, such as Stardust and Deep Impact, is conducting a Professional Development session for science educators. Come learn about these exciting solar system investigations and receive free classroom-ready materials, including curriculum, posters, bookmarks and decals, to engage your students. Space is limited, and advance registration is required.    For more information and to register, contact Shari Asplund, Discovery Program Education and Public Outreach Manager at  

  shari.e.asplund@jpl.nasa.gov  NO COST TO ATTEND – LIGHT DINNER PROVIDED
  Sep. 29 - Museum Day is a nationwide event where participating museums and cultural institutions across the country offer free admission to Smithsonian readers and Smithsonian.com visitors, allowing for one day only, the free-admission policy of Smithsonian's Washington, D.C.-based facilities to be emulated across the country.  Participants must present the Museum Day to receive FREE GENERAL ADMISSION. The Museum Day Admission Card is valid for you plus one guest and is limited to one per household. You can click on this link to find  participating venues across the U.S.  Thanks very much to Berta for this information!

Well!  We can help you with that! What is Teaching At Home?  Teaching At Home is a resource group located in the Central Alabama area for those who desire to home educate their children.  You will receive a weekly newsletter FULL of quality resources and activities.  We would be happy to send you four free newsletters to see if this group will benefit you.  All subscriptions expire August 31 regardless to when joined.  There is no proration of fees.