Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly wrap-up January 13th

In my life/our homeschool this week:  Saturday was a fun day for the kids pursuing individual interests and relaxing.  Kiddo #1 baked us a cake and experimented with decorating with tools that I got for Christmas (he got to try them before I did, lol!)

Kiddo #4 used her perler beads and made all kinds of things: dogs, cats, planets and the like.  She beads, I iron.  We had a good little system going.

Kiddo #3 had fun with his new train and train track.

Kiddo #2 was preparing for the football playoff games.

Our school week was really non-eventful.  I guess that could be a good thing?  We got back into a good, daily routine and it is working.

On Monday, the kiddos all had their music lessons, and kiddos #1 and 2 had their bi-weekly Biology lab.  This week they dissected a fresh water mussel.  This is not my "cup of tea," so it is real blessing that a homeschooling friend  hired a wonderful teacher-- a good Christian man with 20+ teaching experience in addition to his advanced degrees.  He is enjoying his retirement, but is also enjoying sharing his knowledge with a class of homeschooled kids.  :-)

On Tuesday, I spoke with the children about how the New Testament was written in Greek.  They wrote out the Greek Alphabet and we even sang it to the tune of our "ABC" song.  :-)

(I noticed one misspelling after I took the photograph, but am very proud of Kiddo #2's Greek alphabet, nonetheless)  :-)

On Wednesday night, we went over to church to help take down the Christmas decorations.  I believe it is a good thing to put not only the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of our children, but a sense of responsibility to help out at their church.  We also got to take home some lovely poinsettia plants that had adorned our church so beautifully this Christmas season.

Thursday morning had Kiddo #1 and I at church.  We were asked to help out with a funeral.  I was proud of how Kiddo #2 took care of math and other studies with the younger two while we were gone. (Don't worry, I don't leave underage children home alone.  My father was there with them while I was gone, but let Kiddo #2 handle all of the "tutoring."  I am very proud of him!)

Friday's forecast is calling for cold and rain, so any plans I had of a field trip have had to be postponed.  I am figuring we are going to do something fun in the afternoon-- perhaps a craft or a good recipe?  I love spontaniety.  Don't you?  :-)  I will surely take pictures with the new camera and let you know what we decided upon. (all of the photos in this post were taken with my new camera!  It has been set on "auto."  I haven't tried any of the manual settings yet, but I will get there.

What I'm cooking: Beef Stew, Hashbrown and Ham Casserole....

What I'm grateful for: in addition to what I mentioned in my Thankful Thursday post, I am grateful for my children, my family, my church family and the many friends I have made via the blogosphere.

What I'm praying for: there seems like there are so many more lately afflicted with illness, tragedy, the loss of a loved one.  I am keeping them all in my prayers.

A quote or photograph to share: Can I share both?  :-)  My parents got new kittens and of course, my kids are crazy about them.  Meet Mittens and Smokey:

This is Mittens

and this is Smokey

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Never rely on what you think you know.  Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.  never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.  If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains." -- Proverbs 3:5-8

I have linked up this week with The Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.