Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up- August 31

Wow, the end of August and the last day of our vacation.  :-(  That is why this post is a bit late in getting done.  We've had such a good time.

On Saturday, we celebrated Kiddo #2's 13th birthday.  You can read about it here.

Monday was going on all kinds of amusements rides.

Tuesday was the beach.  You can see more about it here.  I also posted my weekly recipe linkup.  If you would like to join in or just want to check out all of the delicious recipes that we shared, click here.

Wednesday was a trip to the Naval Air Station Wildwood where we actually got to watch a B-17 and B-24 land in front of us and had the privilege of climbing in them.  It gave me such an appreciation for what our airmen went through in WWII.  I wrote all about it and shared some amazing photos in my Thankful Thursday post here. 

After that visit, we found a recently built fishing pier and had some fun fishing with the kids.

Thursday was an awesome day!  We rented a pontoon boat and did some fishing and crabbing.  The kids had so much fun.  The four hours on the boat just flew by. 

(here the kiddos are touching the sand shark they caught before it went back in)

In the afternoon, we visited another amusement pier for their "Two-ticket Thursday" special. 

Kiddos 2, 3, 4 went to the arcade with me for a bit in the evening, while Kiddo #1 and hubby went to do some night fishing on the pier.

Next week is back to the grind with work and school.  We're going to miss the shore and will long remember all of the family fun we had while here.

What I'm reading: I read 7 novels and counting while here!  :-)  I also have been keeping up with my readings for my online Bible study.  There is just something about the sea air that is conducive to much reading!  ;-)

What I'm praying for: my family, our nation, the protection of our freedom of religion and conscience, our military, those who are unemployed, ill and suffering.  The list goes on.....

Quote or Photo to share: took this when we were on the pier fishing

Linking up with Create with Joy, Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weekly Wrap-Up

Thankful Thursday- August 30

Today I am thankful yet again for the enormous sacrifices that were made (and continue to be made) on our behalf by our military.

You see, we visited the Naval Air Station Wildwood, an aviation museum that was once an active naval base in World War II.  Three authentic WWII airplanes were flying in today and would be open for walk-throughs.  Not that the museum itself isn't wonderful enough, but what an awesome opportunity!  I have never even seen a B-17 or B-24 up close, let alone climb inside them.

Just seeing them approach and roar to a stop in front of us was breathtaking enough, but to actually speak to a broze-star awarded veteran who served upon one of them brought it all into perspective as well as climbing aboard.

My children could barely fit and I wondered how 11 men could not only fit, but work under very stressful combat conditions.  What they must have endured in those planes is mind-boggling and gave me an even greater respect for that generation to which we owe so much.

Linking up today with Red Oak Lane, Raising Mighty Arrows, NOBH and A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings and Field Trip Friday

Wordless Wednesday- August 29

Some random photos from our vacation.  And yes, I drew the design on the shell.  :-)

  

Happy Wednesday, all! Linking up today with Judy H-J's Thoughts, Mama to 4 Blessings, Create with Joy , Living Well Wednesdays, NOBH and Favorite Things

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- August 28

Vacation edition, part 2

We have a few more days here at the beach!  It has been a wonderful vacation so far.  The kids are having much fun!  :-)  Luckilly, like last week, I have looked up a recipe on my computer to share with you this week and look forward to all of the recipes that you will share, as well.

My Hashbrown Casserole has gone over really well at home with my family and with friends when we take it to pot lucks or get togethers.  You can add some chopped ham for variety, which we have done several times.  It adds a nice flair.

1(2pound) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

1(10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½  teaspoon  ground black pepper.
½ cup chopped onion.
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, softened
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray on 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, butter, salt, pepper, onions and cheese. Gently mix and pour into prepared pan or dish. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.




Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Kids in the Kitchen, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows, Addicted to Recipes, Homemaking Wednesdays, Living Well Wednesday, NOBH, Judy H-J's Thoughts, Wisdom Wednesday , Favorite Things and Modest Mom

The Kiddos and I wish you a great week!  :-)

Make Life Meaningful Monday- August 27

On Saturday, I officially became the mother of two teenagers!  Wow.  :-)  Don't know quite where the time went.

Happy 13th birthday, Kiddo #2!  He came into the world a whopping 3 ounces shy of 11 pounds (oh boy, what a horrific delivery that turned out to be, lol), but he was well worth it!  :-)

(holding up his head at only a month old)



A happy and pleasant baby

who turned into being an incredibly smart and witty young man.  His patience with his younger siblings is nothing short of amazing, whether it is in inventing games to play with them or finding really creative ways to help them with their lessons.

He is a very loving and funny kid who is also now officially taller than his mama.  sniff, sniff.  ;-)

Happy birthday, sweetheart!  Dad and I are thanking God for you!  You are a special and precious gift.

We had a fun day yesterday (he loves being on vacation on his birthday) and chose waffles and ice cream as his birthday lunch. (one of the fringe benefits of being at the shore, lol!) 

got to spend some time in the pool

my mom even found a small family-owned bakery that made delicious homemade donuts.

Hope you had a fun day, kiddo!  :-)

Linking up with On, in and around Mondays and Inspire Me Monday in addition to Wisdom Wednesday, Living Well Wednesday, Mom's Monday Mingle and Monday Mingle

Our Curriculum 2012-2013

I still am tweaking and making some last-minute purchases, but this is what our curriculum so far looks like for this coming school year:

Kiddo #1:               

Saxon Algebra I
Apologia Chemistry (taking a class)
Apologia Astronomy (this coupled with the Avaiation studies he'll be doing with Civil Air patrol)
Wisdom Books, Bible and some Seton for Bible studies/Religion, perhaps an online class, as well
Sonlight and supplemental materials (notebooking, etc.) for American History coupled with
State studies for geography
The novels from Sonlight and the notebooking for reading/writing
Easy Grammar for English
High School Finance (taking a class)
Italian

Kiddo #2:                

Saxon Algebra I                                
Apologia Oceanography
Wisdom Books, Bible, and some Seton for Bible studies/Religion, perhaps an online class, as well
Sonlight and supplemental materials for American History coupled with
State studies for geography
Novels from Sonlight and the notebooking for reading/writing
Easy Grammar for English
Finance (taking a class)
Italian

Kiddo #3          

Saxon 6/5 Math                            
Finish Apologia Zoology for juniors and then begin Apologia Astronomy for juniors
Wisdom Books, Bible and some Seton for Bible studies/Religion
Handwriting without Tears "Can Do Cursive" for 5th grade
Sonlight and supplemental materials (lapbooking, etc.) for American History coupled with State studies for geography
Easy Grammar for English
Seton Phonics
Italian

Kiddo #4                  

Saxon 3 for Math
Wisdom Books, Bible and some Seton for Bible studies/Religion
Finish Apologia Zoology for juniors and then begin Apologia Astronomy
for juniors
IEW English/writing class for 3rd grade
Handwriting without Tears Cursive Handwriting for 3rd grade
Sonlight and supplemental materials (lapbooking, etc) for American History
coupled with State studies for geography
Italian

and whatever else strikes our fancy to add or change along the way!  ;-)

"Extras"-- The kiddos all take music lessons weekly and participate in a weekly bowling league.  They also will be attending monthly Homeschool Art classes (Art History, Art Appreciation, etc.) at the Philadelphia Art Museum in addition to Homeschool science classes at the Franklin Institute.  Both museums do wonderful hands-on experiences for the kids based on their individual grade levels.  We are looking forward to them.  We are also planning some fun field trips.  :-)

Phew, I am getting tired just typing it all out, lol!  We are enjoying our time at the beach before getting back to the grind.  :-)

Linking up with ihomeschoolnetwork