Homeschool Mother's Journal /Weekly wrap-up January 27th

In my life/homeschool this week: Another busy and fun week.  On Friday, after our studies, we met some friends at a new bowling alley for lunch and an afternoon of fun.

On Saturday, we woke up to snow, albeit just a couple of inches.  After the record blizzards of the past 2 years, this winter has been a letdown, but at least the kiddos got to play out in it for a little while.

After Church on Sunday, we enjoyed football playoffs together.

On Monday, as part of our early American history studies, we dipped beeswax candles.  We were excited to open our hands-on kits from "Hearts and Hands" and the kiddos are already asking what we are going to make next.  What a fun kit!  :-) I really enjoyed making the candles, as well, and gained a new appreciation of how much work went into maintaining a household during the colonial times.

Tuesday found us doing some mapwork that accompanied that Hearts and Hands history kit and looking forward to using our candles during dinner tonight!  :-)  After our schoolwork was completed, we took advantage of the snow being gone and I took the kiddos out to spend some giftcards that they had gotten for Christmas and/or birthdays.   It is always fun to see what they choose and also how very frugal they become when it is "their" money that they are spending, lol!  :-) 

Kiddo #1 bought an inflatable remote control shark.  Of course, this is the kid that can fly anything, so he had no problem cruising the 5 foot long creature over and around all of us!  Too funny!

We did use our homemade candles at dinner.  They gave off a beautiful, bright light! 

(have I mentioned today that I just LOVE my new camera? :-))

Wednesday was a pretty uneventful day. (I guess it's good to have those sometimes)  We just got our work done.  :-)

On Thursday, we were supposed to visit a farm for a ice harvest festival.  We were really looking forward to it.  However, the rains came and an outdoor program would be out of the question, so I tried to improvise quickly, having no lessons planned out for the day.  We used some writing prompt cards from "Write Shop" and the kids got to make up and write some funny stories.  I thought that would bring some laughter (and some writing practice!) to the kiddos on a dreary rainy day.  It did help with their disappointment on not being able to get to the farm, too.  :-)

I am very proud of how our daughter not only wants to make her own lunch, but how she wants to take care of her brothers and make theirs, as well!

What is working: definitely hands-on activities.  I just need to continue to be diligent in planning these types of lessons for my children.  It truly makes all the difference in the world for them to be fully engaged in the lesson.  They learn and retain so much more from "doing" and having the fun factor surely doesn't hurt!  If they love learning, then I truly feel that I am being successful as an educator.

What I'm reading:  "Just David" and "These Happy Golden Years" with the kiddos and my Bible for two online Bible studies that I am really enjoying.

I am grateful for: My three "Fs."  You can read about them in yesterday's post here.

I am praying for: our country and its future, the unborn, my children and husband, those who are unemployed, ill, suffering or have a special need for which they asked me to pray.

A quote or photo to share: "What is a faithful man to do in the chaos of events which seem to swallow him up? He must sustain himself calmly by Faith. Faith will make him adore the eternal plan of God. Faith will assure him that to those who love God all things work together for good." - Blessed William Joseph Chaminade (1761-1850)

I am linking up today to Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

Thankful Thursday- January 26

I really am fortunate to be able to homeschool my children.  It is such an amazing blessing!  I am thankful for the precious gifts of my children and for a husband who works so hard to provide for us and supports me 100% in our homeschooling journey.

I am thankful that today, Thursday, we are going on a field trip with other families to a local farm.  We will learn how to carve ice, make ice cream and learn about winter chores on the farm.

Tomorrow, Friday, the kiddos and I will be meeting two bloggy friends of mine and their children for the first time!  I am so excited and grateful!  We will be visiting a wonderful and fun place called "Giggleberry Fair."  I hope to have pictures up on the blog soon from both the farm and fun center.

So, I guess I can sum up my "gratitudes" this week by saying that I am grateful for my three "F's:"

my Faith,

my Family,

and my friends.

I am happy to be linking up today with Theresa at Thankful Thursday.

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up January 20th

Another week has gone by already?  It was just Christmas, and here we are, almost all the way through January.  I know, it sounds like a broken record, but time literally does fly.  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week:

Friday was a washout as far as going anywhere (the weather was just too cold and wet), so we ended up staying home and doing some extra work and activities.  Kiddos 3 and 4 enjoyed making a flip book in their Notebooking Journal for their Apologia Zoology class.  They learned about wolves, coyotes, African wild dogs, dingoes, etc.  I have been learning right along with them.

Saturday was a fun day.  Kiddo #4 was at church volunteering with some other young ladies in the morning and Kiddo #1 was baking a vanilla cake to top with chocolate frosting this time.

Our "game night" became "football playoff night," lol, but it was fun watching the two games with our boys, as they enjoyed the cake.  :-)  Kiddo #4 would watch on and off, but made a great discovery in a closet in the basement-- a new Lite Brite toy that the kiddos were given a couple of Christmases ago.  So, she and I made some interesting creations together.

Monday was a day off for everyone.  The kids were thrilled to have their dad off from work.  :-) We took down the rest of the Christmas decorations down (yes, there were still some left, lol!) and the kids all had their music lessons.

Tuesday we continued with our study of the human body with the Digestive System.  We watched a video, made diagrams and then played "Body Bingo."  The kiddos made the cards themselves!  I found a blank template and a sheet of 24 different organs/systems.  The kids got to choose which 16 to include on each other their cards.  Playing the bingo was fun! (and we got to learn a lot about all of the systems of the body that we are going to study)

On Wednesday, the highlight was that we did crossword puzzles and matching games I made about the Digestive System.  They really did well with them.  It is amazing how well kids do when the learning is fun and hands-on!  :-)

What I'm cooking: Friday: French toast, pancakes, waffles, omelettes, Saturday: Shepherd's Pie over noodles (hot dogs and nuggets for the kids, lol), Sunday: raviolis, meatballs, veggies, Monday: Chicken and broccoli over rice, Tuesday: Pasta and peas, chicken cutlets and baked eggplant, Wednesday: sausage and pepper sandwiches, Thursday: take out pizza

I'm praying for: those who are sick, seeking work, depressed, lonely, deployed overseas, and for all of those who have asked for my prayers.  The list can go on and on.....

I'm grateful for: Whenever I start to feel down about anything, I just try to focus on the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon me.  I posted about some of them here yesterday.

A quote or photo to share:  I just LOVE this quote.  This is something I have really been trying to work on:

"To be optimistic in spite of everything, trust in God should be the pivot of our thoughts and actions."- Pope John Paul I

and another cute picture of my parents' kittens:

I am linking up today with The Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

Thankful Thursday

Wow, is it Thursday again?  I remember how I only thought it was only "old" people who thought time went by quickly.  Either I was wrong or I am now officially old.  lol. 
:-)))))

Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, we had another planning meeting at church for our annual family retreat.  This year it will be in late October.  I am grateful not only for the opportunity to yet again attend such a rewarding and amazing weekend, but to be able to be part of the planning with wonderful people I am lucky to call our friends.  They welcomed us with open arms several years ago at our church and my husband and I just knew we were "home."

I am also grateful for a group of online friends with whom I have found fellowship, support and prayer.  I will be meeting two very soon for the first time as we get our kids(and ourselves!) together for a playdate.

I am grateful this week for the spontaneous hugs that I can still grab throughout the day,

for hearing, "that was a fun day, mom, thanks."

for 15 1/2 years of marriage in a world that says that marriage is worthless and unnecessary

(from our 15th anniversary back in August)

I am always thankful for my husband, who works very hard, despite physical injuries and pain, and in all kinds of horrible weather, to provide for us.  I am thankful for the friendship we have, for that makes a marriage all the more special.

And I don't ever want to forget to thank God for all of the blessings He has bestowed and continues to bestow upon us.

I'm happy to be linking up with Theresa at Red Oak Lane today.

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.

Thankful Thursday

After my much prayed-over and heartfelt Thankful Thursday post last week, anything else I may be thankful for, I'm afraid, will sound trivial and material.  :-)  That being said, I am so, so grateful for the gift that my hubby gave me.  I laughed because we picked it up on January 6th and started singing, "On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...." 

My old and trusty camera has been starting to go.  The playback button only works when it feels like it and the flash is much the same.  That camera has seen and photographed so much over the past few years.  I am one of those people whose cameras are never far away.  As you have seen in my posts, I take pictures of the kids baking, reading, playing...  I take hundreds of pictures on a family vacation.  I try to capture special moments as much as I can, as they are fleeting and gone in an instant.

Well, hubby said he wanted to get me a "real" camera and a real camera it certainly is.  I am a bit apprehensive, just at the sight of it, but am in awe of all of the possibility that awaits in the photographs yet to be taken with this incredible piece of equipment.

So, I am not just grateful for the wonderful material gift (which is awesome!), but the wonderful, thoughtful person who picked it out for me!

Join me at Red Oak Lane today and let us know what you are grateful for on this Thankful Thursday.

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-up January 6th

Well, it was back to the grind this week.  We certainly were relaxed and informal-- just the way we like it!  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week: Monday was the legal holiday and hubby was off from work, so the kiddos were off from school!  It was fun to have one last day to relax and enjoy, especially after being up so late on Saturday night!  :-)  The kiddos had their music lessons and we all enjoyed watching the "Winter Classic" ice hockey game, even though our home team lost.

Tuesday found us getting some much needed organization done with our work and papers and were able to finish up some work that we had started before Advent.  We have been putting together lapbooks as a cumulative project over the course of our studies.  We also continued reading the next book in the "Little House" series and the next chapter in "Just David."  What an inspirational and heartwarming book.  It was actually free on Kindle because it has been in the public domain for some time.  I highly recommend it.

On Wednesday, we started the American Governmental System.  We talked about the 3 branches of government and the function of each.  We also talked about God's Law (the 10 Commandments) and how laws are made in our country, ideally, using God's moral law as a guide.  We also began our memory verse for the week: Isaiah 41:10. 

On Thursday morning, as I had promised them, we baked sugar cookies.  I also mentioned our cookie baking in my Thankful Thursday post. 

We also learned about the hypothalamus gland.  I didn't know that during a stressful time, blood is actually taken away from the surface of our body, not only to better oxygenate the "necessary" areas, but to prevent excessive bleeding if an injury was to occur.  I also wasn't aware that the stomach and digestive systems shut down.  If someone's stomach is "in knots," it is probably because there is gas trapped in there with the partially undigested food!  My boys got a kick out of that one.  Go figure!  :-)

Friday, the feast of the Three Kings, or the Epiphany, had us making special crafts, bringing the Wise Men to our Nativity scene and reading the story from the Bible.

I didn't know that in Germany, every year around Epiphany, children used to go from house to house dressed up as three kings to sing and collect a special offering for poor children.  Before they would leave they would mark the doorways of the house with a blessing which would remain on the doorframe for the rest of the year.  In the Middle Ages, the family would process through the house with the father carrying charcoal and a child carrying incense.  Each room of the house would be blessed.

So, we made our own signs to put above the doorways of our house.  They include the initials of the Magi together with the year and several crosses.  It stands for "Anno Domini 2012- Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar" (although many say that these initials stand for the Latin phrase: Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which means Christ bless this house.  :-)

We asked God to bless those who live in each room with pure minds and loving hearts and the wisdom to follow God's will in all that they say, whether they're involved in work, rest, or play and to protect the whole family from evil and sin when they are in that room.

This tradition of blessing rooms and doorways symbolizes our family's commitment to welcome Christ into our home on a daily basis throughout the year.

What I'm reading: "Just David" with the kiddos, my Bible for an online study that begins next week (I am really looking forward to it!) and the founding documents of the U.S. for a weekly discussion on another mom's blog.

What's cooking this week: leftover turkey from New Year's Day, Italian sausage with peppers and onions, chicken with mushrooms and rice, pizza....

I'm grateful for:  the gift of a new year with unlimited possibilities and much promise.  Read my Thankful Thursday post for a whole list.  :-)

I'm praying for: my family, friends in need, those who are ill or who have lost their jobs....

A quote or photograph to share: "What is true is true, regardless of how many or how few subscribe to it.  Our duty is to adhere to truth, even if that means being odd man out."-- Paul Claudel

In honor of the feast of the Epiphany today, I am adding a second quote that I just got in an email:

"If the Magi had come in search of an earthly King, they would have been disconcerted at finding that they had taken the trouble to come such a long way for nothing. Consequently they would have neither adored nor offered gifts. But since they sought a heavenly King, though they found in Him no signs of royal pre-eminence, yet, content with the testimony of the star alone, they adored: for they saw a man, and they acknowledged a God".- Saint John Chrysostom (347-407) Feast of the Epiphany, January 6

I am linking up with the Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weekly Wrap-up this week.