Proud Moments

I’ve realized I tend to complain about my children more that I should. They are true gifts from God and they are just terrific little kiddos. I’m going to try to change my frame of mind and focus more on the great things they do instead of the little aggravating things they do.
When I think back about my week and what I’m proud of them for, two things come to mind.
My heart melted at church on Saturday night when Ryan was reciting the Affirmation of Faith (Apostles’ Creed) with such conviction. It literally brought a tear to my eye and made me realize that he is now not just going to church and praying and reading the bible/devotions because I “make” him, but because that is now placed on his heart. 


One thing that Charlie did this week that really made me smile is telling his brother all about the book we’re reading called, “The Whipping Boy”. Charlie and Ryan then made up a game based on the characters and setting. Charlie remembered everything we talked about from the book and did an awesome job retelling the story to Ryan.

Have a great week ya’ll!
Sarah:)

First Week of Homeschool–Check!

Our first full week of school is complete! We’ve had eight days and I’m happy to report that I would consider all eight days successful. Did we have a few minor meltdowns and missteps? Yes, we most certainly did but I expected that, so that’s ok.

Many of my reasons for homeschooling Charlie were brought to light this week and so far I’m pleased with the decision.

We did lots of fun and educational things in addition to our more traditional schooling. In this picture Charlie made a mummified apple and is looking at his results. He had to wait one week before taking the apple out of the special mixture. A lesson in patience was most certainly learned!

Any guesses what this is?

By the way, I forgot to use any photography skills in these shots.

Auto was on and auto was what I used. Can you tell by the big flash spots?

Charlie’s checking it out from every angle.

Now he’s eating it! What is it?

Please tell me you’re not looking at that outlet without a cover! I don’t have little kids, so don’t turn my in for having an unsafe environment! I guess I need to put an outlet cover on my Lowe’s list. Somehow I never noticed it before right now.

Sarah:)

Charlie’s Fifth Grade Curriculum

These are Charlie’s guiding curriculum choices. It’s a very eclectic group of items, but I tried to choose what would be best for him as far his learning style and preferences. Click on the picture if you want to go that particular website. We’re excited to get started!

Teaching Textbooks 5

 

Literature

Newberry Award Winners and various forms of literature to coincide with Core Knowledge – Grade 5 

 

Wordly Wise 3000 Grade 5

 

Teach Any Child to Spell

 

Writing Strands 3

 

Grammar - A Step-by-Step Approach

 

The Story of the World - Ancient Times

 

Apologia Human Anatomy and Physiology

 

He’ll have four quarter-only classes. (Spanish, Art, Music, Typing)

Mango Languages – Spanish

 

Art history and theory

????????????????? Any suggestions??????????????

 

Music – Treoria.com

http://www.teoria.com/index.php

Typing – Dance Mat

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

Sarah:)

Our New Adventure

A thought just occurred to me…I haven’t been active in photography for several months. I used to spend a lot of time taking just the right picture for each challenge and so enjoyed looking through everyone’s inspiring shots, but something else has been taking my time now. I’ll be homeschooling Charlie this year and just now realized that I’ve been spending hours and hours researching curriculum choices and learning about homeschooling and not working on photos.

I kind of feel like homeschooling is right up my alley. Before the boys were born, I taught third grade and one of my favorite tasks associated with teaching was lesson planning and the organizing that went with it. The last ten years I have been at home I have had several part time teaching jobs all ages from preschool to adult education. In all of those I did a little bit of lesson planning, but no more than for a few hours of teaching a few days a week.

I’ll be listing Charlie’s curriculum in the next post, but for now, back to idea gathering and planning for our new adventure!

Sarah:)

Lego Land

Do you know what makes two boys very happy? Legos! Lots and lots of Legos! I know we’re not supposed to call them “Legos” anymore, rather “Lego Bricks”, but I can’t break the habit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah:)