Timelines

I love timelines!!  The company http://homeschoolinthewoods.com/ does a great job on them.  We have plunged in and bought all the years and the timeline book and the placement book.  Our youngest loves guessing what year things happened and then reading the description and putting it where it goes.  These products have been a great supplement for our curriculum.

Surprise Visit!

We had a wonderful surprise visit this weekend!  It came after having a migraine on and off all week and was  a true joy to have friends walk into your life at any given time!!  For that, I am very thankful.

DNA

This beautiful creation has been hanging in our kitchen for many months.  It is my daughter's DNA example from her science class.  I loved it and even being her junior year, I have kept as many items as I can for her school box.  I know she thinks I am strange, but I love any creation she makes. 

This particular day, I was on day two of a migraine and could not imagine it would ever go away.  As I was in the kitchen, quietly looking for more medicine, I opened the cupboard and the DNA example crumbled and fell apart. My eyes watered as the sound of the licorice hitting the counter made my head pound harder and my body so desperately wanted to be back in bed, under the covers and the pillow over my head.

What I missed in this moment was my two daughters had cleaned up the house, started school on their own and had the medicine and water bottle on the counter for me.  I think they were waiting for me to ask for help, and they would come running to the rescue.  As I reflected back on this, it reminded me that this is what Jesus is waiting on me for..............to talk, to ask, to reflect, to share, to engage.  I do not have to do it on my own, nor does He want us to do it on our own.  He is always there........waiting, listening and anticipating!  The same as my daughters were doing, waiting to help me, I just had to ask!!

Recogniton

I love homeschooling my children.  I have realized that one area I have been too relaxed in is with recognition.  I have not been good about timely report cards or certificates of honor.  What has been a blessing are the co-ops my girls have been part of.  Working with other peers has challenged them and encouraged them to do their best.  This semester, my oldest worked very hard on her Chemistry Lab co-op.  She pushed herself, made the work a priority, and went beyond what was asked of her..............and the recognition for her:  the above note on the class board and a beautiful gift.  For my daughter, she just needed that boost, as do all our children.  

Hands On ~

This past month has been wonderful!  We have done so many hands on activities and because of that, learning was fun.  The hard thing is, this child thinks outside the box C O N S T A N T L Y, so to follow a simple, step by step instruction, turns into a 3 day project that has many layers to it.  She challenges me to keep up with her.  What I realize is...............she is loving it and loves learning now.  So bring it on, and we will find a way to incorporate a creative project to attach to each item we are learning!!

Notes

I love Monday mornings and finding little treasures from the weekend.............

What was a treasure you found?

Transparency....

In the midst of life, we have to make some hard decisions.  The latest for me is realizing I do not have to be transparent with everyone.  I just need 2 or 3 friends that I can be vulnerable and accountable to.  The verse:  Job 29:4  When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home.  This verse rings true in my heart as I need to be giving the Lord my best!  Because of Him, He will be present in my heart, my actions, my words and will be visible for all to see.  As today comes to a close, I have learned my lesson and will from this point be better for it.

Egypt (continued)

We were able to replicate what an archeologist does, but on a smaller scale.  We bought a terra cotta pot (.89) and a terra cotta pen (2.99 - because we will use the pen to decorate other items in the future).  Shelby drew on the pot and then put it in a plastic bag, broke it into pieces and glued it back together.  (which was frustrating for her).  You could take it and bury it in sand and have someone else dig it up, glue it together and find out what the saying says.  We took the short cut.  Shelby loved it!!

Problem Solved!

Shelby has had a light on her desk that had to have the cord jiggled to get the light to work.  We knew that was not safe.  When we were at Goodwill, we found a lamp for $4.99.  We brought it home and Shelby painted it and now it perfectly sits on her desk!!  It is perfect :)

Ziggurat

Shelby is enjoying this time learning about Egypt.  Yesterday she made a Ziggurat.  She took cardboard boxes of different size, glued them together, painted with paint and cornmeal added in and added stairs.  Today she is making a ship......we love Tapestry of Grace!

Salt Maps - 2

Shelby is working hard on her Egypt salt map.  We have switched to Tapestry of Grace and we are loving it.  We have found some supplemental materials, so our hands on activities can continue and we have more to choose from!!

Salt Maps

Tapestry of Grace.........Year One.............Unit One..............here we come...........................first project:  Salt Map of Egypt.  Shelby could hardly wait to do it.

Halloween.....or a chance to hang out!

Usually for Halloween the kids and I hang out at Chuck E Cheese.....this year, Shelby had a little friend that had been asking to come to her house and play.  So we skipped our normal tradition and bought a costume and had friends over.  The cute little dragon hung onto Shelby's hand all through trick or treating and both of them had a grand time!!  Thankful that Shelby has made such an impact on others!  She really is a treasure and truly will make a wonderful mom.