This Week At Home, Number 32

I know it sounds trite, but, I can't believe another week has flown by.  We just wrapped up our fourth week of learning. 

The "Learning Room" after lessons.  Somebody get me a maid!

I'm really enjoying lessons right now.  I love reading aloud every day.  We just finished The Golden Goblet, a story about a poor young boy who is mistreated by his evil half brother, but makes good in the end.  Yes, it was a bit predictable, but exciting and educational, too.  Historical fiction just can't be beat for learning.  Next week, we start, The God King.  The oldest two are reading The Hittite Warrior on their own. 

Another book we are delighted with is Story of the World, volume 1.  I like the author's style of writing, very conversational.  The kids like it, too.  Grace is doing the activity book while I read aloud.  The boys build Lego creations.

A surprise favorite is Usborne's Encyclopedia of World History.  The actual contents are not what is so exciting, but the Usborne Quicklink website is great.  A reader goes to the website, selects the book he is reading, and then enters the page number.  Links appear and the kids enjoy exploring ancient history on the computer. 

Just as they did last year, the kids have a weekly writing assignment.  They had a blast writing peace treaties between made up countries this week. I think one or two of them might make promising treaty writers.  Is that a career? 

Science with Apologia is a big hit this year.  The oldest is doing Physical Science on his own.  The other two and I are working through Zoology 2, Swimming Creatures.  I love the notebooking journals.   I cannot say enough good things about those. I tried to do Flying Creatures a few years ago, but did not finish as I was not as together then.  (lol)  No, it is because of the notebooking journals that we will finish this year.  They are that good!!!

He's the man!

To keep this blog real, I don't want to give the impression that lessons are all roses and gumdrops, I've had next year heavy on my mind.  I am trying to sort out what to do with our oldest.  He will be in high school.   He has a brilliant mind and really needs to be pushed to use it.  He needs to be ready to go to college.  It is intimidating to me to think I could prepare him for his future.  I am praying for an answer about whether or not to send him to school next year.  We are having his youth group leader over for dinner on Monday. I am hoping he can help us get some direction for Ryan's future.  Not that it has to be decided right now. 

But enough about school... here are some highlights from our week: 

A gift from Grace

Saturday found us at a local farmers market.  We've enjoyed the bounty all week. How will we go back to bland grocery store vegetables this winter? 

Sunday we were running around like crazy with church commitments starting back in full force.  We were at church before 8 AM and finished with choir practice for the youngest at 5:45 PM.  In between we had Sunday school,a parent meeting, and flock group meeting. 

You already know about Monday and Tuesday.

Wednesday night we started back to AWANA.  I was a bit anxious, but should have known better.  It's basically going to be like a year long VBS.  400+ kids and a lot of energy!  I am working with Grace's age group (Guards) and my husband is in charge of high school.

Thursday we wrapped up lessons and then headed for karate in the evening.  We got some rain overnight which was awesome.  Grace measured an inch in the gauge.

Friday the kids and I will be having a fun, but busy day.  I am walking with a friend at a local park on Friday mornings.  Then we need to go to the library.  And we also get to go swimming at my mom's.  Friday evening is another farmers market I'd love to go check out. 

Saturday is an all day AWANA training and then Sunday is another FULL day of church things, a repeat of last week's list.  

Thanks for taking the time to read!  As usual, I appreciate your comments and will be around to visit as time allows.

Blessings to you,
~Jenn