5.13.2014

CATCH OF THE DAY - SEA CUCUMBERS

 
SEA CUCUMBERS!
 
 
Eeeeeewwww...
 
 
I have to admit these are one of the less enticing sea creatures to actually hold,
 but that didn't stop Boden!
 
It's time to take our catch of the day and utilize our classroom on the beach
to learn about the very interesting and squishy (eeew!) sea cucumber.
 
Known as the "vacuum cleaner" of the ocean floor, the sea cucumber has an important job in ocean maintenance and to our surprise is actually considered a delicacy to EAT in many places around the globe!
 
We aren't too sure about that ourselves.
 
Anyway, it's always fascinating to learn about marine life and although our sea cucumber catch of the day was a highlight, we definitely made many other memories yesterday too.
 
For example, Nova found some beautiful collections.
 

 And, Noble and India got some surfing in...always a hit!
 
 
 


 

 
Their siblings were just a little proud.
 

 
 
 
 
As always, it was a fun and educational school day at the beach!
 
"So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves,
with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds...and God saw that it was good."
Genesis 1:21


5.09.2014

LIBRARY DAYS

We LOVE the library.
 
 
Our favorite local library is in a historical home with a secret garden of sorts.
 
 
When we go, we're usually the only ones there...in our garden for the day.
 
We pack our lunch and quilt and book bags.
 
 
We spend time wandering isles and isles of knowlege...
 
 
...exploring the world of pages.
 
 
We buddy up and talk to librarians, each child responsible for their own bag and library card.
 
 
Then we wander outside to find special spots.
 
 
Some make reading more active than others.
 
 
Even our little ones somehow seem big as they manage their own library books with great care.
 
 
Learning respect for the property of others is one of my favorite lessons we learn from the library...among so many others. We love reading and books in our home and I know someday I'll look back on our library days and picnics as some of our sweetest homeschooling memories. 
 
 
"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
Proverbs 18:15

5.01.2014

LET THEM BE...

CREATIVE
 

Let them be...
 
MUSICAL
 
 
Let them be...
 
FREE
 
 
Let them be...
 
YOUNG
 
 
and grow up too.
 
 
Let them be...
 
OUTSIDE
 
 
BUSY
 
 
SANDY
 
 
WET
 
 
Let them be...
 
IN THE KITCHEN
 
 
HELPFUL
 
 
Let them be...
 
QUIET
 
 
and LOUD
 
 
PLAYFUL
 
 
BEST FRIENDS
 
 
BUDDIES
 
 
NURTURERS
 
 
ERGO WEARERS
 
 
Let them be...
 
FORT BUILDERS
 
 
WOOD WORKERS
 
 
BISCUIT MAKERS
 
(even when it's messy)
 
PIONEERS
 
 
PRINCESSES
 
 
Let them be...
 
SERVANTS
 
 
MISSIONARIES
 
 
 
Let them be...
 
KIDS!
 
I remind myself daily that BEAUTY abounds in the homeschool day and lifestyle when we choose to simply let them be...
 
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12

4.30.2014

THIS IS WHY I'M HERE

I'm sitting on the floor...again...and I remind myself that this is why I'm here.
 
 
Squabbles and owies and lessons to teach (and learn), THIS is why I'm here...a lot.
 
We talk it through, they reconcile, smiles once again return. Hugs and loves and off to play or back to school.
 
This is why I'm here.
 
 
It's a day in the life of Mom, a day full of what seem to be interruptions, but are actually the reason I'm here.
It's a life full of commitment to work through the stuff. So much happens in a day on my lap.
 
And so, I very thoughtfully do not wish it away, but rather capture this moment in time.
I remember how quickly it goes and how important my role is in these interruptions opportunities. I'm in.
 
God teaches me, His child, as I instruct them and give - a worthy investment I'm quite sure.
We'll make it, one day at a time, through this jumbled up world of childhood
and motherhood and all the beauty and chaos that brings while it lasts.
We're making our way through the pilgrimage and this is why I'm here.
 
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,
will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38

4.11.2014

FIELD TRIP TO...

 The music store.
 
 
Our kids come to life around music...don't most??
 
 
They each have their own God-given interests and talents.
 
 
It's fascinating to watch it all unfold as they grow.
 
 
As the older children have found their niche in music and worship, I asked Olia the other day what instrument she would like to play. Her immediate response, "Drums, of course!" To which I replied, "Ok, let's see if you can follow this rhythm..." So, I gave her a complicated beat on the floor which she mimicked perfectly right off the bat! I guess she's ready...Who knew?
 
What a delight to watch the kids discover their musical gifts as they use them to worship the Lord.
We just can't put a price tag on that!
 
A field trip to the music store is always time well spent.
 
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!"
Psalm 95:1
 


4.01.2014

BIG BOOK OF HISTORY

The Big Book of History by Answers in Genesis is a really neat resource!

http://www.answersingenesis.org/store/product/big-book-history/?sku=10-1-506&

We love everything we have ever ordered from AiG!

I love how the Big Book of History puts together a visual aid to God's grand story.
It does a great job of implementing biblical history with world history and the timeline's
sturdy construction assures longevity, even in a home with so many curious children!

I love how the kids can SEE with their eyes the order of events from creation to today.

The Big Book of History is definitely an asset to our homeschool!


"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
Genesis 1:1