NUMBERS

These 2...

Since they stopped napping, they're always doing something quiet together during our midday rest time.

Today, it was numbers.

I love to see children love learning.

"Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching."

Proverbs 4:1-2

ARMOR OF GOD

Been studying the Armor of God lately.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Ephesians 6:10-18

T - IS FOR TENNESSE (& THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE)

This week as our loved ones have been in Tennessee, I took the opportunity to discuss some US geography with the little ones...which led to a conversation about the Pledge of Allegiance among other things.

Brodie was my big helper as they cut out their Ts and drew things that start with T on them.

There's nothing like scissors and construction paper to get my little homeschoolers excited!!

It was a blessed time to discuss our nation and it's roots and to remember what a privilege it is that we live "under God" as Christians with religious freedom here. Thank you, Lord, for our country and we pray that you will be honored in this land!

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14

D - IS FOR DINOSAUR

Playing off what they enjoy...This is how we homeschool.

"Its tail sways like a cedar."

Job 40:17

CATCH OF THE DAY - TIGER SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY

For Christmas this year, we got Brodie and the little boys butterfly nets and a butterfly identification book because they were very interested in catching and studying the many butterflies that enjoy our property as much as we do! As spring has arrived, it's brought with it a bit of wildlife thus far such that boys can't get enough of (like lizards and critters and soon enough snakes) and yesterday Brodie finally had his first exciting butterfly catch - a beautiful yellow and black striped Tiger Swallowtail.

He proudly appeared, butterfly in jar, book in hand, ready to research his acquisition...and this is why we homeschool.

I love the curiosity of childhood and allowing the time for things like science to take place naturally here at home.

Although he had mid-winter visions of carefully mounting his springtime trophies and had done all the necessary research to do so properly, let it be known that Brodie is in fact a softie...especially when it comes to his little sisters. {Insert mama-smile here.} Poor Nova couldn't bear to see the captive specimen enclosed in the jar, let alone imagine it dying and thus, she somehow managed to convince her kindhearted big brother to release his long sought after first capture.

(Another endearing reason why we homeschool.)

And so it goes...springtime curiosity in full effect...I wonder what we'll be catching around here next??

"The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof."

Psalm 24:1

LETTERS IN THE DIRT

We were just going for a walk down our usual path...

I spotted something in the dirt and had to stop and smile upon closer inspection.

"Who did this?" I asked, looking for the little one responsible for such sensibility.

Ah, great job, Noble! That's my kind of letter practice, naturally.

"Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life."

Proverbs 10:17

WORSHIP

Their worship...it's such a blessing!

High school requirement: performing arts...check!

"Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!"

Psalm 105:2

SHAPES...AND OTHER THINGS

These precious little ones of ours are loving their new school table!

Today we learned about SHAPES among other things...

...like tracing and cutting and patterns and gluing.

I'm so proud of my little homeschoolers and I love each one of them so very much!!

   " And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17

READING...

{anytime...anywhere}

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

NEW SCHOOL TABLES

We love group lessons around our dining table, living room couches, or in a circle on the floor. We find many creative places to learn both indoors and out. But, we also appreciate having designated spots for our schoolwork time. Since moving into our new home, we've been trying to figure out the best place for all of this and we've finally found a solution that works.

Enter...our new school tables.

(flooring coming soon)

This area behind the couch used to be for the dollhouses, but they have found another happy home in the girls room.

The big kids have a table downstairs and the little ones have theirs upstairs in the playroom/schoolroom turned loft.

There's something about a new table that makes schoolwork even more enjoyable!

I love it when a project equals a new family activity or a place to capture children's attention. This one has done both!

(Hey, who's that little cutie squishing her way into the middle?!)

The older kids are also excited about this upstairs table because we sometimes use DVDs or online resources for lessons where they take notes. Since the table faces the TV, it should be very convenient for this! (I should point out that we don't have cable television and our use of the TV is specifically for resources that encourage us or enhance learning. We like to be sure that what we take in through the screen is useful and beneficial. That said, we watch less and less all the time as we consider what is actually a benefit to our family through the TV. Still, we do value this as a resource.)

(Elka...always embroidering something.)

Thank you to the handy men in our lives for building us these new school tables!

I have a feeling they will be very well loved!

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

Colossians 3:23