HOMESCHOOL ON THE BEACH

...as our unconventional new year continues.

Malleable in the Potter's hand and feeling thankful for "home".

"If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

Psalm 139:9-10

UNCONVENTIONAL NEW YEAR

Well, unbeknownst to me, we are setting about a new and

quite unconventional school year sooner than usual here in Tennessee.

Being displaced while we await moving into our new home, with all of our belongings still in boxes, 

has led us to occupy ourselves in creative ways and here we are in August.

All it took was an impromptu trip to the store for some paper, pencils, art supplies, and worksheets...

And before I knew it everyone had caught the homeschooling bug in summertime, ready to get busy with learning!

Hey, I'll take it! I love that they love to learn...and really we're never not learning.

We have grown to see homeschooling as a year round, all day every day type of lifestyle.



And yet, I've still always loved the autumn-like feeling in the air that reminds me of pumpkins and newly sharpened pencils so we've traditionally embarked upon a somewhat formal "new year" outlook to commemorate such in September. But not this year. I do wish we could find the rest of those binders of ours, however, but until then, we'll be flexing and learning just the same here at the outset of our surprise entry to an unconventional new year.

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."

Proverbs 18:15

AMERICAN HISTORY

(final project - timeline)

Brodie is an artist, so naturally his study of American history

will be expressed through things he loves...like reading and art.

It's a privilege to homeschool and meet my children's educational needs

and strengths in the unique ways that God designed each one of them.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Psalm 139:14

CRAFTING WITH ELKA - PAPER PLATE WIND SPINNERS

All it takes is a paper plate, some art supplies, scissors,

and a very crafty super fun big sister.

Paper Plate Wind Spinners!

And they're off!

"Even the wind and waves obey him!"

Mark 4:41

READING BUDDIES

With pre-readers, beginning readers, and intermediate readers in our family...

Reading buddies are a big help and encouragement!

We're so proud of our little readers.

And they are so blessed to have their reading buddies.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

A REASON FOR HANDWRITING

{classic. staple. biblical. never gets old}

"For whatever was written in the former days was written for our instruction,

that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Romans 15:4

MATH

{Daddy style}

"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."

Proverbs 13:20

ARMOR OF GOD

Another homeschool day well spent...

Older and younger siblings creating together...

Memorizing Scripture...

(Noble the knight...making his noblest knight face)

...and outdoor exuberant play!

I'd say it's been an excellent day!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and 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."

Ephesians 6:10-11

RAINY DAY ZOO

They've been busy at work and busy at play on this wintry cold rainy indoorsy day.

With big brother, Brodie, helping them build up a zoo (Skyfari and all), I'm thankful

not only for rain today, but also for the blessing of time thanks to homeschooling.

"Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain,

from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain."

Zechariah 10:1

OUR FIRST HOMESCHOOL GRADUATE!

It's hard to believe, since it feels like just yesterday Aida was my first and only baby.

But, here she is all grown up and graduated from high school and we couldn't be more proud.

We had a lovely celebration the evening of her 17th birthday, here at home.

Everyone pitched in to decorate and think of ideas to make the evening extra special.

During our ceremony, Brodie shared about how he sees Aida, and all of his daughters, as pillars.

I loved it!

May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown,

our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace.

Psalm 144:12

We watched a slide show and shed more than a few tears.

Then Aida's siblings paid tribute to her.

We asked Aida to share her final essay she had written about how she has grown in the Lord over the course of her years.

Her words were powerful, encouraging, and God-honoring.

Then we presented her with her diploma.

It was a sweet, simple, beautiful evening and God was worshipped and honored above all.

Aida, we are so blessed by how we have watched you grow into a woman who fears the Lord. It's quite a journey to have graduated our first from homeschool and it has been a precious one indeed. I couldn't imagine life any other way and to have reached this milestone is very special. I'm so thankful for how the Lord has used our Quantity Time together over these years and I'm looking forward to the future together with you still. We will see what He has in store next...

We love you, Aida! Our first homeschool graduate!

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13