What We've Been Up To...

Over the last few weeks, we've had some fun little field trips.

We went on a tour of Raley's grocery store with some homeschooling friends--we got to go behind the scenes and see what they do with old produce, go inside the freezers (brrrr!) and see the butcher (and touch lots of meat...with gloves on) and bakery (and get free cookies!).

Here the kids are in their little hats before going behind the butcher counter:

Listening to Miss Linda tell us all about produce (she was great!):

...And getting ready to start our tour:


We made Challah and celebrated a traditional Jewish Sabbath:


We also went to the "Star EcoStation" and got to see turtles and tortoises up close, big pythons, lizards and birds...frogs, tarantulas, and fish...and lots of other cool reptiles. Here the kids are in the "trash tunnel" where they learned about what happens when we put pollutants down the drains:

I've been pushing through a ton of work trying to get to where we should be in the school year. I'm getting closer! I think in another month we'll be where we should be.

The boys have been working on the books of the Bible, and I tried to post the video, but it's not working. I'll try another day.

That's mostly what we've been up to!

Today Is Brought To You By The Letter 'A'

On letter 'A' this week...finished 'S,' 'M,' and 'L.'

Today we made homemade applesauce. Yummy!

2nd Week Going Strong!

I tell ya, I just love homeschooling! I mean, it's tiring. Really tiring. But it's incredibly rewarding! I find myself constantly thinking, "How could I make this into a lesson? What could I do this afternoon to squeeze in some learning?"

I don't know why I never felt this way when the kids were in school. Well, actually, I do. I was relying upon my own strength as a mom. The Lord completely transformed me. I had so much self-doubt when it came to educating our children that I didn't even allow room for the Lord to work. But the moment I said, "Ok, I'm willing to give it a try," He utterly changed me. I really do consider myself a different person now. A better parent. A more involved mommy. And I can see my relationships with the kids blossoming more than I would ever have experienced had I not gone down this road.

This week we rubbed the outlines of tree bark on sheets of paper...made a sundial and watched the shadow change throughout the day...went on a nature walk to collect flowers (and found none...duh, it's February!)...baked cookies together...learned all about the sun...learned all about the 7 days of creation...and watched part of the State of the Union address together:



It's all just been wonderful. I can't believe my own uncertainties almost made me miss out on this. Praise God for giving me a little nudge to step out a bit on faith!