As August begins, it is necessary, though bewildering, to acknowledge the passing of July.  It was a steamy one, for sure--persipitating the need for school to start.  And how!  The time flew by and the heat was only effective upon the garden and our errand time, plus the occassional lapse in sanity drawing us to the pool.  And as we look toward the local schools starting, we smile contentedly, dreaming of fall and time spent loitering shamelessly in every wonderful, cozy, outdoor spot we can find!

The first weeks of school have been great!  Here's what we've covered:

In Bible, we've examined the principle of self-government (our choosing obedience to Christ) in the Garden of Eden through Noah.  Reviewing the fall of man and entrance of sin into the world.  We've also reviewed and paid close attention to what God has taught us regarding the jobs he's assigned us (stewardship) and the consequences of our actions. Our goal is to see son acting on his own regarding his helps (chores)around the house, without constant badgering.

In math, we've begun the Rightstart Level C and have been able to pick up where we left off without much difficulty.  I'm pretty sure we have successfully eliminated the "I hate math" tantrums--at least for the time being!

In history, we're truly enjoying our Truthquest adventures reading about many of the explorers who first ventured to and through North America.  The the motives of many seem less than admirable, it's so great to admire God's providence as we note each ones contribution to bringing settlers to these lands.

It's been interesting, as well, to check out so many books from various series, at the library and examine their value.  As you can imagine, many are not worth cracking open, but some gems--truly living books--are really enjoyable and informative.

Spending so much more time reading is very rewarding, but can be tiring.  I'm finding a need to choose more carefully and let son read some on his own.  Lessons in how to tell if a book is good or not, will be ongoing!

In Spell to Write and Read, we've spent a bit of time reviewing the phonograms and are seeing a definate change in how son views them now that he's a pretty fluent reader.  We've starting our spelling lists, hoping to move at a quicker pace till we closer to the level we ended at in the spring.

Our penmanship practice/copywork has been greatly aided by the use of our Smartwrite program.  Specifically, a more individually tailored line spacing.  Son writes better, smaller! 

The much anticipated and inspiring astronomy study is in full swing!  Having Jeannie Fulbright's Exploring Creation With Astronomy book has been a blessing!  Not only the Biblical creation viewpoint, but the readability is wonderful!  It is the most looked-forward-to subject to date. We bought the kit with all the little gotta-dig-for-'em things you need to do the experiments.  What a relief that has been   Fun too!  Burning chocolate out in the sun (and eating it!) has given the children a desire to set things on fire...hmmmm....  Well, there will be many more experiments and distractions, thankfully!

A true treasure has been found in our first Holling C. Holling book--Paddle to the Sea.  Using the Beautiful Feet Principle Approach guide for geography, we're loving our geographical trip through Canada and upper U.S. Following the journey of a carved Indian in his canoe as he journeys through the great lakes, rivers, etc., to the sea. 

We've found the map work particularly fun; keeping up with Paddle's journey!

We've added another Beautiful Feet guide--The History of Classical Music.  This will be a two year study for us, through many of the great classical artists and beginning music appreciation (which we have already experienced on a more everyday basis).  Hopefully, this will be combined with piano lessons.

Another gem we are enjoying is the short, yet sweet grammar/english lessons found in English for the Thoughful Child. 

Still to come are art and literature.

Both children are doing well.  Son is enjoying his new Greek Tortoise, Apollo--his desire to learn greek so that they can converse, has got us giggling :)

Baby girl is putting pen to paper and chalk to chalkboard with the beginning stages of writing her ABC's and recognizing them.  She is also enjoying a wipe off book with pen strokes. 

They have both turned into little fishies and are becoming quite the swimmers!  We'll have to join the Y now for winter! 

Son is now reading books to his sister, which is a joy and she is about ready to begin Before Five in a Row, a literature unit study using children's books.

Son's 7th birthday came and went quickly with a campout and fireworks.  Now legal in Indiana, the husband went a little bonkers!

Both son and husband play the occassional round of golf, with son excelling and thoroughly enjoying it!  This may be his "thing". 

Son is about to lose his two front teeth so I HAVE to get their pictures taken quick! 

So that's the month in a nutshell.