Scissors are truly an amazing tool.  We, like most families, typically have a pair of scissors in about every room.  They range in size, durability, and sharpness--from toddler safe to "guaranteed to cut through a 3" phone book".  We've trained our children in their proper use and handling, and we enjoy the benefits of their presence in our home.

I can't say that I have particularly fond memories of using scissors as a child, but I do remember when I began scrapbooking & sewing.  Now those are cutting projects worthy of a great pair (or two) of scissors! 

Lately, I'm in constant cutting mode.  Cutting out lapbooks, cutting hair (even my own!--don't go there!) and our latest venture--cutting paper dolls.

Now, I remember having a lot of paper dolls.  I remember cutting them out.  I don't particularly remember it being difficult or time consuming, but what passions are?!  I DO remember that my mother never cut anything but her bangs.  Must be where I got the whole "hair cutting" thing.  Anyway, daughter has this wonderful little Emilie Barnes book about learning to be a princess and it has paper dolls in the back.  She begged me to cut them out, so that was my go-along with our lessons.  They worked, I cut.  The pile of scraps around my chair in the school room has frightened off my vacuum.  My scissors, however, are screaming for more!  That must be who ordered the 100+ Civil War soldier & Encampment paper dolls & the Curious George paper dolls from Dover. 

Realizing the cutting involved in these inexpensive enrichments to our learning, has me in apoplexy! They can't actually think someone wants to cut out all those teeny-tiny pieces??!!  Well...I suppose I'm resigned to the fact that it must be done for my son to have a proper education. :)  Good thing my Cutter Bee scissors are happenin'!  I think I will be a bit more careful in the future, about what I choose to fill my "excess" (hahahahahahahhahaha!!!!) time. 

We've completed our second week of our full fall schedule for lessons, as well as our attempt at following a MOTH schedule. 

This week's observations included seeing my 3yo dd take up the mighty pen and beginning writing her letters.  I recently purchased a new set of dry erase markers and we have had wipe-off books for some time that I haven't gotten out much.  I've never been able to stand the smell of dry erase, and my children love to stick things that smell, up their noses!  Now they have low-odor dry erase which is wonderful.

Daughter did quite well with her attempts and will work very diligently for close to an hour.  She is a girl, after all!  She is continuing with her mid-day naps, but they are beginning to get a bit shorter.  Two days this week they were only an hour.  I suppose that is to be expected for an almost four year old. 

She wasn't feeling well (head cold) for a couple days this week, so had some accidents with her pottying.   Not fun.  The cold, I mean.

Son (8) confessed to me this week that he likes our new schedule.  I'm not sure if it has occured to him that we are not getting done until almost 3 and we are starting at 8:30, but he likes how I've included breaks for independent study, as well as snack time.  The flow of subjects seems to be working for us too.  I know I must be on track because son keeps asking to skip subjects to get to "the good ones".  If I had them the way he'd put them, we'd never do them! Ha! :)

Son is really enjoying the poetry unit we've been doing on Emily Dickinson.  I was a bit surprised to find he understood more of her poems than I did!  I'm too literal, I suppose!  We'll be continuing with other poets for a couple of months.  We are using the Noah Plan model for the study & examining the material through a Biblical Principle Approach (BPA) model.  It's working nicely.  I've also purchased a basic lapbooking e-set from Knowledge Box Central and spent one whole day (while teaching) cutting out 50 lap books.  We'll draw from them as needed to put together mini-lapbooks, or just use them in our notebooking. Very handy once you get over the shock of cutting them all out!

The subject I'm most happy with right now is our Judah Bible Curriculum (JBC).  Since studying this & putting notes down in a usable form, I'm able to lesson plan without forgetting any elements from our BPA!  I've also included with this time, our study of the Bible as Literature.  I felt it went better with our Bible lessons than as a separate study under literature.  Just symantics really, but it makes more sense to me.  Here's a sample of our JBC plan.  I use e-sword for planning these lessons.

 Year III

Theme I
Creation
"God creates Man to bless."

God is All Powerful!

Week 2:  Garden Command: Govern Self.
Genesis 2:15-17

Principle of Self Government

Leading Question:  Think about this!
•  What purpose could God have for introducing work into His creation?

Bible as Literature:
•  This part of scripture is the continuation of God's narrative to Moses of the creation story and the establishment of His Word as thee truth.

Gen 2:15  The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
Gen 2:16  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,
Gen 2:17  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

Memorize:
Jas 4:17  So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Copy the verse onto a verse card for your memory box.

Timeline/COC:
•  Where is this command in the creation timeline?

Big picture:
•  God had a plan for us which included work; even BEFORE sin entered the world. 
•  He wished for us to govern ourselves, knowing that sin would battle our ability to do this.
•  Responsibility:  Just as we discussed with our character trait this week; responsibility is taught by work.
•  Appreciation:  Do you appreciate more what you work for, or what you are given?

Appreciation
APPRECIA'TION, n.
2. A rising in value; increase of worth or value.

Real Resources:
•  Can you tell what kind of work Adam & Eve did before & after the Garden of Eden?
•  How do you see people working around you?
•  How does the Biblical example apply to the Wilhoite family?
•  How does it apply to Holden?
•  Go over weekly chore routine.

Response:
•  How should we respond regarding work?
•  What responses have you witnessed?
•  How do you respond?
•  How does work affect our relationship with God?
•  With others?
•  What would you tell others about the need for work?
•  Self-government?

Narration:
•  Tell the story of God's gift of work in your own words.

God's Providence:
•  What is God's PROMISE regarding work?
•  What is God's PURPOSE regarding work?
•  How does God PROVIDE for us regarding work?
•  How does God PROTECT us in our responsibilities of work?
•  How does God PREPARE us daily to work?

God's Principles:
•  What does all this have to do with God's Principle of Self-Government?

Record:
Answer the following question:  What "work" would you like to accomplish for your Heavenly Father today, & when you are grown up?

---------------------------

We are studying a Biblical character trait on Mondays; JBC Tue-Thurs; and Hymn Study on Fridays, using "Mr. Pipes Comes to America".  

Our art times have been a huge success as well.  "Art" has been divided into several subjects.  Monday we learn drawing and principles of art with How Great Thou Art's "I Can Do All Things".  Tuesday we have nature study through the use of the Jeannie Fulbright books.  This season is "Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day".  We are also reading the "Burgess Bird Book" for this study.  (Also free online here.)  On Wednesday we have piano lesson time.  Thursday is hands-on art/art history with "Artistic Pursuits". And yes!  I'll say it again.  I AM using two art curriculums at once and it is GREAT!  On Fridays we are completing projects from the other four days.  We will eventually use this time for a bit of home-ec (the "eventually" means "when I get my act together in that regard".) 

We are sooo loving this time.  I can't tell you how we've been blessed by including these things in the last two weeks!  New loves have emerged and we have had awesome close time together over a cup of watercolor water!  Which, by the way, if you haven't tried this, you really must!  Really a great product. Try Michaels, in the scrapbook aisle.

Some of you have asked about our schedule.  Here is the "implemented" portion of my kids' schedule.

7am The kids rise and read together; I'm already up and moving!
7:20 Kids dress, make beds & tidy rooms.
7:45 Breakfast
8:15 Post-bfast chores (unloading d/w & gathering laundry, etc)
8:45 Son begins piano practice while daughter and I do B4FIAR (Before Five in a Row)
9:15 Son's independent study time to catch up on work not completely from day before; More preschool time with daughter.
9:45 Praise and Prayer time
9:55 Memorization review
10:00 Bible time all together
10:30 Snack
10:45 Literature
11:15 Math
12:00 Art
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Spelling/Grammar
1:30 Independent Study time/Mama's takes daughter for nap.
2:00 History (we often go overtime with this if we are enjoying the reading! That's why it's last.)
2:45 Free

I have not yet succeeded in implementing our late afternoon, up to dinner, schedule.  I'm either a zombie, or we've had sickness, etc. to deal with.  I'm shooting for this coming week.  I've started back on my huge choking vitamins and Bee Pollen (thank you, EEEEMommy!) so we'll see where that leaves me.

I'm enjoying the morning/school routine immensely, however I am beginning to think we would be best served to complete our daily chores before school.  I'm finding them too easy to put off afterward.  I'm considering adding an additional 30-45 minutes in to accomplish this.  This will put us later into the day however, and that needs to be carefully considered.  Weighing one against the other, I would do it for myself and the house, but I'm not sure it would be the best thing for the boy.  Perhaps as he is more able to work independently, the time will become available.  Right now, however, I feel the house is a bit neglected.  We are getting dinner on the table though!  Whoo-hooo! :)

 Well, this is long.  I'll stop there and if you've read this far, stay tuned for further updates on both our scheduling and lesson victories!

Wow!  We had a big week.  First week back to school and implementing our morning & school schedule.

The week has been full of a lot of surprises.  I was surprised, for instance, that my son knew all his phonograms since spring.  He even knew the ones he had had trouble with  before!  I tested him both written & oral.  He pretty much nailed 'em! 

Another surpise came in the form of his handwriting.  Very neat!  Much improved, though he's hardly written much over the summer (Remember those days?).  He did have trouble remembering how to write a few of his capitalizations in cursive, but the neatness has probably come from age, I imagine.

I'm also beginning to see a change in his responses regarding writing.  He used to meltdown at the mere mention of writing.  Now, he writes a bit before he realizes that he hasn't complained! :)  Funny kid.  The things boys will do because of habit!

He's enjoying his independent study time, though still hasn't mastered the best use of his time--in other words, he still drags things out, instead of working diligently & quickly. 

The use of our schedule has been a really great ordering of our day!  Son did not like, however, when I tweaked the schedule on my copy and forgot his!  I think he's inherited my a bit of my control issues (hmmm--not so good!).

We're all pretty happy to be back to our lessons.  Daughter is truly loving her "rowing" (Five in a Row) and having her own notebook which she had to show Daddy at every turn.  Though she's not yet four, she is already hearing a bit of our Biblical Principles teaching.  She does not enjoy directed play time though--very independent little girl.  We're going to work on that a little this week, as I believe that some direction is good for her.  She needs to not have completely free reign of her time!  Learning to make good choices will be the objective.

Both children enjoy singing hymns over any other songs (including P &W songs).  I highly recommend the Mr. Pipes series!  Love it! :) 

Mostly, I'm happy that both of my children are hearing the Word of God in their ears and hearts.  They've grown so much. 

The Lord has put upon my heart the desire and need to do more with character training.  My good friend Belinda had directed me to one possible site, yet I really wanted to find one that taught from a Biblical perspective (plus the price tag was a bit steep).  After praying and doubting most of the day (and knowing full-well that Belinda is probably spending a great amount of time adding the Biblical emphasis to the program), I googled. :)  I immediately recognized the blog of a friend, Lisa from Me and My House.  She shared about this site.  It blew my mind--God does that, you know!  Interesting enough, the exact traits listed (some which I did a double take on; not realizing, or ever having considered them as actual character traits--durrrr) were also on the secular, expensive site.  This one's free! 

I so appreciate my fellow bloggers and their abilities, the resources they share, and their hearts poured out for their children.  What a blessing you all are to me!

I've read a few blog posts recently about fall planning.  It seems it 'tis the season!  Our fall will come a bit early as we pretty much school year round and take spring and fall breaks (glorious weather times here in the midwest) to play.  So I've been hard at it myself.

I know that I've shared briefly about a specific subject I've been working on here and there, but I thought I'd just lay it all out and that way you'll know what we're using.  It's always nice to know who's using what!  You can make great friends that way.

The philosophy:
Biblical Principle Approach
Charlotte Mason

For the basics:
Bible:  Judah Bible Curriculum; Principle Approach
History:  Truthquest
Literature:  Noah Curriculum Guide
English:  Spell to Write and Read & Easy Grammar
Math: RightStart
Science & Nature: Exploring Creation series for young explorers, by Jeannie Fulbright series
Geography:  Galloping the Globe, Cantering the Country tying in with history only
Art:  Artistic Pursuits & How Great Thou Art  (yes both!  One is more specific to drawing and because I must be nuts!)
Music:  Alfred's Basic Prep Course for piano. 
Hymn study: Mr. Pipes books

I'll post more regarding enhancements & specifics soon!

I'm currently in the planning stages to start Truthquest AHYSII (Amer. HIStory for Young Students Vol II).  As I've shared before, we absolutely LOVED Vol. I.  What wasn't to love?  Books, books and more books!  Really good books.  Really great HIStory.  It was all good.

But...just like any curriculum there is a time of adjustment.  My adjustment was coming to terms with two issues.  The first was that it is not possible to read every single suggested book!  As hard as you may try, many are just not available.  And, though you may think you can read aloud for six hours straight each day, you can't.  Trust me.  I've tried it. (Can you say tired?!)  The second issue was deciding how to choose.  Many of the books are not "good". I'm sure they're "good", just not "living", or "great".  Each family has to decide the type of books they like.  We did not care for the "just the facts" books.  Instead, we enjoyed the books that told HIStory. 

So I've decided that only in the instance of nothing else being available for a topic, will we read the "facts" books.  We're sticking to the great stories of HIStory where we truly get to meet the people who made HIStory worth telling.

Well, I made this wonderful chart that I intended to record the books I would read aloud, the books son would read on his own, and the activities/notebooking plan.  I made some copies and fastidiously began filling out the chart for each subject.  After about the fourth topic, it occured to me I was wasting my time.  I was recopying info that was already in the TQ guide--as I had already marked our chosen books.  All that I really needed to do was mark the books son could do on his own (highlighter) and with the use of one of the greatest inventions of all time (post-it notes!) I could attach a small note to each area with the activity/notebooking plan.  The extra added benefit of this is that the plan can change! 

Because I have a rather substantial library covering the areas in Vol I & II, I will need less books than I first thought.  I have marked the ones we own, and the ones available from the library, and circled the ones I want to be on the lookout for.  I think this is a good plan.  The author's use of tempting phrases such as "don't miss",  "truly exciting",   "boy's love this", and my personal favorite, "too rare to look for", get my brain awhirling!  Because I've begun to learn the authors we truly love, and the series worth reading, it has made choosing which books we'll use much easier. 

As for the activities and notebooking...this is not a "comes naturally" area for me so will take much longer to plan.  I've collected many lists of writing ideas, lapbooking and notebooking resources, etc.  I've truly listened to my son when he's declared he will stop being my son if I put one more coloring page in front of him.  So onward I press with this part of the planning.  A little of this and a little of that should make for  memorable HIStory.  As long as we focus on God's Providence (s) throughout, it will be UN-forgetable!

We will continue to add to our HIStime HIStory Timeline (A combination of the Chain of Christianity and the PIPEline).  We tried booking our timeline last year (along with our wall timeline).  This was a bit more daunting and stole a lot of the joy from the whole timeline process.  I'm in prayer over that issue and how to use it more effectively this year and in the future. 

At last it was time to go to Mount Vernon.  We got up early in the morning and had to drive 2+ hours--the "+"  being the traffic and potty stops.  We got there after lunch (yeah...I know) and as we pulled into the parking lot wondered if we had made  a mistake.  It was very apparent that we were going to need a FULL day here!  We asked one of the greeters and our guess was pretty much confirmed.  We headed back to the car and decided to hit the George Washington Grist Mill and Distillery, then come back tomorrow for the day.

So we are in Virginia and we live in Indiana.  We look over at this huge passenger van next to us in the parking lot and think...homeschoolers!  Right?  Wouldn't you?  So, we look again and lo and behold they are from our home town!  Of all places.  So, of course, we write 'em a note and stick it on the window.  We even left our blog address.  Hello?  Are you out there?  We're dying to know who you are and if we already know  you???!!

Well, we visited the Grist Mill and the Distillery and then began the hunt for a hotel room.  We soon found out there was a major convention in the area.  Every hotel for 60 miles was booked.  We finally found one that, according to our GPS was 57 miles and would take about that long to get there. THREE and a HALF hours later we pull up.  How on earth do people stand it in that place!  You can't go anywhere without it taking half your day.  We figured if we were to spend the whole day at Mount Vernon, we'd have to get up at 4am! 

We didn't, but we did get up early and the traffic wasn't as bad.  It only took us 1 1/2 hrs!  Hallelujah!  We were finally there.

Apparently just last October, they opened this huge Education Center there.  So we headed to that first.  We sat down in the theater behind a group of school kids and I started reading their shirts.  Lo and behold--again!--they were from Indiana, from a small school my cousins went to and is down the street from my Aunt and Uncle.  Small world.

The Education Center included a brief, very well done movie about George & the American Revolution.  It also had a really neat exhibit on how they used his skull and modern science to create more life-like images of him at varying ages.  The museum then had him at 17, 30, & then around 50-60.  It was fascinating.  There were all kinds of artifacts including a set of his hippo-bone teeth. (No pics allowed!)  We spent a lot of time there and really enjoyed it before moving on to the "formal" museum.   

This is the sword he actually used in the French and Indian War!

This one had ALL the goodies and a guard in each room!!  It had all the original paintings that we have come to know and love, as well as the 2nd Houdon (bust) .  Though there were no pics inside, the doors were glass, so we got a shot of it through the doors!  HeeHee! 

So...as if this isn't all enough, then we actually headed to the house and grounds--walked where he walked, sat where he sat.  I've never been so enthralled with a place!  The only thing that could top it would be the Holy Land!  We noticed an amazing contrast between this home and the one of Thomas Jefferson.  Mount Vernon was never allowed to be run down.  It remained in the family and because of this and a few other factors, EVerything was kept!  It is amazing how much of George's actual belongings they have!  There's not much left of Jeffersons and everything in the house were replacements and copies.

We walked the grounds and enjoyed George's view of the Potomac.  We walked down to the old family crypt and then the newer crypt (still 1800's!).  Here we had a special treat.  Each day they have a wreath laying ceremony.  They read one of George's own prayers, then say the Pledge of Allegieance.  They open the tomb doors and take the wreath in.  Well, they asked our son if he would lead the Pledge!  Yeah!  He was very nervous and wasn't sure at all if he wanted to do it, but he did.  I was Soooo proud!  What a great honor!  He even got to enter his name in their special book of participants! He'll never forget it (I won't let him!! :))

Martha on the left, George on the right.

We walked down to the docks and visited their newly re-done farm with the 16-sided barn.  That was George's brain-child (one of many) and was also fascinating.  The whole place was just incredible. 

Though we visited the Slave Memorial, we didn't get to visit the slave buildings.  BIG storm blew in, but...it was the end of the day, so we weren't too sad.  Just sad to leave at all.  We truly admire the memory of this man of God.  He did so much for this country.  Most of us really don't have any idea.  He is quoted as having been asked once if he thought God was on our side during the war.  His response was something to the effect that we better be on His side.  This was a man who had a personal relationship with God.  There is no doubt about it, regardless of what some may write.  He read and lived God's Word.  He prayed fervantly and with humility.  He knew what real Liberty was and he wasn't afraid to fight for it.  He led a people "into" a new land, "gave" them a new government, taught by example and honored God throughout it all, giving Glory to Him and praising His many Providences in his life. 

This man had a weather vane atop his home that was a dove with an olive branch in it's mouth.  Sound familiar?  Just as Noah honored God and led a remnant to start anew, so George Washington took his God-given "Ark" and waited on the Lord for deliverance. 

So!  That was our trip to Virginia!  We headed home after leaving Mount Vernon and the next day pulled into our own home.  I hope that we can honor God in a manner pleasing to Him, as I'm sure that George Washington did. 

I wanted to write a bit more about FIAR.

First off, I neglected to mention that we are starting with BEFORE FIAR--but we will be using FIAR sometime this winter (she'll be 4 then).  My girly is definately ready!  I do wish to take it a week at a time to see how she does.

As we've completed our first week in B4FIAR, the thing she most enjoyed was the repeat readings.  She has definately absorbed the book and the many things we talked about, because I see her "using" and "repeating" them.  I told her the next book we would be reading and she keeps talking about it. We "rowed" "Prayer Of A Child" and we sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children".  Adding the song, enthralled her!  She also enjoyed memorizing a Bible verse! 

I have to say that the thing that my son (way back when) seemed to enjoy the most (beyond the reading, which he also loved) was the language arts lessons.  Specifically, he learned and held onto anything having to do with literary elements.  I think that his early lessons in such things as personification and onamotapeia (rrr! sp?!) made reading more interesting to him.  I'm amazed that he can recall them all and the books we read!

So I checked out the Beyond FIAR from the library (all the volumes!) and the cook book.  At first glance, I was very interested, but as I began to dive deeper, I realized that these would not work well for us.  Main reason being the duplication of material.  If there were more just regarding the literature and those literary elements (again) I would give them a try.  I think I've been craving the perfect literature curriculum for awhile now.  I haven't found anything that doesn't become too unit studyish. 

As for the cookbook...not impressed.  The recipes were not very appealing, nor were they in the least bit healthy.  They were not even organized by book selection.  I've seen better. 

The last thing I checked out was the Character book that goes along with the Beyond FIAR.  I already own the one that goes with FIAR.  I hope to spend a bit more time with this book as the topic is more appealing to our method of study.

As far as the actual teaching of the material...There is a lot to dicipher.  Many of the suggested topics, I skipped.  Some were too young or old for her, and some were just not an area to enter in at this time, but there was still plenty.  I think that that is part of what is great about these books--the topics to choose from.  Every family will choose different things for different children and teach them differently.  The trick is the choosing.  I think also that the longer you've homeschooled, the easier it will be for you to pull ideas from your mental catalogue of past lessons to make B4FIAR or FIAR more awesome. 

I think an older sibling could definately teach some of the books.  You would just need to plan the lessons first.  There are a lot of heart issues, character issues, etc with such good books and to miss those would be a shame.

For me, the most fascinating part of these books is the book selections.  They have chosen books that I would not necessarily have been drawn to and most are enchanting and memorable!  More good books is always more good! :)  I think this series has longevity because of the timelessness of the selections.  The FIAR volumes I have, I will be keeping for Grandchildren(scary thought!)--they're too good. 

After recovering from our trip, we've begun our Summer Session of lessons.  Boy was not too happy about the idea of more "school", but I assured him that this would be school like no other! 

First off, I've committed to both children that we will have our lessons outside on the porch everyday, weather permitting.  This week was perfect for that!  Our shaded porch was like heaven all in bloom.  A couple of days I just stayed there all day! :)

Secondly, I had planned all new material.  That's always fun, once he realizes what that means.  This time around it means "Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin", by Marguerite Henry for a bit of history, "Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day", by Jeannie Fulbright (yeah!) and using the Knowledgebox Central lapbook, notebooking pages and copywork for the book.  I've also included the "Burgess Bird Book for Children", by Thornton Burgess.  This book has been a wing-dinger (more on that later).

We are only doing math practice sheets, spelling & phonogram review & penmanship once a week each.  I'm balancing those with nature walks & art lessons through "I Can Do All Things", by Barry Stebbing.

This has been averaging about two hours, but it is the fastest two hours of study we've enjoyed!  I'm hearing lots of "read more!" and less of "oh do we have to do that!".  Very encouraging.

Daughter is loving her FIAR (Five In A Row)--but like a lot of 3 yo's the conversation goes like this:  "Oh!  We get to do our 'rowing' tomorrow!" ...."NO!  I don't want tooooo!"  Then the next minute...."When can we do our 'rowing'????"  It's almost comical.

So the rest of our summer includes lots of play.  Absolutely no TV (except for family movie night when weather is bad, or school related dvd's)!  No computer (for the kids that is!!), lots of swimming, bike riding, visiting, etc!  AND...it all starts now!  I just love nice weather.  We're going to make the most of it for sure.

I'm very excited about beginning Five in A Row (FIAR) with my daughter (3 1/2).  I've planned out the first four weeks already and I believe she is really going to have a grand time with these books. 

I used FIAR a few years back with my son (at the same age) and he loved it.  He still remembers just about every detail and I'm hoping sister will as well.

It occured to me that he might want to participate, which could be difficult since he will be involved in self-directed learning during the time I have set aside to work with her.  I realize there will be some fun projects that he'll be in on too, which will help.  I can also have him do some of the reading--they both enjoy reading together.

Over the years, I've learned to tame things a bit, so have not over-zealously created a monster with my planning.  I'm relieved about that, you can be sure!  Another thing I'm excited about is how nicely the Biblical Principles fit the sweet stories.  In The Carrot Seed, for example, we'll be able to talk about God's Principle of Stewardship.  In Blueberries For Sal, we'll be able to talk about God's Principle of Individuality.  This excites me as I see how God directs our learning!

I made a planning sheet from their example, in Excel, and can't believe I'm planning lessons for my baby.  Oh the time...

I must add that it was refreshing to go through all my FIAR guides and remember the wonderful book titles--especially those I haven't read to her yet!  What a great source for great literature.  I made it a point to check in on the FIAR website and was shocked to find all the new books they've come out with.  Especially the Beyond FIAR, which I confess got my mind ticking regarding extra summer fun! (Learning is always fun, right?!) I was also pleased to see the Cook Book.  (Library!)  And...their forums seem to be pretty active.  I peeked in on those as well.

I believe we'll start on right away.  I figure by starting now, I can get through Before FIAR, and all three FIAR guides before she hits Kindergarten!  (But I'm not in the least ambitious!! :))

I'm sure I'll be posting about our experiences soon.

Day 5  Colonial Williamsburg 

Finally we were going to see what all the fuss was about.  Everyone talks of Colonial Williamsburg--we were finally there!  Before I go much further, I should tell you that Homeschoolers get a 50% (yes 1/2 price!) discount on entry tickets.  With $36 tickets for $18, it doesn't get much better than that!  Don't forget to ask.

So the first thing we did was rent costumes for the kids to dress up in.  We got the tip from another homeschool dad we met in line.  Well, they loved it!  Especially baby girl, who was bonkers for her dress! 

We started at one end with more gun demonstrations (we're all experts now!) as son joined the militia,

 and then we moved from place to place.   It  was thrilling.  Everything preserved so well.  All the demonstrations were excellent.  I especially enjoyed people in their period dress. 

One place we were especially anxious to see was Bruton Church where so many patriots worshipped. 

We saw George Washington's pew and we sat where he had sat.  It was phenomenal. 

We also enjoyed an outdoor performance by "George Washington", giving a speech about Providence & Liberty.  It was astounding!  So profound and sooo relevant.  The crowd cheered, but I had to wonder how many really listened... 

Son is the boy in shorts with the hat!

As part of the militia, he was given an important task.  Deliver a highly treasonous letter to the Bookbinder.  If he is caught, he is hanged!  He loved this!  (Here he is without his hat.)

Days 3 & 4

Day two of our trip was arrival day.  Though this trip came about primarily because of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, it was also a culmination of our HIStory lessons on the American Revolution and the founding of our country.  I had a list of places to visit and which days to do this on.  Sometimes the best of plans change for the better.

As we are driving near Richmond husband informs me we are right by Monticello.  This had been put down for day six, so I was surprised to find us pulling in the place at 2pm.  They said we would have enough time and so we bought our tickets and went for it.

Of course, it was a beautiful plantation.  The view from the top of the "little mountain" was incredible!  The gardens were incredible too.  I smelled Jefferson's flowers and enjoyed seeing the peonies blooming (which I thought I was missing at home)  I couldn't find my seeds though.  Bummer.  We walked to Jefferson's tomb and through his woods.  We saw the house and where he read and where he died.  It was very inspiring.  The ground there must have a lot of red clay.  Our feet were a disaster--lots of red dirt.  (Note to self--don't wear nice shoes on any plantation tours.)   

Because he essentially died a pauper, there were not many original artifacts in the house.  That was kind of sad.  But what came next, was truly extraordinary!

We get back in the car to head towards Jamestown.  Now, I had been reading the "Laird and Lee's Guide to Historic Virginia and the Jamestown Centennial", published in 1907 (Vision Forum).  In this little guide book they told of all the places to see in Virginia 100 years ago.  One page talked of the great statue of George Washington mounted on his horse.  You've probably seen pictures of this in biographies, as I had.  The guide said it was in Richmond.  They also spoke of the great marble statue made by a french sculptur name Houdon.  He was the only person to sculpt Washington from life.  This was also in Richmond (a 100 years ago).  As we came upon the Richmond exit, I looked at the husband and he looked at me and we went for it.  We typed in our GPS, Capitol Street, Senate Street---anything that we could think of to lead us to the Capitol building.  It worked!

So we pull up to this huge round-a-bout and there is the big statue of George in the middle.  The thing must be at least three stories tall!  It was beautiful.  After we studied and totally fell in love with George Washington, everything George moves us!  Now, we still wanted to see the Houdon but it was after 5.  The place was pretty much deserted even though it was an absolutely beautiful evening.  I saw a sign on the door and went over to read it.  As I was heading that way, a security officer came out.   

He greeted me and asked how we were doing.  He was very friendly.  I asked him if the building was indeed closed, which he confirmed.  I asked if there was a window we could peek in to see the Houdon.  His eyes lit up and he began talking about the statue.  I told him how we had been reading about it in a 100 year old book and that we had come from Indiana for the Jamestown Anniversary.  He told me a couple of stories about the statue that were fascinating then he looked over at my kids and husband who were wandering around the big statue looking at it.  He asks if that's my family and I say yes.  Then he says, "Wait here...I'm going to make a call".   My heart started racing!!!

He came back out and said, "Get your family.  I'm giving you a tour!"  I nearly wet my pants!  It was so exciting!  We went in and he let me take pictures for about twenty minutes while he continued to tell us great stories about the statue including how two Virginia delegates once had an argument that led to one taking a shot at the other.   The statue was nicked.  He was definately up on his statue lore...and excited about it!

 He then gave us a brief tour of the rest of their newly refurbished State House including the original meeting room that houses the sceptre given by the King (??) and a huge bronze statue of Robert E. Lee.  He said the room was used in the filming of the movie Gettysburg (minus the statue!)

Well Officer Harper.  As you are tending to your duties today in Richmond, Thank you!  You made our day!  What a treat that we will never forget! 

 To be continued...

This week has been filled with things great and things not so great--big and small.

Monday came as Monday's will and we discovered that 3 of the 4 math lessons we had left, were missing a key component that Mommy hadn't discovered we needed.  Skip ahead to last lesson.  Close up the math--that's all she wrote!

Tuesday was "take the day off so Mommy could go to work with Uncle" day.  This day was a Big day--baby girl stayed dry.  Yeah!  They also got to spend the whole day with Cousin Annie.  They had a blast, even if the Mommy didn't.

Wednesday, we finished up our last Judah Bible Lesson till we start the next cycle.  Boy wants to start tomorrow.  This is Big!  He wants to keep having daily Bible lessons.  That's hard to ignore.  These lessons being my most time consuming, however, means I need to make some decisions quick.  He'll have to wait till Monday. 

Thursday, we finished up our history (except for a couple of for-fun biographies).  We are ready to start Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin.  We also took baby girl to her first "class" at the Children's Museum.  Appropriately, it was about "Rain".  Little did we know that the huge storm we were watching out the museum window, was also "Raining" on our schoolwork at home!   She did great at her class--giving the teacher her full attention and participating with a great attitude.  It makes a Momma proud.

On a side note, the teacher of her little class was so impressed with big brother's behavior--particularly that a 7 yo boy would sit and read so quietly--that she asked him if he would read the story to the class.  I knew he wanted to, but his fear won out and he turned her down.  Bummer!

So, today's Friday.  We ARE going to clean out the turtle cage!  We ARE going to snuggle up on the couch and read (since it is absolutely freezing in here and still raining outside).  I AM going to drink a gallon of hot tea, and I AM going to start our packing list for the big trip to Jamestown coming up very soon!

Tomorrow the sun comes out--we hope!  Which means we are back in the yard, yanking the tar outta those weeds, straining every muscle we (who are "we" kidding---"I") didn't know "I" had and hopefully planting a few pretties--if they didn't wash away after being set by the side of the house, in those little plastic trays, right before our gully washer yesterday!

Tea time!

This morning we attended our first of a three day art class held by "How Great Thou Art" and Barry Stebbing.

We were really looking forward to these three days after a crazy convention weekend and two weeks of flu flying around our house.  A nice 20 minute drive that turned into 45 minutes, got us off to a rocky start.  Impatience is a terrible thing.  To me, being late is close to a fate worse than death.  I don't handle it well.  After nearly ten years married to my husband, I should be over this--not!

When we finally did arrive--breathing hard and running to the door--class had not quite started, but nearly everyone was seating.  There were 150+ homeschool kids there!  It was amazing to see.  Not every mom stayed, but there were probably 20-25 that did.

Son was seated in the back of the room, with not the best view of the overhead.  The first thing out of Mr. Stebbing's mouth was "listen" and "have a good attitude".  We had our ups and downs with these instructions and near the end of the 3 hr time, I had to take son out with the intention of leaving, because of it.  This was embarrassing and humiliating for me.  All those well-behaved, quiet homeschooled kids and mine is not being the most cooperative.  I was having strong doubts at this point, about everything.  How I handle my kids, whether they will succeed, whether I am a fit parent.  Wild extreme swings of emotion!  And no! No pms to blame it on (I don't think). 

Son and I sat down outside and had a little prayer and we went back in (more embarrassing than leaving.  I swear I felt judgement being heaped upon me.  Probably my vain imagination and guilt and the evil one's attack.) and he buckled down and did amazing!  This was a very, very quick paced class and son was seated next to a teenager that was obviously more exact in his workmanship.  I know he was frustrated, but once he realized he could make it better, he did great.

Why is it that we parents have to be taught along with our kids!  Ick!  Not always painless.  Maybe it's just to help us to be able to teach them better in the things that really matter.  Anyhow...

We came home, had a wonderful lunch and he dove into his art "homework".  He's ready to go again in the morning and hopefully, it will be more of a joy.

 UPDATE:  The last two days of the class were fabulous.  Once son got the lay of the land, he was able to concentrate better and enjoy what he was learning.  I found myself rather eager to learn the wonderful art techniques being taught and this aided me tremendously in my purchasing decisions (harhar!).  So now, instead of son teaching himself art (? :)), we'll be learning together!!  I'm looking forward to it! 

If you ever have the opportunity to get in on one of these classes, jump on it.  The Stebbings were awesome Godly, talented people and they showed their love in all they did. 

There have been few things that have delighted us as much as our current studies on George Washington.  In particular, we are thoroughly enjoying our reading, together, of "Man of Prayer and Courage: George Washington", from the Sowers Series.

This is our second title in the series and we really like it so far.  This is such a wonderful book and completely different from the other half-dozen books we've read about our first President.  In particular, this book directly teaches of his character--and in his case, Biblical character.  The fact is, this great man was great because of his reliance upon God in all things, big and small.  This reliance gave him the such incredible liberty, that he helped shape a nation because of it.  We would do well to follow his example is so many areas.

As we learn to apply the Biblical Principles of Individuality, Self-government, Conscience as the Most Sacred of Property, and more, we are amazed at the many examples set forth by this man.  We have the proof.  He wrote!  A lot!  There are letters and journals documenting so much about him.  Amazingly, this is NOT the George Washington I learned about in PS.  Big surprise there!

George Washington had an incredible, insatiable desire to achieve excellence in all things learned; for instance, his handwriting, which he practiced to perfection.  This has aided me in my recent attempts to stave off the quickly growing desire of son to write like a fiend and thus get it over with.  We are practicing the habit of excellence, through copying the rules of civility that George Washington himself used to practice his penmanship.  Much of what George Washington learned was self taught.

Washington kept a prayer journal (Check out this interesting book I found!).  He carried it with him always and returned to his prayers often.  Since we've just introduced the idea of a prayer journal (see sample below) and son has been making it his own, hearing this bit about a great General, was rather inspiring.  Of course, we know that George Washington was painted upon his knee, in prayer.  Apparently, this was not an uncommon position for him to take, and he often did so with Bible in hand.  That we should follow his example and be on our knees with God's Word in our hands, would definitely be a good thing.

George Washington had daily quiet times with the Lord.  Every day.  He was also known to fast and pray when the need arose.  He was a fervant believer in attending worship and did so every week, even if traveling.  If he was unable to physically attend church, he would conduct worship at home.    These things are recorded in his diaries. 

When he was leading men, he did not allow them to curse, and he, also, never cursed.  He would not allow soldiers spiritual wellbeing to be neglected.  He chaplained them when there was no other, and petitioned for chaplains for them, when he could not.

He grieved for the horrors inflicted on people by the fighting.  He understood the difference between fighting for rights, and fighting for freedom.  This lesson seems often lost on us today.  He did "what my conscience informed me was right, as it respected my God, my country, and myself."  He always put God first.

He prayed for his country.  He prayed for world leaders.  He prayed.  He talked with God.  He relied on God's direction and God's Providence is so evident in his life.  His purpose was righteous.  He was prepared by God, for who he would become.  He was protected time and again from harm.  He was provided for, and thus provided for others--his generosity is well documented.   God's promises kept  him going, when the going was pretty tough.  He acknowledged God's hand, often referring to it as the "hand of providence" as was the custom. 

He was so well loved that it would be the first, and last, time that a person was unanimously elected President of the United States.  It wasn't because of all that he did, though.  It was because of who he was, that he did what he did!  He was a man of God.  As such, he gave honor where honor was due and proclaimed the first national day of Thanksgiving. The fact that it was for thanksgiving to God, was well understood at the time.

We are really looking forward to our trip east in the spring.  Mount Vernon, George Washington's great plantation, will be a great experience, I am sure.  As will seeing Valley Forge.  I'm awed even thinking on how much God used one man to further his purposes. 

Some of the other books about George Washington that we have read and enjoyed are:
1.  "George Washington", by the D'Aulaires.
2.  "George Washington's Teeth", by Deborah Chandra & Madeleine Comora
3.  "George Washington:  Quiet Hero", by Joyce Milton
4.  "George Washington's Breakfast", by Jean Fritz
5.  "The Adventures of George Washington", by Mickie Davidson
6.  "George Washington: Young Leader", by Laurence Santrey (Troll Biography)

Some we didn't get to, but may (or may not!) try for when we go on our trip, are:
1.  "Meet George Washington", by Joan Heilbroner 
2.  "George Washington: Young Leader", by Augusta Stevenson (Childhood of Famous Americans)
3.  "George Washington: First President of the United States", by Carol Greene (Rookie Biography--I like the artwork in this series!)
4.  "George Washington: The Man Who Would Not Be King", by Stephen Krensky

Here is a copy of the prayer journal (minus the lines and spaces) that I made for my son.  I made a dozen copies and stapled them in a file folder, folded lapbook style. 

 Prayer Journal for_______________________ Today’s date is: ___________________

Today I will pray like Jesus taught the disciples to pray.

A.C.T.S.
A--Adoration: "Oh, come let us adore Him!"
Today, Lord, I adore you because you are … 

 C—Confession: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I Jn 1:9)
I’m sorry that I …

T—Thanksgiving: "Give thanks with a grateful heart!"
Thank you so much for…

S—Supplication: Pray for your needs…

…AND the needs of others!

If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done
And, counting find
One, self-denying deed
one word
That eased the heart of him
who heard
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine
where it went--
Then you may count that day well spent.
But if, through all the livelong day,
You've cheered no heart, by yea or nay--
If, through it all
You've nothing done that you can trace
That brought the sunshine to one's face--
No act most small
That helped some soul and nothing cost--
Then count that day as worse than lost.

--George Elliot

With only 12 days till the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention, I'm making notes and lists and checking speaking schedules.

I suppose there will be the usual wonders of being surrounded by the myriads of parents that share our homeschool conviction, and also the joy of seeing God's provision through the incredible curriculums and materials that are now available.  It doesn't get much better than that.

I never get tired of going and I'm always looking forward to the next one.  There is always some wonderful knowledge gained from eavesdropping on a conversation or two!  Truthfully, just being there and talking with people, you do learn a lot.  Though I've never been much for attending the seminars, I'm really looking forward to hearing Little Bear Wheeler.   I wouldn't mind hearing Paul and Gena either, just because of this joint and their wonderful magazine! 

This year I get to go with one of my oldest and dearest friends.  We haven't had much time together since we got married.  I'm sure will talk ourselves to death! 

The husband will be manning the troops at home.  He's really looking forward to the special time with them and has already talked about some of his potential plans for them.  He doesn't feel much remorse over not going to the convention and he's always so good about giving me as much time there as I need.  Huge blessing! 

I learn so much from year to year in our homeschooling journey that I never run short of things to look at and learn about.  Mostly, I enjoy the incredible selection of quality reading material.  Getting my hands on them is so much better than perusing catalogs over and over. 

I've developed an interest in Trivium materials this year and look forward to learning more along those lines.  I also want to look at geography materials and any hands on activities to supplement our history.  I'm sure there is much more to put to the list.  Can't wait to get there!

Son is truly beginning to take to his piano lessons.  It was a rough start because of our lack in discipline in keeping them to our schedule.  We've re-committed and it's going well.  This should greatly please the Grandpa who has threatened to reposess our piano if he doesn't learn!  This is said jokingly, for Grandpa has a store full of them! 

It is a wonderful blessing to have one given to our children.  A nice perk! :)  More the earning by years of sweat and toil, on Grandpa's part!  It's a Yamaha Digital Clavinova, which wonderfully includes the look of furniture, the weighted action and full size keyboard like acoustic pianos, and the added benefit of headphones, volume control and no tuning fees!  Love it!  Though I would love to Grandpa's Baldwin Grand when he no longer needs it (on this earth!). 

 I do wish our family was large enough for our own orchestra like dawilli!  I'll try not to be too envious, though every time son expresses interest in the violin, the one instrument I could not teach him myself , I cringe and start daydreaming.

For now, we'll stick with the piano.  Daughter is showing interest, which is to be expected.  Though I imagine she could, and probably will, start sooner, I'll try to hold off for a bit!  Eeeek :) 

For anyone who frequents library sales or garage sales in search of the ever-elusive book treasure, let me assure you...the story you are about to read is unbelievable, but true.

We live in a large city library district.  Great library sales, unfortunately equal a poor selection when looking for anything published prior to 1979 (according to one of the librarians--that is the cut-off year for discarding books).   Since we are Truthquesters, always in search of real, living books, we have grown our personal library leaps and bounds, and found less and less available at the library.

Our little branch library makes a practice of selling books on a cart by the door.  I buy at least one book every time we go (just about weekly).  They range from .25 to $1.00.  And my purchases have been very good books.  One week, we found a book we had just returned, had really enjoyed, and had added to our wish list.  Wallah! So...

Today, when we went to trade our books again, one old book, that we really enjoyed, was on my mind.  I was having a hard time returning this wonderful book.  Pilgrim Thanksgiving, by Wilma Pitchford Hays, 1955.  I had added it to our wish list and even looked it up on ebay.  A sale for an old library copy was ending today for $3.00 plus $3.10 s/h.  Uggh.

I walked by "the cart" and couldn't help but wonder if it would end up on the cart and if I would miss buying it.  There was only one thing to do.  I marched up to the librarian and asked if it was due to be removed from circulation.  She looked at me in shock!  She gave me the "oh no!!" speech, then...began backpeddling.  "Well, you should really talk to the children's department librarian."  So I did.

I explained to her that we had really loved the book and had had a previous experience of seeing an older book end up on the cart.  I told her about my conversation with one of the main librarians regarding books published before 1979.  She barely batted an eye and looked it up.  "Well, we do have 5 copies.  It does look pretty worn."  Now, I'm sorry, but this book was not worn, in the old, used library discard sense.  It was immaculate. 

"I'd rather see someone have it that will enjoy it."  She looked for her discard stamp, marked it $1, asked me not to tell on her (uhhh, okay!) and sent me on my way. 

You could have bowled me over with a feather!  Total shock!  Unbelievable!!  We will totally enjoy this book.  All the more for how we got it!

I guess sometimes you have to just ask.

Today we had a pretty neat once-in-a-lifetime type experience at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.  They just opened a really great exhibit on maps, put on by National Geographic.  The basis for a large part of the exhibit was history, which is always exciting.  It was laid out by type of explorer, as well.  Amelia Earhart, Lewis and Clark, jungle explorers, pyramid explorers, and even a shipwreck explorer. 

It was not overly crowded, as we were there during school hours on a rare day when 400 buses were not lined up outside.  While son (age 7) galavanted from one part to another, daughter and I went through the shipwreck area and learned a lot about the discovery of Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge that sunk off the coast of North Carolina. 

SOOO.. we're about ready to leave and this man with a "large" camera comes up to us and tells us one of the explorers has just entered the exhibit and would like to talk to us.  We follow him and meet Phil Masters, the shipwreck explorer.  Of course, crowd gathers, but we sat on the floor and he and my sweet boy had this incredible conversation about the shipwreck and what was found.  I was so proud of my boy for asking any questions, let alone good ones!  (Note: the whole time the camera is flashing...very nerve wracking!)

A the jaw dropping moment for me was when Mr. Masters mentioned that part of the remains of the ship included barrell hoops.  Only yesterday--totally true--we read a book that gave a detail explanation on barrells (The Village, by James E. Knight):  how and why they were made and how their construction evolved.  Well, as you can imagine, son jumped on this and while Mr. Masters and his partner dropped technical words and the correct names of barrell parts, son answered intelligently on the subject.  Proud Mama moment!

Unthinkingly, being a bit star-struck, I signed the photo waiver while neglecting to find out possible uses and how to get copies.  Major bummer!  If I only knew someone, who might know someone, who might know???(hint, hint Angel?!!)

Despite our personal adventure, the exhibit is very interesting and ranks as one of the better traveling exhibits we've seen.  The museum is on the ball too, for they have posted downloadable lesson plans on the subject.  If you're in the area, don't miss it!

Let me make this very clear---I absolutely love and adore God's wonderful creation!  Appreciation to the fullest!  However...(you knew that was coming, didn't you?) nature and I don't mix "easily".

For instance:  A couple of weeks ago we went to the zoo.  It was a beautiful day and we have an awesome zoo.  Being the time of year it is, the kids found numerous acorns lying about.  They are just such "neat" little things, aren't they?  They stuffed all their pockets and hats and their friends hats and brought them home. 

Now, some were left in the car in and near the various seats.  Some still filled son's hat.  The others ended up in son's room.

So Friday comes around and we're doing a wonderful volcano experiment for science.  It happens to be Olympus Mons--the volcanoe on Mars.  Of course you need special "rocks" for this volcano back drop, so why not acorns!  Son finds his acorn-filled hat and we commence dumping them on the tray.  Suddenly daughter (age 3) proclaims, "they're moving".  Huhhh??  It seems our little acorn friends, brought home little friends---MAGGOTS!  (As in, grose, grose, nasty, icky, disgusting, get 'em out of my house, maggots!)  

Quick as you can say "Bob's your uncle" (Thank you Mary Poppins) they were outside dumped over our fence and onto the golf course (heehee--I'll teach 'em!)

Flash to this Monday.  We're getting ready for our day and son is picking up a few things in his room when, low and behold, I hear a yell.  (Oh!  This is good!) ..."MOMMMMM, maggots are in my room!" 

Yes! You read that correctly!  More maggots. 

Son commences the "clean up".  But then...he finds more.  And more.  And more.  Then he finds them in the hall.  Then he finds them in the bathroom.  And the closet.  And I'm thinking about moving at this point. 

So, dear homeschool friends--we spent the entire day cleaning up maggots and acorns.  Ask me if we'll be leaf collecting, or bug hunting any time soon!!!  Not a chance!  Nature is meant to be outside and that is where it will stay, if I have any say in the matter! 

Of course, today during math, dear little girl was crawling under the table and informed me there was a spider.  Quickly I jumped up to see the GIGANTIC wolf spider--as in "I feel nauseous".  Not having shoes on, I used the chair leg (Yes. Attached to the chair) and was so glad the spider was accommodating enough to stand still and die! 

And NO.  I don't believe in camping either! 

I know.  All you goody-two-shoe naturalists are in horror, but the way I see it, God made us all unique and he made me uniquely disgusted by crawly things.

Did I ever tell you about high school science dissections?  I never touched a thing!  I did the writing, while my friend did the nasty part!  And...I passed.  YeeHaw! For online, virtual animal dissection!!  I can dig it!

Got any acorns in your house???

I am constantly amazed, though not surprised, the way God makes things come together and point to Him!  Case in point:

Spelling word:  dance

Sentence:  Dance, dance, wherever you may be.

Source:  Hymn lyric; mother's childhood.

Practice tests (daily): Include singing of said hymn refrain (all Mama could remember), because we just can't help ourselves!

Blessing(s):  

1. I found the rest of the lyrics! 
2. The kids can't stop singing and dancing this hymn! 
3. God is glorified! 
4. We learned a new spelling word!

Warning!:  You'll want to dance, too!

I'm so happy we began school two weeks ago!  These hot, miserable days with a nice, cool school room! 

Awwww! :) 

When we venture out into the dreaded, sufficating humidity, I day dream of autumn days to come spent galavanting in the leaves for days on end.  This is definately a better use of our days. 

Briefly, if ever so briefly, we can yet enjoy a morning on the porch swing reading our lessons before the temperatures rise. 

AND...

 we still had time to go to the pool after school! 

Kinda nice!