We finally began what will be our weekly discussion of American history.  I was nervous about how to begin and where to start.  Then, just a few weeks ago, I received in the mail a sample CD from "The Great Courses" which is a catalog that sells college lectures on CD, DVD, etc.  On the sample CD was a lecture about the history of the U.S.  This lecture talked about all the stuff I wanted to begin our study with.  Walter Raleigh, England, the little colonies that sprung up on the East coast, why and how they worked.  It was exactly what I needed - I didn't order it and it was free!  Can anyone guess Who was responsible?  Yes, I really think the Lord was being gracious to me.  Thank you, Lord, the One who cares even more about my kids' education than I do. 

So, Monday after lunch, I sat down with my oldest kids (the boys) and let Carmen play in the living room.  She's a bit young to take all this in just yet.  I started the CD (I listened to it prior so I was prepared) and we listened to it together.  I clarified things and pointed out things that they already knew.  When we were done, I took out a really good U.S. timeline I had purchased and we reviewed the things that were talked about.  Son, Alec, asked "Where did the Pilgrims come in?"  Indeed, did you know that the Pilgrims that we think about at Thanksgiving actually arrived on the East coast 1 year AFTER African slaves were brought over here to work the fields?  I had NO idea!  There is so much I wasn't taught in school.  I learned so much just from this lecture.  We had such a great discussion.  This lecture gave me a good start and now I know how to proceed.  I think I'll make this a weekly discussion, using books, videos, the timelines I have, anything else I can bring in.  If it's just weekly, it will make it something more to look forward to, I think. 

I'm excited about it now.  I was scared but the Lord gave me a start and, hopefully, I can bring something new each week to our discussion.  My son, Chad, already knows so much that he adds quite a bit.  Alec and Carmen get the benefit of two teachers, really. 

My son, Alec, is really into the Civil War submarine called the 'Hunley" and was sorely disappointed today when we finally broke the news to him that he couldn't recreate a full-scale submarine.  "We have no place to put it, you don't have the skills (like welding) and you can't afford the materials."  I've spoken of this before - the kid has huge ideas but we can't possibly proceed with them.  He got over it and settled on making a model from a paper towel tube, with cut-away windows showing the inside.  His dad helped him with it and it made him happy.  I considered diving into the Civil War instead of starting in the 1500's with U.S. history but decided against it.  By the time we get to the Civil War, Alec will really be able to contribute to the discussion.  He's reading quite a bit on his own about that era, due to the "Hunley".  He's already made at least 5 different "Hunley" mini-subs, but the cut-away one is his most elaborate.  I can't wait to see what this kid does for a living.  He'd better use these skills he has or he'll hear it from me!