Friday, September 7, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Embarking on a New Journey
This week marks a new beginning for our family. Starting tomorrow morning at 8:00am we are HOME SCHOOLING! Many reasons motivated Brian and me to pull Nathan and Maren out of public school. Essentially, all reasons boil down to one realization: while public school works for many, we feel compelled to try something different.
I began researching our schooling options early this year. I counseled with several home schooling mothers, attended a home schooling conference, held a home schooling meeting in my home with several women in our community, and searched to find a custom-made curriculum that would suit the needs of my children. In my research I came to understand how many resources and options are available for home schooling families. As a college graduate in education, this was thrilling to me!
Nathan and Maren are enrolled in an online school called Williamsburg Intermediate. They will attend daily classes online, view and interact with their classmates (face-to-face with teachers and students throughout the world via webcam), work on group projects, take tests, and do all the other things that kids do. This school is nationally accredited, is held accountable for academic results, administers exams and provides report cards and transcripts. Williamsburg's classical education approach, methods and philosophies match the educational goals we have for our children. Here is a sneak peak into their curriculum programs for this school year:
We feel that Williamsburg Intermediate will provide an excellent, well-rounded education for our children. Nathan and Maren have enrolled in a variety of extracurricular activities to ensure plenty of positive social experiences. We are looking forward to an exciting school year! We will keep you posted on the many adventures of schooling at home.
I began researching our schooling options early this year. I counseled with several home schooling mothers, attended a home schooling conference, held a home schooling meeting in my home with several women in our community, and searched to find a custom-made curriculum that would suit the needs of my children. In my research I came to understand how many resources and options are available for home schooling families. As a college graduate in education, this was thrilling to me!
Nathan and Maren are enrolled in an online school called Williamsburg Intermediate. They will attend daily classes online, view and interact with their classmates (face-to-face with teachers and students throughout the world via webcam), work on group projects, take tests, and do all the other things that kids do. This school is nationally accredited, is held accountable for academic results, administers exams and provides report cards and transcripts. Williamsburg's classical education approach, methods and philosophies match the educational goals we have for our children. Here is a sneak peak into their curriculum programs for this school year:
| Leadership Program | Humanities Program | STEM Program |
| Self leadership | Social Studies | Science |
| Group leadership | Language Arts | Technology |
| Heroes, Adventures, Gifts, Barriers | Literature | Engineering |
| Literature/biographies | Art | Math |
| Creative writing | Memorization | Art |
| STEM Classics & Biographies |
We feel that Williamsburg Intermediate will provide an excellent, well-rounded education for our children. Nathan and Maren have enrolled in a variety of extracurricular activities to ensure plenty of positive social experiences. We are looking forward to an exciting school year! We will keep you posted on the many adventures of schooling at home.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Our Deacon
On Sunday, our twelve year old Nathan was ordained by his father to the office of a Deacon. He is excited to be in the Young Men's program. Nathan has a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and will magnify his priesthood through serving others. I couldn't be more proud of this fine young man. He has a kind heart and eagerness to do what is right. It was a special day, one that I have dreamed about for years.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Pioneer Day
Today we remember our faithful pioneer ancestors. Two grandmothers, Eliza Briggs Stratton and Lydia Pons, sacrificed everything they possessed to join the saints in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Eliza, a courageous member of the Martin Handcart Company, endured much tribulation as she crossed the plains with her family. Eliza tenderly carried her baby sister under her clothing for warmth and protection. It is believed that without Eliza's care the baby would never have reached Salt Lake alive.
Lydia and her family left their beautiful grape vineyards in Italy and set sail for America to unite with the members of the church. As they continued their journey from Kansas City, Lydia's father and two brothers died. Thus, the burden fell to Lydia, who was twelve years old, to drive two yoke of oxen all the way to Utah.
Eliza, a courageous member of the Martin Handcart Company, endured much tribulation as she crossed the plains with her family. Eliza tenderly carried her baby sister under her clothing for warmth and protection. It is believed that without Eliza's care the baby would never have reached Salt Lake alive.
Lydia and her family left their beautiful grape vineyards in Italy and set sail for America to unite with the members of the church. As they continued their journey from Kansas City, Lydia's father and two brothers died. Thus, the burden fell to Lydia, who was twelve years old, to drive two yoke of oxen all the way to Utah.
This afternoon the girls and I made these pioneer dolls. In loving remembrance we named them Eliza and Lydia.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Grandpa's Hot Rod
Cousins gather around Grandpa's restored 1929 Model A Ford Roadster.
For style and speed the little girls prefer Grandma's Mustang.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
A visit to Sarah's spot
Caroline picked three wild strawberries and placed them on the grave for Sarah.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
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