I remember Sarah's excitement over dressing up as a princess witch. She did not allow fatigue and discomfort to get in the way of a little Halloween fun. So many memories come flooding back this time of year.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Our Princess Witch
I remember Sarah's excitement over dressing up as a princess witch. She did not allow fatigue and discomfort to get in the way of a little Halloween fun. So many memories come flooding back this time of year.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Schooling at home--an update
Tomorrow we will begin our sixth week of homeschooling. We are absolutely loving Williamsburg Intermediate! Nathan and Maren are happy, dedicated students. They have enjoyed making new friends from all over the U.S. They've completed several books and are writing more than ever before. Their classroom projects are meaningful, educational and fun! Above all, the kids are rediscovering the joy of learning.
This week Maren finished the book "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen. She was given the assignment to build a man-made shelter. We walked through the reserve behind our house and built a hut using branches and leaves. Maren completed the project by writing a paper on what life would be like if she had to live in the shelter.
They've conducted a variety of messy science experiments (in the kitchen)! They are currently studying the process of food decay. For thirty days they've been working on a photo documentary comparing organic and processed foods. Here is a snapshot of cheddar cheese...yuck. The kids are also reading a fascinating book on food, "Hungry Planet."
Humanities has opened their minds to many around the world adventures. They created exposition journals they use to document their discoveries of different countries, cultures, etc. They are also studying the election process in depth, learning about the electoral college, comparing views of Democrats and Republicans and writing and videotaping their own campaign speeches.
Their Leadership course is inspiring! They have studied and written papers on exemplary leaders past and present. They are also researching different kinds of animals and how their characteristics relate to good leadership qualities. For example, the alligator named RESPA...
Mathematics is a self-paced program. They view math workshops, participate in labs, complete daily assignments and weekly assessments. They also read books about the practicality of math in our lives. My personal favorite is "The Man Who Counted" by Malba Tahan.
This week Maren finished the book "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen. She was given the assignment to build a man-made shelter. We walked through the reserve behind our house and built a hut using branches and leaves. Maren completed the project by writing a paper on what life would be like if she had to live in the shelter.
They've conducted a variety of messy science experiments (in the kitchen)! They are currently studying the process of food decay. For thirty days they've been working on a photo documentary comparing organic and processed foods. Here is a snapshot of cheddar cheese...yuck. The kids are also reading a fascinating book on food, "Hungry Planet."
organic
processed
Humanities has opened their minds to many around the world adventures. They created exposition journals they use to document their discoveries of different countries, cultures, etc. They are also studying the election process in depth, learning about the electoral college, comparing views of Democrats and Republicans and writing and videotaping their own campaign speeches.
Their Leadership course is inspiring! They have studied and written papers on exemplary leaders past and present. They are also researching different kinds of animals and how their characteristics relate to good leadership qualities. For example, the alligator named RESPA...
Relax, Evaluate, Strategize, Patience, Act
Maren was given the assignment to create a piece of eagle artwork (another animal they have studied). She had a lot of fun making this patriotic paper collage.
For a math project, Nathan created his very own geodesic dome!
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.
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