Gathering my Chicks

 This hen has gathered her chicks around her for another school year! Let the fun begin:) It's important to stay positive and upbeat when trying to inspire your children to learn.  We've had a great few days of getting back into the routine of things before all the extra curricular starts up next week. Until then, we are enjoying picking up on familiar studies and adding some new ones. I say if it's not broke don't try to fix it. But I also say doing the same stuff can get b o r i n g for everyone, mama included!

Up on the dock this year for optimal learning enjoyment is .... drum roll, please

Bible - Bible History/workbook, catechism study, memorizing Sermon on the Mount, "Jesus our Family Guest" devotion book and Christlight (Zanna)
Math - Saxon 2 (Zanna) Teaching Textbooks Algebra (W)
Language Arts - Easy Grammar Plus (W) All About Spelling (Z) Learning Language Arts Through Literature, Red book (Z) Institute for Excellence in Writing (w) Explode the Code (Z) Handwriting without Tears (Z) 
History - Canadian History (W) Sonlight Core G -Ancient History (W & Z)
Science - Apologia Physical Science and SHEP (outside program for W) Christian Liberty Nature Readers (Z) Scholastic workbooks (Z)
Artist Study - confessionsofahomeschooler.com artist study

My biggest change in the lineup is Will's math. I have freed us from the shackle's of Saxon and have started Teaching Textbooks. We are loving it! As much as one can "love" math.  Nothing against Saxon but it had outlived it's usefulness and contributed to much heartache along with sinful attitudes.

 And you simply must listen to this podcast on a classical, Lutheran education. Not that I'm necessarily doing it, but I am inspired! 

Violin lessons for both kids have started back up again. Will also had his audition for the strings ensemble last weekend and was working hard preparing for that. 

 I'm pretty sure I have the most adorable students ever! And they humour their hen as she attempts to take some back to school pictures. 

The boys are still hoping to get some more golfing in before the weather keeps them from it. Will will be in a homeschool gym class. Zanna is taking ballet again. Both kids will be back in the pool. Once winter is in full swing, they'll be downhill skiing with Dad and enjoying some family ice-skating if the aging parents' backs can handle it! And both kids will play indoor soccer in the winter. While Mama chats it up with friends on the sideline.

Some field trips to the theatre and orchestra are planned. Zanna's enrolled in a monthly cooking class at our local grocery store. I also plan on organizing and facilitating a speech and debate group in the new year. That's the plan, anyway!

I prayerfully commit this year into God's hands. May we learn the lessons that he divinely teaches, appreciate the moments with our hands wide open in thanksgiving, savour the time we have together as family and grow in the knowledge and wisdom found only through him.