Trip to the Houston Health Museum

This is a new museum for us.  I just found out about it.  They don't advertise.  We really liked it.  It was a little over-crowded, but really well done.  Houston, as many know, has one of the world's best medical centers.  You can see the dollars poured into this place.

It wasn't a huge museum, but the displays were incredible.  I really liked the 3D movie they had that talked about cell division.  They had a graphic view of the DNA uncoiling, being duplicated, then the cell (a lymphocite cell, part of the immune system) split.  It was amazing.

Just looking at the DNA molecule alone, I don't know how one can peak into God's world like this and not worship!  How could this happen by "chance," the god of evolution?  No how, no way!  All we can do is be in awe and in praise of our Wonderful Creator!

Field Trip - Port of Houston

We have a great Cub Scout pack that consists of homeschoolers. Many of these folks are also part of the same homeschool group, called West Houston Homeschool Educators.  Between these 2 groups, there are lot of field trip opportunities.

Today (or yesterday, since I'm writing this after midnight) we had a choice of 2, either strawberry picking, or the Port of Houston tour.  Anton wanted to go on a boat.  Chris, the Navy man, said it was a "no-brainer," I need to go on the boat tour.    

hover your mouse on bottom edge to play slideshow again

What is funny is Anton thought we were would first be going to the airport before we went on the "cruise."  He was remembering his other boat trip when we went on an Alaskan cruise that Chris won from his work and we were able to take him.   I had to tell him that this wasn't going to be the same.  The boat wouldn't be as big, and there would not be an awesome buffet spread.  (This poor little orphaned child was expecting a cruise, isn't God amazing?)

But the Houston Port tour was free and we got a free soda!

I was confused about taking pictures.  I started taking pictures right away, then another gal on the tour pointed out that the sign says "no video or photos" (posted everywhere!)  Oh, missed that.  So, I stopped.  But then on the boat, people were saying it was OK to take pictures.     

Well, he loved it  This was one of those trips that I wouldn't make for me, but that's OK.  I enjoyed watching the kids having a great time and the fellowship with the moms.

Anton was fascinated by looking at the waves and pretending he was a pirate.  I was reminded that Houston is a stinky place.  The process of making petroleum products isn't pretty.  But we're thankful.  The Houston economy is in the top 5 of the nation.  (When green energy can support itself in the free market, we're all for it!)

Physical Activity Really Helps Them Learn and Grow!

This is going to be a quick post, because if you have all the adoption books, you already heard this.  But I wanted to say, "it is true."  Physical activity, including sunshine, really helps these kids learn and grow.  It's not like I didn't believe that before, but I've really seen a big growth spurt in Anton.

In case you haven't read it, there are numerous studies out there, that physical activity, large motor skill development, helps them read!  There is something about the brain development, as the brain develops those connections in learning how to do a skill, the increase in skill also crosses over to ability to read.  Amazing!  

Not to mention the Vitamin D their bodies make from the sunshine, something very much deprived when kids are in orphanages.   (we supplemented also, but they say sunshine is better than supplement, again, no surprise there).

As I've mentioned before, we homeschool.  In my mind at times, even though I knew the benefits of getting outdoors, I was still trying to battle the disciplines of Homeschooling, and getting through to what I had planned for the day (boy, that could be another blog topic).  But I tend to think of sports as competing with Homeschool lessons, when in reality, I should see them as all connected and not separate.  It is easy to see that when Anton has more playtime (not just playtime in the house), but working with a skill, like kicking a ball, throwing a ball, etc., he grows in many ways.  He gets an increased appetite but also I can see his mind grow as evidenced when we sit down and work on a lesson.  I think it also helps him get that energy out.  When the body is resting from activity, maybe that helps him devote his energy to his mind??  just wondering.

So, just want to encourage my friends who have young kids, not even from hard backgrounds, to get out there and get some sunshine and throw a ball, roll a ball, run, skip, ride scooter, a bike, you name it.  Join a sports team?  Include that as part of their education too.  

Since Anton has been riding a bike, a little over a month, his appetite has really grown and he is catching up on some phonics and math lessons I wanted him to master a long time ago.

There are other things, like music, and building toys, but I just wanted to plug physical activity.  On my "to do" list for Anton is piano lessons, after we get this second adoption completed.  

   

Our Homeschool Curriculum Choices

I recently posted a blog about Homeschooling and the benefits to children from orphanage.  Looking back, the title seems a bit pretentious because I don't mean to write as an expert, but I've done a small study :O)  It just made so much sense for us and I want to plant a seed in case it might work for other adoptive families who might read my blog.  I mentioned that I'd post what I use as curriculum choices for our little homeschool.  I've been working on as a draft for a while, and probably add to it later.  (I also have some friends nearby, on Facebook, and at church, and we've had conversations about curricula and thought it would be a good blog topic, to outline what we do.)

click on the little arrow on the bottom border to start slideshow.

I did a lot research on curricula, but not exhaustive.  I need to clarify that I'm a newbie. I've only homeschooled for Pre-K - 1st grade.  I draw extensively from the wisdom of others as I'm still learning how to do this.

About landing on what to buy, at some point you just have to pick a plan/curriculum and go with it.  If you're like me, you get to a point where you don't want to hear about anything else (which is why I don't like to go to Homeschool conferences, not to mention the temptations to spend and I already spend too much.  But it is really beneficial to attend a conference especially when just getting started.  I could still benefit from the seminars.)

So, be it ever so humble, this is a view of what our school looks like, via a litle slideshow presentation, above.

The following are my curriculum choices:

HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY: Tapestry of Grace,  I will refer to it as TOG.  We are on Year 1 for 1st grade.  TOG is a classical approach, chronological, arranged in weekly unit studies designed for the whole family at the same time, but each child would do what is expected for their level.  In 4 years, you cover World History from Creation to Present, then you can start over again, conceivably 2 more times during child's school years (4 year study x 3 = 12 years).  Each week's lessons are broken down by:  Grammar, Dialectic or Rhetoric Levels (correspond to Elementary, Jr. High and High School levels, but Grammar is divided up into Upper Grammar and Lower Grammar because there is a enough difference between the 2, so they have 4 levels, but it really is 3 levels with 1 broken down more.  But it doesn't matter too much anyways because you can do whatever you want to, that's the beauty of it, but some people want to be told what to do and want to stay on script...then TOG may not be for them  :O)

And it is OK for a child to start on Year 2, 3 or 4, instead of Year 1.  You do what works best for your family.

I supplement TOG with Mystery of History (which is a great curriculum in in itself, but this is a great read-aloud for Bible and non-Biblical History).

I have many Usborne Young Readers...love these little hardbacks (I think it is worth the extra for hardback), and have beautiful artwork.  I have most of the historical and literature books, had to have some shipped from UK.  Anton grabs these books off the shelf all the time just for pleasure, even though he can't read much, he can learn a lot of the story from the beautiful artwork and they fit in your hand nicely.  The literature is more of the storyline than a junior version.  We do plan on him reading the unabridged versions but it is nice to have an idea of the storyline.

For TOG, I don't buy all their recommended books for Anton's age, it isn't necessary (but more important in later years).  TOG is to be used as a resource and shell for my lesson plans.  It has great Teacher's Notes with reprints from children's World Book Encyclopedia.  One could conceivably just read the Teacher's Notes and could pass on buying a lot of books and give the child a summary, or have them read the Teacher's Notes for older kids.  There is so much available for free on the internet.  The goal at Anton's age is to create a love of History and get familiar with geography, etc., more than choke them too much information.   So "fun" is the most important goal.

I love to learn and appreciate it more now that I'm more mature.  They recommend if you have a young child(ren) that the parents go through the curriculum at the Rhetoric level and give the Grammar Level student the "dessert," or the most interesting portions for their level.  So, I'm reading books that I should have or could have read in High School, but Anton is getting the child's version in 1st grade to whet his appetite and having a broad vision of world history.

Why do kids need to learn about Ancient History in 1st grade?  This is all part of the Classical approach to education.  Well, its the story of the world.  His Story.  I think it makes them appreciate where we are today, over 2000 years after Christ.  We can cultivate the wonder of God's plan, and thankfulness for having the truth that we have now, as we explain things on their level so they appreciate World History.

From Lampstand Press, we use Lap Books made by Homeschool in the Woods for Tapestry, and Map Aids, made by Knowledge Quest for Tapestry.  Understanding the geography really helps in understanding the History.  I almost didn't use it and thought we'd just point to places on a globe for 1st grade, but I'm really glad we're doing this.  I don't remember doing anything with maps until I was in 3rd grade.  The Lap Book and Maps we make are things he can refer back to in years to come.  I print pictures off the internet and we paste them in the Lap Book, in addition to the pre-made stuff they supply that you just fill in according to instructions.  We will do a Time Line when Anton is at Dialectic Level (Jr. High).  He will make his own timeline with some suggestions and graphics.  I don't do as many "hands on" projects and crafts, unfortunately, because of time.  But it is GREAT when I can...I need to work on that!  We also watch other DVDs (or Netflix) on time periods in history and various countries or topics we find fascinating.

Tapestry incorporates so many other subjects that move alongside with the chronological approach:  Bible, Spelling, Writing, Worldview, Literature, Art.

BIBLE:  A Child's Story Bible (but not really a curriculum, per se, but could make lesson plans out of it), by Katherine Vos.  As I mentioned above, Year 1 in TOG is Ancient History up to Early Church, and so the Bible is used as a History text in Year 1 and I'm using this book as part of the read-aloud for History when it is "Bible" History (but Unit studies on Ancient American Indians you would obviously not get that from the Bible...although we investigate how people came to the Americas after the Tower of Babel :O).  This book is so good because it covers many many stories other Bibles leave out; we plan on reading it again as part of our daily devotions after Year 1 in TOG because we still want the Bible to be apart of our daily school even after Year 1.  It is also an easy read for adults to get an overview of the storyline of the Bible, minus the genealogies and all the poetry (but does have some), even though there is benefit from this, the purpose of this book is the storyline.   I had a few false starts with Anton using this book, but this is a great time.  I haven't seen anything else like this children's bible!  This book is not a recommended source by TOG, but it should be, but impossible to catch all the good books.

PHONICS:  The Phonics Road to Reading (Intensive Phonics, I highly recommend "Intensive" Phonics)  Intensive Phonics will teach more rules and more vowel and consonant teams that make learning English less frustrating.  This program is really good and prepares them to be great readers, I think.  My only dislike about this is the lesson plans are all DVD driven.  And I like seeing her model the teaching for me, because she is really a good teacher, but I also like to read the lesson plans and know exactly what I'm to do that way.  And it is not written out.  What I do is watch a week in advance and make notes for myself and even write down what time on the DVD something is given.  And I move at a very slow pace.  One week can take several weeks, it just depends.  But I'm learning that this is OK and to rejoice that he's learning the best way, I think.  But there is no one right way, it is just that this covers all the bases.  I'm just sold on Intensive Phonics.  A friend of mine teaches children with Dyslexia and the curriculum she uses is very similar (wish I could remember the name of it b/c you can use it for Homeschooling too.)

MATH:  Math U See (we're almost done with Primary Book)  They use manipulatives and you can "see" it.

SCIENCE:  Sonlight Science K (now they call it Science A), and we also have many many, Let's Read and Find Out books that you can get at the library and Moody Science DVDs.  This year has been so hard to stick to Science and that is too bad because it is so much fun.

Playing, Pretending, Lessons of Life, Taking Care of Stuff, Laughing, Discipline, Singing Hymns, Nursery Songs, Read-Alouds, Crafts, Sports, Writing Notes, Drawing, Cooking, Loving Others:  no curriculum but all apart of our Home Education :O)

For those unfamiliar with HS but contemplating it:  One of the things homeschool parents eventually has to pin down is what approach to learning and philosophy of education you have and it could differ for each child, since children learn best in different ways.  And you may find yourself modifying it as you go, but it is good to have an idea because curriculum will be based on a philosophy, and even theology.  We have chosen a Classical Approach to learning that applies what they call a Trivium:  Grammar, Dialectic, Rhetoric.  These correspond roughly to Elementary School, Jr. High and High School ages, however, it is quite different.  In a nutshell, Grammar is a lot of fact learning, absorbing things.  Dialectic is where you build on that foundation but they "think" more and logic.  Rhetoric will build on that and learn things deeper but not only can they think logically, but communicate to influence others, teach others, debate.   We are also fans of Charlotte Mason, who lived in the 19th Century who revolutionized education.  We believe that younger years should include lots of play, joy of discovery, read-alouds, nature observations and not too much sit-down workbook type curriculum for long periods of time.  She believed all children were souls to guide, they are worshippers, as we all are... not just heads to fill with facts.

From what I hear and have seen, typically, homeschool kids in their younger years will behind the public school kids their same age, but pass them up in later years.  I believe that is because they learn to love learning and work on the foundation of self control and discipline from spending more time with their families, also develop\ character qualities, happy hearts and they're not burned out from too much emphasis on making the advanced placement among their peers.

I've had to learn to relax when comparing where Anton is at with other children, whether they be homeschooled or other school choice.  And I have to keep reminding myself that he is catching up on development--brain development, as he has lagged behind being in an institution his first 2 1/1 years.  I could force the progression "scholastically," but not where it matters, and I could win with enough tutors and therapists, but at a price that is not worth it, IMO.

Another thing is, they can pursue their interests more, while being homeschooled.   There are drawbacks to not having them in school, but I'm won't make this post too long.  Let me just say that Anton is very well socialized.

Anton is very active, as most boys, and it is difficult for him to sit for long period of time.  He probably could be diagnosed as ADHD, but this is something that will improve on its own, and I'm not a big believer in labels.  A lot of it comes from his background and learning self control.  He's improving in ability to concentrate and focus.  I have found that when I can engage his whole body in the learning process, or make it a game, he learns best.  Sometimes I've taped paper on the floor and we'll walk or hop on the paper (like for Math).  And art projects,  costumes, Playmobil toys are really are perfect for where he's at for learning History.

Anton is in 1st grade (8 years old).  I held him back a year.  But with homeschooling, that doesn't matter that much what grade they're in.

I've also learned that even with my failures it is still worth it to Homeschool.  The schooling that goes outside of the times we sit down for school is very valuable.  I'm so glad I can enjoy him throughout the day.

I may post in another blog, my list of books and poems I (idealistically) hope to read-aloud or have Anton read.

websites:

• www.triviumpursuit.com  - great resource for Classical approach and good ideas and wisdom from experienced family.

• www.tapestryofgrace.com and also check Lampstand Press links for books

• www.veritaspress.com - I buy a lot of their books.  I think their philosophy is more memorization work than TOG and more emphasis on Covenental Theology (that Israel has been replaced by the Church in God's program, and I have a disagreement on that, because I believe one day God will give her a new heart as a large people group in the middle of a literal 7 year Tribulation period).   But it is still very good and there is a possibility I may switch to it for diversity.  Both are good at reading many of the Great Books of Western World.

• http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/ - great resource for making Timelines, lap books.  The specialize in graphics and creative cut and paste paper projects.

• www.homeschoolreviews.org and http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/  - great for ideas and reviews.

• www.sonlight.com  - I use their Science, if you like planned curriculum for everyday and don't want to research other book sources out there, this is a good choice.

• www.apologia.com  - the best for Science although too much for Anton right now.  They have a series for Elementary but starts at around 2nd grade, so we may try it at 3rd.  Others like Answers in Genesis for Science(and I think they have a World History curriculum as well).

• www.amblesideonline.org - great read-aloud book and poetry lists and ideas from Charlotte Mason philosophy.

• http://www.charlottemason.com/  Karen Andreola is great at giving you a summary of Charlotte Mason, which goes against Charlotte Mason's ideas of reading the direct source yourself, not what others say about it.  But we beg for Cliff Notes, don't we.  :O)   You can find the Kindle edition of her series Home Education at Amazon for really cheap. 

• http://simplycharlottemason.com/  learn more about Charlotte Mason and curriculum ideas even though she wasn't for "curricula" because it should all be customized.  I actually haven't really looked this site over but it came up on a search.

• www.amazon.com  as everyone knows, great place for book reviews and other supplies, and Listmania.  Also can buy used books or download Kindle

• http://www.mathusee.com/ - I use for Math, but a lot of folks like Saxon Math, Teaching Textbooks, Video Textbooks.    (I may switch to Teaching Textbooks in a few years)

• http://www.shopchristianliberty.com/  - I've used some of their Pre-K stuff and their Phonics workbooks looks good, but never tried.

• www.rainbowresource.com  Just a good catalog of a lot of stuff and good prices, and a review from their staff.

• http://www.bjupress.com/page/Home  - I have not used Bob Jones, and I always heard the school is legalistic but a lot of my friends think their stuff is pretty good and they have a lot of classes kids can take online, maybe good for moms that want children to manage their own education more.  I think it is worth looking at. 

• http://www.mfwbooks.com/ - My Father's World.  Some of my friends have used this and love it.  If Tapestry of Grace and Sonlight had a baby, it would be this curriculum.  It is like TOG in that it can be chronological and plans to include the whole family at the same time, but like Sonlight, it picks the books for you.  Like Sonlight, you may or may not like the book choices, so if you're the type that likes to do a lot of research on the best books out there, you may not like this one.  But that might be a "feature" for you because that type of research takes a lot of time, and sometimes a lot money.  I think they made good choices in general.  I think the lessons plans are all written up for for you, like Sonlight.     

2 Field Trips Enjoying Nature

Here are just a few photos (slideshow) and a few videos from a few trips we made beginning of May. 

The slideshow is from 2 trips:  1) Butterfly Museum, part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  2) trip with Cub Scout den, to the Edith Moore Sanctuary, it is situated in a neighborhood subdivision along Rummel Creek that feeds into Buffalo Bayou, just off Memorial Drive in Houston.   This was Anton's first year in Scouts as a Wolf.  We have made some great friendships and appreciate the Den leaders so much.

slideshow:

The next video clips are just from the Butterfly Museum (obviously :O)

Anton pretending he's a bee

Beautiful flying butterflies all around & waterfall

more butterfiles


Anton playing with butterfiles


inspecting the bees making honey


butterfly nursery

Reading Wind in the Willows

I was supposed to read this in High School but I cheated.  The beautiful thing about Homeschooling is you can go back to school.  Of course, anyone can read the book no matter what choices for education is chosen, but homeschooling seems to afford more time.  I have really slacked off on read-alouds with Anton and thought this would be a good book to read at this time.

It is really fun to read.  Kenneth Grahame is such a great writer.

We are going to read a little and then watch a movie portion of what we just read as a review and see if we can tell what was left out.

Reading it is so much more fun because of the narration and descriptions Kenneth Grahame; he is a beautiful writer and captured the beauty of God's Creation and human nature that is given to the characters.  (boy, I missed out on so much before)

Here are some links, in case you're interested in reading it too.

Kenneth Grahame Society

Wind and the Willows (listen and read)

You Tube 1983 movie

The version I have is Collector's Library (pocket size) edition, by Barnes and Noble.  There is another version that is illustrated and abridged, that I'm thinking about getting.  

My version has a copy of the letter that Theodore Roosevelt wrote to the author, expressing his delight he and his family had with the book.  It also has an introduction by A. A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), who wrote a play about Wind in the Willows. Here is an excerpt of what he wrote:

“One does not argue about The Wind in the Willows. The young man gives it to the girl with whom he is in love, and, if she does not like it, asks her to return his letters. The older man tries it on his nephew, and alters his will accordingly. The book is a test of character. We can't criticize it, because it is criticizing us. But I must give you one word of warning. When you sit down to it, don't be so ridiculous as to suppose that you are sitting in judgment on my taste, or on the art of Kenneth Grahame. You are merely sitting in judgment on yourself. You may be worthy: I don't know, But it is you who are on trial.” ― A.A. Milne

So, you better read it too, and like it ;o)  If you have read it, please add your comments or suggestions.

Homeschooling Benefits for Children from Orphanages

Many of you already know that we homeschool our son, Anton.  I wanted to blog about the reasons why we homeschool, and the particular benefits for children from institutionalized background, as I see it from my experience. 

Homeschooling is a luxury and I know it may not be possible or the right choice for every family.  I know if we were not able to Homeschool, it would obviously not be God's direction, and hence, God's best for us would be a different path.  

We don't think parents are making a mistake, necessarily, if they put their child in public school...although they could be. And, they could make a mistake in putting their child in the wrong Private School, or perhaps Homeschool isn't really for the family's giftedness and constraints. So, we're not "one-size-fits-all," in our philosophy of education.

But our goals for raising and training Anton are more than learning letters and numbers.  Parents looking to adopt, or have already adopted a child, especially understand the need to be bonded with all our children no matter how we got them, and to be unified as a family.  We did not give birth to our adopted child, or breastfeed, or have those precious moments with them as an infant.  We sometimes adopt when they are much older.  Adoption by definition is taking a child that is originally not from you, but they become a part of your family as if they were.  So, there needs be that precious bonding, and developing of those relationships.   Homeschooling is perfect for this.  We can play catch-up for what we missed by choosing the homeschool education avenue that centers on the family as opposed to another "institution," be it public or private. 

Isn't it is so great to be free to do what best serves our own family!  Praise God for our country and state.  Not everywhere affords this liberty.

There have been tons of great articles about the advantages of Homeschooling, and I don't want to repeat those.  I just wanted to give a brief list of reasons why we chose to homeschool and emphasizing the benefits to a child from institutionalized background who is a member of our family.

1.  I can better build into Anton's soul.   Not only do we teach the Bible, and that is our first subject we cover during the day, but I can direct Anton to Worship God in EVERYTHING we do.

I can work on character and discipline issues better if I spend more time with Anton, rather than less because he's been at school all day. Even the best of the teachers do not have time to work on each of their children's character and discipline in the classroom, nor are they the best person to do that.   He would be gone from 8:00 AM. to about 4:30 PM.   I would not have his best waking hours to enjoy him, to teach him, and he would not be enjoying his family and home.   I would have to use the evening to get him ready for another day at school. 

Soul building and care is what parenting is all about, and education is very broad term for me.  Actually, all the following points also fall under #1 because it is so ultimate and broad; it is all about their souls.

2.  It strengthens family bonds and family identity.  We can curl up and read a book together.  We can play games, or build something, clean the house together, go to grocery store together.  He loves experiencing life and I'm so happy to be alongside to watch him discover things.  My husband works different hours than most Pappas, and he gets a day off during the week, and so, Anton can be with us on Pappa's day off.  

When Anton thinks "Who am I?"  he doesn't think of who he is in the classroom pecking order, perhaps the one who is the last to "get it," or the "one who talks funny" or "the class clown" (and that would be Anton!)  It is not that I'm afraid of him being teased.  I just want his identity to be seen accurately, that he is created in God's image, he is precious, and placed in our family, appreciated for his strengths, and loved in spite of his weaknesses.   My husband often says, "we have a sweet family" and we do!

Anton is dressed up as fireman making some firehouse food.

3.  I can move at Anton's pace and his best learning style that could be faster or slower than the school's pace, depending on the subject.   Anton is behind in language, as is common for children who come from other countries and had difficult start in life, and homeschooling has been a huge blessing for this.  Because we never planned in enrolling him in school, getting caught up on language didn't have to be a priority, with multiple therapists, or being placed on a standardized timeline for where he should be for his age.  He is and was exactly where he should be for Anton.  I knew his language would improve as time went on and he learned his Phonics ("Intensive Phonics" I might add!) and began to write his own sentences and viola, that is exactly what happened. 

We can also use different learning styles, in general, and experiment.  Anton is imaginitive, artisitc, and very active.  Leaning can be through playing, as opposed to sitting at a desk.  And we can take breaks when we want to burn some of that boy energy.

Striving to make learning "fun" is to develop a lifetime lover of learning.

Anton dressed as Roman soldier.  We were learning
our numbers using playing cards.

We don't know what the future holds.  We may one day put Anton in public or private school.  Equipping Anton with a healthy and happy Christian Worldview as soon as possible will prepare him best for this world, where he will inevitably encounter bad influences and bad information.  I wish I could protect him from all that but I can't.  We can do what we can, with God's help, in this little crucible of our family in the precious little time we have.   We hope to raise him to "be in the world, but not of the world." and Lord willing, successful in whatever the Lord directs, but most of all to love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. He is such a blessing. 

What about socialization?  Anton is so sociable and has so many friends he has made at Church, Sports Teams, Scouts and in the neighborhood.  In fact, now, I am thinking we need to cut back on so many activities away from the home.  He is definitely not sheltered or unsocialized.  He probably is a little spoiled, but I prefer to consider him "well loved."

Actually, I'm being Homeschooled too, being a mamma and teacher.  In our studies, I get to re-learn what I once knew, or learn what I should have learned a long time ago but didn't because the schools didn't teach it.  I particularly love History.  We use Tapestry of Grace.  We're on Year 1 now, and I have to say I love Ancient History in particular.  It is so fascinating.  When you Homeschool, you get to go back to school!  God is growing all of us. 

So, I hope this encourages you to consider Homeschooling as a choice for you.  I'll post later what curriculum we use at present.

Our Aquarium Day

Had a great day with Helen and Peter, from our church. The Aquarium is in Houston, TX. Tuesday is BOGO free (thanks Helen for the treat!). The place is nice. Although we felt sorry for the White Tiger.

The Picasa program is so easy to make a quick video. I love Big Band Swing, Beyond the Sea (music chosen for video). I hope you enjoy.

From Movies