Homeschooling, unschooling, schooling, schooling, schooling

I am not sure what type of schoolers you would call my family, but whatever it is, we have fun. Monday we took a field trip to the interpretive center in South Charleston. My 9 yr old learned all about the Native Americans, how to make glass, and a little bit about the local history of mining. It was very interesting. I was really proud of him as he sat and listened for almost an hour to the tour guide explain the significance of the exhibits and artifacts. I love that I can take him to a place like and let him learn history by experiencing it first hand. ( not just through a book).
We then went to a nearby park and did fill in the blank Bible Verses and addition facts with sidewalk chalk. I love that God has granted me the knowledge about learning styles and the ability to put it into practice with a variety of ways.

Tuesday we went to a homeschool co op. The boys were able to hear a devotion, discuss the frogs in the story of Moses and the 10 plagues, dissect a handmade edible frog, receive a cool packet of info on frogs, and dissect a real frog. It was so cool and informative. Again my 9 yr old had a great time, and even shared some of his new found knowledge related to frog anatomy. He wants to do more frog dissections at home with his dad and me, so he can tell us more about the various frog organs he encountered.

Today we went to the local science and technology kids museum. They watched a movie about the fighter pilot and my 8 yr old was enthralled with this. They were also able to play with the Lego movie making exhibit, the hydro power / water erosion exhibit, and see some of their friends.

Its such a cool thing to know how your kids learn best and find ways to incorporate that knowledge into daily lesson plans. Its a heart warming experience to see their eyes light up when they learn something new or when their mind is finding ways to incorporate their new found knowledge into some practical technology. I feel so blessed to be a part of this, and all the conversations that pop up just because I am with them and willing to listen. Maybe this is how God feels when we come to HIM in prayer?

tacky humor

My husband insisted that I share this little story, so here goes. I was up early Saturday morning with my 2 yr old. I was checking email when I passed gas, rather loudly.
My two yr old looked at me and with a gasp said , "what was that ? "
I quickly replied, "a tree frog".
His quick response was , "a tree frog up your butt?"...
He then made a quick transition to " knock, knock, who's there..".
" who is there?" I responded.
"A tree frog up your butt..", he says.

Somehow I did not think two yr olds were supposed to actually "get" humor. It seems this one does though. Of course I had to tell my older boys. They laughed hysterically . They loved that they had passed on their creative sense of humor to their little brother. It was great to see them laugh, even if I was the ahem, "butt" of the joke. (pun intended).

ah well, the family that laughs together, ... hmm well , they have a lot of fun I guess.

Seasons Change

Warm apple cider, leaves changing color, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, crisp morning air; it all signifies the slide into autumn. From bare feet, splashing in pools, and ice cream melting as you eat it, we transition to hoodie jackets, fall festivals, and Christmas decorations on store shelves. Life too has seasons of change. Summer has always been my favorite season because of the carefree, warm, days. Yet now, I find myself looking forward to a change. We had a great summer, but its time for cooler weather. Life too has times which we enjoy and cherish, but then it is time for a change.