Our Joy His Glory

8.27.2013

life-n-pics

Here we go--another life-n-pics post...

The girls went to a friend's bday party at The Pottery Cafe--such a neat place. I noticed that most of the girls picked a dolphin, ladybug, or puppy to paint. Not my girls! Edy chose a dragon and AG chose a C-A-T!!! A CAT!!!!!!??????? She's revolting against her momma!

Joy loves the bumbo seat
AG started soccer practice--she's on an all girls team in Bullard
Joy hanging out at soccer practice
Bottle #3 and she still refuses. HELP!!!!! Suggestions??

Graham's parents have been visiting. Graham learned how to make his mom's peanut butter fudge and divinity. I learned how to make her pecan pie ~~for the third time~~. I'm a slow learner!

Monday, AG started Classical Conversations (CC). It was FANTASTIC and I am so thankful that we get to be a part of this group. We started the day with memory work, then we had Latin, Geography, Grammar, a science experiment, an art lesson, more memory work, and then lunch/recess.

Joy is steadily learning new things. She is close to rolling over and she can hold her head up really well.

I love routines and being back in the swing of things, but at the end of the day...I'm pooped!

8.20.2013

First Grade

Although we had "school" throughout the summer off and on, we officially started back up yesterday.

Even homeschoolers need "first day" pics!

We are excited to start the Classical Conversations group this year. It will be every Monday and provide memory work, fine arts, science projects, presentations, and time with other kiddos. We are looking forward to it. I'm especially pumped about it because I'll finally get together with other homeschooling moms and have an outlet. I've felt as if I'm on an island all by my lonesome. Yes, there are many homeschoolers in our area, but there aren't as many going the classical route.

I know there are many strong opinions on public education vs. homeschooling and vice versa. I get asked about my decision to homeschool frequently. I can't say that I was PRO homeschool from the moment I had kids. In the beginning, I really didn't even considered it as an option. It wasn't until we moved to Texas that the decision to homeschool was a no-brainer. I even fought it off for the first few years as I explored every.single.other.option to no avail.

Although the educators in our area are top-notch and I have complete confidence in their ability to educate my kiddos, there are other situations/circumstances/legistics/whatever you want to call them that have led to our decision to homeschool. After much prayer, support from others, and long discussions, we came to the decision to school at home. I don't understand why that decision offends people, but it does--it absolutely does.

How long will you homeschool? I get asked that a lot. Apparently, it's thought one would eventually give-up, change her mind, and integrate her kids into the public school system. Honestly, I don't know how long we will go this route. It's my belief that we will homeschool for good, but I can't say for certain. We are taking it year by year.

I would love to connect with other homeschooling families. Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions, tips, or links to helpful homeschooling blogs, materials, etc. I would also love to hear from all of you homeschooling moms with blogs that I can follow--link in so we can stay connected.

Click HERE for last year's first day.

8.19.2013

Trip to B-A-B

We've been avoiding Build-A-Bear for some time, but Aunt Dorothy promised AG she would take her for her 6th bday. The girls absolutely had a blast. What kid wouldn't?

Couldn't leave out Joyful--she got a Small-Fry Bear.

Thanks, Aunt Ann for Joy's little bear. Thanks, Aunt Dorothy for making the big girls day! They had a wonderful time.