Holiday Homeschool Happenings
With all the holiday happenings, plus my grandmother’s passing on Thanksgiving day, I’m just beginning to get my head back on straight — so this post is probably a bit more disjointed than usual.
I got on a SUPER house cleaning spree earlier this week — partly because it’s therapeutic for me, and partly because I need to feel like the house is clean and organized before I can clutter it back up with Christmas stuff. After the house was sparkling clean, we put up and decorated our Christmas tree. Of course, hot chocolate was involved; that just makes the decorating more fun. 😉
The girls had their last day of enrichment classes for 2012. Which means that soon, I get to go wait in line to sign them up for next semester. {Oh, joy.}
Kathryn has been experimenting with my wooden Native American flute. I thought about trying to practice and re-learn the standard flute (like she’s been playing), but I think I’m going to take back up my wooden flute, AND I’d love to finally learn to play the piano. Doing something musical will serve to stretch this Mama-brain into some areas it’s been lacking lately — and I’d like to set a good example in continuing education.
We are digging back into Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Zoology. It’s one we use, put away a while, and then start again. I like that it’s flexible enough to do that. Kathryn was inspired to make a seal out of clay. I love when crafty creativeness comes out of any subject!
I’ve been researching more resources to keep fueling Kathryn’s interest in astronomy. Got any suggestions? I’d love to hear them! I plan to write a post soon to compile all the sites and resources I know of.
{Clockwise: my morning Bible study; one of our astronomy books; Kathryn working on a project; Ken starting a weekend of long-procrastinated outdoor projects}
I’m linking today with:
– Homeschool Mother’s Journal at iHomeschool Network
– Weekly Wrap-Up at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers
– Collage Friday hostess Mary at Home Grown Learners
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Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »
For us setting up the Christmas Tree has always involved Egg Nog with nutmeg on top and Christmas Cookies. I have to find time to make the cookies…
Astronomy Sites
https://www.zooniverse.org/ Crowd Sourced Science Projects like helping identify Galaxies
http://www.heavens-above.com/ Lets you see what satellites, stations are going overhead.
I am doing a series on space for Blogging through the Alphabet. I misunderstood the premise and though I needed a over arching theme.
I mostly use Wikipedia for my own research, so I lok forward to see what else is out their for the kids.
Too bad I don’t live north of Atlanta, or I could give you piano lessons, Jamie! I think learning something musical definitely stretches your brain. I often sit down and play new things just to keep my skills in tact.
I was so sorry to hear about your grandmother, but it seems such a blessing that you got to say your goodbyes and have some precious memories with her. I’m sure this Christmas will be difficult without her.
Enjoy your weekend – your tree is beautiful!
My condolences, again, on your grandmother’s passing. That’s a tough thing to deal with, especially on a holiday. I totally agree about having to clean the house before putting out Christmas decor – I made an exception this year for the tree. It’s the only thing up, but I’m not doing ANYTHING else until I get this place cleaned and ready! Cannot believe tomorrow is December 1st! Looks like yall had a great week! Blessings!
I was sorry to read about your grandmother passing, but glad for her and your family that she was at home. The part about her seeing her husband in his suit telling her to hurry up brought tears to my eyes. It’s great to think of being met by a loved one from heaven to “take us on a trip.”
Kudos to you for leading by example in the continuing education department. It is the best way to teach our kids (by example) but often the hardest!
We recently took a trip to Fernbank to see the “Cowboy Astronomer” show and peep through the telescopes at the observatory. The girls really enjoyed it and it fueled an interest in all things celestial.
So sorry about your Grandmother, but glad you all were able to be there with her as she went Home.
The tree is lovely!
Oh We love APOLOGIA SCIENCE! I love your blog and I pray for continued blessings 🙂 It really is lovely 🙂
You are ahead of me. I am hoping our tree goes up today.
Blessings, Dawn
I am sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. Your tree is quite elegant.
I started a brand new blog linky today and would love to have you stop by and share some of your ideas! Thanks so much!
http://www.teachbesideme.com/2012/12/share-it-saturday-numero-uno.html
I , too, love a clean house before we put up the tree. I cleaned this week in the hopes that we can get it all up tomorrow. I think learning to play an instrument would be fun. I learned the piano when I was young and could play pretty well, but I haven’t played in quite a while.