School for the past two weeks

There aren't as many pictures for the past two weeks as I would have usually taken...and even though we've had some sickness, we honestly got quite a bit of work done.  I definitely let Grammar, Spelling, and Writing slide these two weeks. Those are subjects that the boys can't do independently (I read the lesson, or the words out loud to them, and we do it together), so, many days got skipped; but, they were ahead anyway...so I'm not concerned.

I was super proud of how much they took control of this week, in particular.  They knew where they were in Math, and let me know what lesson to watch on their dvd.  They went right along in all their other subjects and really took to "cuddle school" as we renamed "bed school" (I don't know why; but, yes, we did Bible, History, and Science on my bed...that is true; but, "bed school"...it just doesn't have a good sound to me???)

Anyway, just 3 more weeks of all the normal subjects and then it's Summer Break!  We'll take off a few days here and there; but, for the most part...I can't WAIT to get on with our Expedition Earth and Art curriculum from www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com and work on some typing skills and Swahili this summer, too!

My little artist in the making.  She and Gwangi really enjoy drawing and go through so much scrap paper.  Which reminds me, I need to ask Barbara and Stacy for another stack!

Her finished picture.  She made a beach scene, complete with turtle, water, and cut out shells from her "sh" worksheet because the Letter of the Week was "s"

Gwangi is officially all things 2nd Grade!  He has been moving into all his 2nd grade curriculum over the past 2 months...first in phonics and language arts/grammar...now, in math.  He was super excited.  I'll let him do the first couple of lessons and then we'll stop for the summer and pick back up again in the fall.  I have a review workbook for him to do this summer, so he doesn't forget all his basic math facts.  Oh, and he really likes "Math War", what a great card game to play with kids so they remember their basic addition and subtraction.

Not really a school picture; but, cute none-the-less.  The kids get mail from the ISMK office (International Society for Missionary Kids) and yes, they love the materials that are sent; but, they love the envelopes and the crafts they can make with them just as much.  This month, they made their own laptops.

Some of the books we were reading out of these past two weeks for History and Literature.  We have been focusing on the Revolutionary War, and really enjoying it quite a bit!

Krypto's 9th Birthday

I know, my oldest had a birthday....two weeks ago....and the party was 1 week ago.....

Forgive me for taking so long to get up these pictures.  Many of you know that it's been a tough week for me and that I've been fighting a recurring fever, headache, and a general achy feeling.  We're doing better, so on to the "catch up!"

Krypto trying to figure out how to blow up the "balloon launcher"

It was definitely some work; but, the kids got a kick out of how high the balloons would fly and we had several times where they almost went on a roof or in a tree.

The three-legged races.  Much more fun than I think anyone realized they would be.  I didn't get any pictures of the water balloon fight...it took me over 30 minutes to fill up a bathroom trash can full of water balloons.  They were gone in about 45 seconds :)!

Lois and Ariana ended up winning the award for "most races run"...every time they would say, "Can we go again?"

Then, we got the dads involved!  There was a couple's race too; but, unless Len puts up some pictures, I might be safe ;)!

The girls challenged their dads.

Singing and eating the cake

Sitting outside and relaxing

Thanks Grahams for the "Laurel and Hardy" disc.  We're on our 2nd time through.  Everyone's favorite is "Busy Bodies" and we had secondary votes for "Music Box", "Finishing Touch" and "Double Whoopie."  I think a Laurel and Hardy collection will be on our Amazon Wish List for a family Christmas gift this year...hint, hint!

Thanks Henslers for the Tin Tin book...that was a sure fire shot for Krypto as well!

Kites from the Devaishers.  Yep, and we had a windy day or two this week as well...too bad Mommy wasn't up for going outside and trying them out.  We'll get there!  And, there was an Amazon gift card from the Clendinens....more books on his Kindle!

Happy Birthday to my big boy....9 years old now!  Next up, we'll have a 7 year old in the house in 2 weeks!!!

More Good Books for your Kids to Read

Here it is...installment #2 of books that I think are good for kids to read.

Last time I focused more on whole sets of books and most of them were definitely "older" in their original publication dates.  The benefit of these older books is that they are usually free or pretty cheap on Kindle.  Also, because more people are interested in these classics, they are all being newly published, so you'll get a nice, newly printed edition if you order them through a publisher.

I did mention one series last time that is modern, the Landon Snow books.  Here is the review I included from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, if you missed it last time.  Krypto really enjoyed this series.

http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/3577.php

Now, on to other books and series that we've enjoyed recently.

1. The Carole Marsh Mysteries.  Her series by-line is "Real Kids, Real Places" and that is what she does....she sets each book in a real place that you can go and visit after reading the book (the Biltmore, Ft. Sumter, Disneyworld, New York City, The Alamo), and she has real kids that go along on the adventure and help to solve the mystery.  I know growing up that I liked to read the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books.  These just might be the answer to the "updated" children helping to solve a mystery genre.  By the way, Krypto just this week checked out the first in the Hardy Boys series.  I'll let you know what he thinks after he reads it.

2.  The Imagination Station series.  Do your kids like the "Adventures in Odyssey" radio drama?  Well, there are now 8 books that are out that have a "Magic Treehouse" like feel to them.  The kids travel through time...Medieval, Rome, Vikings, Marco Polo, War of the Roses, Bible times, Plymouth, etc. and meet historical characters and learn biblical lessons.  Krypto told me after he read the 5th one, "Showdown with a Shepherd," that the lesson was that it was more important to "have a giant faith in God than have a giant on your side."  I like that!

3.  Redwall.  Wow, twenty two books about animals that talk, in a made up fantasy world, and my boy is loving them.  I can hardly say anything more...so I asked Krypto, "If another kid asked you why they should read the Redwall series, what would you say?" His reply was, "Well, the characters are almost alive when you read them, I really like them, and all you really need is a good imagination and you feel like you're in the book."  I would say that is a pretty good referral for a kids' book.

4.  Jungle Doctor series.  You had to know I'd bring up something that is based in Africa, right?  This series was originally published in the '50s and has been republished many times.  They take place right here in Tanzania actually, at Mvumi hospital.  We got our set from Vision Forum, before we left the States, and I only brought the first 6.  Krypto was given the first 2 or 3 for Christmas and really liked the adventure aspect of them.  I definitely think it's important for young children to appreciate other cultures and you can't do that just by teaching them the history and geography of a country or a region.  They have to read the literature, too.  They need to see the different terms that are used, how people react and interact differently than we would in our Western society.  I'm sure there are many other series out there like this...if you're interested in a certain region or culture, do some internet searches.  You might be surprised at the books that will come to your attention.

5.  What about those of you that don't want to order a bunch of new books....well, do you have access to a library?  Maybe print off the Newberry and Caldecott Medal Winners.  The Newberry Award has been around since 1922 and Caldecott since 1938...you're talking about 165 books that are considered "the best of the best" each year.  Have we read them all, absolutely not :)....but, over time, I'm sure many of them will slip in either through interest, free reading, or because of school.

***Upon posting this, I felt a disclaimer was in order.  In no way have I read or even checked every title on the Newberry or Caldecott Medal Winner lists.  I'm sure that I would not agree with "every" book on the lists. SO, just being certain that you understand I am not blanket condoning reading an award winner, simply because it is an award winner.  As with all things, do your homework, read reviews, read a few chapters before your children do to be sure you approve, ask friends, PRAY about discernment, and take into account your own child's personality, maturity, dreams, emotional level, etc. when choosing books for them to read!!!!

Newberry List for you to print - includes Doctor Dolittle, The Tale of Despereaux, A Wrinkle in Time, Carry On Mr. Bowditch, Sarah Plain and Tall, etc, etc....
http://www.abcteach.com/free/n/newberywinners.pdf

Caldecott List for you to print - includes Snowy Day, Where the Wild Things Are, Invention of Hugo Cabret, Abraham Lincoln, Make Way for Ducklings, etc, etc....
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottwinners/caldecottmedal

Has any of this been helpful to you?  Have you gotten some new ideas?  Have you, or your children, read something recently that you just loved?  Let me know...maybe I should do another post about the books that I've been reading...hmmmm?!

What is Hope?

Have you ever had one of those moments when several aspects of your life all came together and you had an "aha!" moment?

We had one today...on my bed...while doing our History reading.

I help out with teaching Children's Church at our local International Church here in Tanzania.  Our "theme" this month has been the subject of "hope" and it's being taught over the 5 weeks of April by using the Easter story.

I taught the first Sunday of the month and again this weekend and there is no doubt in my mind that the kids now know that "Hope is believing that God will make something good out of something that is bad."

We see the characters in the Bible story lose hope when things are bad, find hope when things are going well...BUT, do they keep their hope when all looks to be lost?  Do they truly BELIEVE that God will make something good out of something that is bad?  Do you think any of them had that thought while they were standing on that hill and an earthquake was taking place all around them?

Do ANY of us then really have HOPE?

OR, is it convenient to say we hope in our Lord because things are going well for us....

I love seeing the threads of my children's life tapestry be woven before my eyes.

Today, we were reading "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch."  It is a Newberry Medal winner from 1956.  Do you think that is an old book?  Do you think your children would like it, or find it boring?  Let me tell you, mine love it and ask me everyday to "read one more chapter."  Yet another example of a classic story that has adventure, history, and a character lesson...but, I digress!

Let me say this, we are only about 8 chapters in and yet today, we learned about HOPE.  Little Nat Bowditch came from a poor family during the American Revolutionary War and to ease the pressure of one more mouth to feed, his father sells him into indentured service, for 9 years, to a chandlery (ie. a store that sells all things having to do with ships!)  Nat is super bright, he loves math, and his teacher at the local schoolhouse thinks he could go to Harvard.  Alas, he is sold at the age of 12 and so won't be free until he's 21, too late to attend Harvard.  Throughout his experiences he is sad that he isn't free.  Don't we all long to be free and make our own life choices; but, he has two very kind masters, he has more food and clothes than he had before and not only do they not work him hard and deny him an education, they further it.  They give him access to all kinds of books, supplies, allow him to visit his family and take time to learn about surveying, astronomy, Latin, etc.

At the end of the chapter today he finds out that his masters are selling their business to a new man.  He thinks that means he'll be free; but, the new man comes in to the shop and jokes with him that he values Nat and bought the chandlery "lock, stock, and bookkeeper."  Poor Nat crumples up the letter he was writing to a man that had promised him admission to Harvard IF he applied before he was 18.  He is now 17.  He owes 4 more years to the new master.  He is discouraged and has no hope.

As we finished the chapter and I started asking the kids what they thought, the idea of hope came up.  When will he realize that the Lord is orchestrating his life, he is much better taken care of where he is (his father was a drunk and his mother and grandmother die early on in the book), he is getting a much better education than he would have had he stayed at home.  Could he really have gone to Harvard if it wasn't for Mr. Ropes and Mr. Hodges taking him in and actually encouraging him to further his education?

We have a long way to go yet, more than 3/4th of the book actually; but, the kids really got it today that little Nat needs hope, he needs to TRUST God that His plan is bigger than our own, and even when things may look bad (but the kids pointed out that other than his "freedom", he actually has a much better life and future than he had before) that God will orchestrate it for His will and purpose.  Can we have HOPE that He will take care of this?  It's hard, I know, we all have this struggle, I'm sure of it.

What I am so thankful for is that they didn't just learn about HOPE at Church, they didn't just learn about HOPE at school, they didn't just read about HOPE in the Bible with me today.  They were able to put all those examples together and have an "aha" moment that I think will stick with them.

Because I made the commitment, long ago, that I would be involved and be present in every thread that goes into weaving my children's life tapestry, I get to be there to have that conversation, to remind them of that point when something bad happens next time and they seem to lose HOPE and have feelings of despair and hopelessness.  If I wasn't there to allow God to weave those themes together in their lives, who would do it?  Who cares more about their lives and the outcome than God and Indy and I do?  Honestly, no one.

At these lightbulb moments I usually quietly say "Thank You, God."  Thank you God for trusting me with these three little lights, these three lives that you could have put in ANY family; but, even with my personal failings, my strengths and weaknesses, you put them here...with Indy and I.  You called us to take that responsibility to weave those character threads so that when they are "old, they will not depart" from what they've been taught.  You've given us sufficient grace, when we butt heads, when I think "I can't do this one more day", I remember, God has a plan, he put these children here for a reason. I WILL study and read and work with all my might to do the right thing with God's provision...not with my own.  I cannot do this on my own, no one can, I would reason to say.

One last thought....One of my favorite quotes that I hear from fellow homeschoolers and moms... "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called!"

Amen to that, and thank you Lord for touching our hearts to be active parents and not abdicate our responsibility to weave those threads.  Thank you Lord!!!!!

Good Books for your Kids to Read

As a mom of younger children...ie. I don't have teenagers that are beginning to make their way in the world and have had 14+ years of loving parents pouring their time and God's Word into their heart so that they can accurately discern right from wrong and make decisions that would please God's heart....I am often confused and disheartened to hear other parents and teachers say that "classic literature" is boring, or too difficult for young children to understand, not relevant, not interesting, etc, etc.

I will not be disrespectful and "book bash" here; but, instead, I will start putting up blog posts and reviews of what I consider to be good literature for younger kiddos to read.  I don't expect to change anyone's mind...rather, I feel that by offering time tested options that are interesting, that are full of adventure, that I don't have to turn the other way because there is bad language or intense love/violent scenes, that have lessons of character that are good for the young and old to read, that by doing this and offering these options, that maybe, just maybe you might pick up a few for your own kids and realize that there are really some excellent "classic" books out there for your children to read, or have read to them.

1.  To start off, I'll tell you about some collections that we personally have purchased.  Here alone is a library to get you started and would keep any avid reader busy for quite some time.

http://www.yesterdaysclassics.com/o/ebooks.php

Last year, Yesterday's Classics ran a deal where 225 of their books were available for purchase on Kindle for just $99.  That's less than .50 a book!  They are currently for sale for $150.  If you scroll through the link listed above, you can see pictures of all the books included and brief paragraphs about what each book is about.  The books are divided into more than 20 genres/topics.

Krypto is currently reading "Boys and Girls of Colonial Days" for our Tapestry of Grace curriculum. After he read 2 chapters of it this morning, he came out talking all about the story of the girl that was making soap while her mother went to visit a sick neighbor with her herbs.  The Indians came to visit and they had turkeys for sale.  Knowing that her family would want a turkey for their holiday dinner; but, having no money, she traded her soap for the turkey and then realized that she didn't have anymore soap.  She made another batch and Krypto said it was a whole "How to" on the process of making soap.  He wanted to try it, right then, and see if the hen's egg would float on the top like the girl in the story said it would.

That is a great story in my mind!  You have history, education, it's exciting, and there is moral development going on as well.  From this series we've read several other books, mostly history; but, they were all enjoyable to an 8/9 year old!

2.  Another large collection that would keep most any child busy for months on end...

http://www.henty.com/s86p1428.htm

Have you heard of GA Henty?  Even the other day when I was watching Downton Abbey, they mentioned him in the show!  Yes, a British Author that had boys and wanted them to have character building, adventure stories.  He tied them all into a historical time period and so you get some history, a character lesson, lots of adventure, and a gospel message at the same time.  Interested... you can get the individual books for free on Amazon OR pay a couple of dollars (maybe $4) and buy a collection of all of them together.  There is also the option to buy them in paperback and hardback if you so desire.  Let's just say, we have the entire collection on Kindle and about 20 of them in hardback in storage.

3.  http://www.visionforum.com/browse/product/complete-rm-ballantyne-adventure-library/

In the same vein as Henty...what about RM Ballantyne?  A Scottish man who traveled to America, worked in publishing, and was an artist.  Again, adventure stories, more geared to boys; but, I've heard of lots of girls that have enjoyed this series of books.  On Amazon, I think you can get the whole series for about $2.

4.  http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/

Another group of hundreds of good books would be the Lamplighter Series.  We have probably more than 30 of them, mostly in storage...and a few on Kindle.  I've incorporated them into the kids' free reading time and this summer I had Krypto read and write a review on "Sir Knight of the Splendid Way."  Also this past summer, at the homeschool convention in Winston-Salem; Krypto spent his own money to buy one of them, "The Lost Ruby."  Here's what the website says in a review of "The Lost Ruby"...

This is the story of young Lieutenant Wildberg and the heavy price he paid for succumbing to the subtle temptation of wordly logic.  Though at first his "indiscretion" seemed to accomplish a great and noble good, it eventually brought grief  and harm to those he loved.  He learned that "Even the most trivial lie is an evil seed."


5.  If you want something that was published in the past 20 years or so.... :), here is a series we recently found and truly enjoyed.  The Landon Snow series.  Let's just say Krypto was carried away, he loved the Narnia series and this reminded him of it and a bit of "Alice in Wonderland", too.  He instantly noticed the Biblical allegory, it wasn't subliminal in anyway and we had some great conversations about the books.  In no way am I saying that modern publishing can't put out good books; but, I do feel they are much fewer and farther between.

Here's a review of the Landon Snow series from "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine"

http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/3577.php

There are so many other good books out there.  As a family we've listened to the Narnia audio series done by  Focus on the Family.  We're reading through the Little House books as a family too, currently, we've been reading "Little House by Silver Lake" though there's been a bit of a hiatus as we read "Amon's Adventure" for Lent.

I'm planning on posting more about good books that we read.  Awesome options that your children will want to read.  You won't have to say "No, you can't read that" anymore or "Well, at least they're reading", or even worse "Well, they're going to read it anyway"...instead, when you question a book that your child has picked up at the library (and as parents we should be careful what those little eyes, ears and minds take in...remember the children's song "oh be careful little eyes what you see...") and aren't convinced it's worthy of a read, don't think it's inevitable that they'll read it anyway, have a substitute...an option for them.

As a parent, we have to be involved, we have to question everything that goes into making them the person they are going to become.  Once those images or ideas are in there, it's much harder to get them out.  My children dream vividly and take most things at face value, they are too young to be overly analytical at this stage.  That is why God gave children parents, to do the analyzing and shield their children from the inappropriate material that is bombarding them in this world.  They'll have time enough as teenagers and young adults to spread their wings and discern right from wrong; but, if we've spent those first 14 years pouring the good in, I'm convinced that they will be much better able to make the "right" decision without much help from us.  We'll be there, and I hope they will come back to us for wisdom and advice; but, I'll feel comfortable and sure that my little birds will soar!!!!

Easter Week and Mission Meeting

This was a busy week, full of lots of rejoicing and being with friends!  Enjoy as you share it with us...through pictures :)!!!  Happy Easter, He is Risen!!!

Earlier this week, as we're leaving to go to a meeting, we saw this guy outside of our house.  He was no kidding, two feet long.

Sissi was working on her art work (Fashion Plates) and writing her name...I love the backwards "s" that she started her last name with, and then she fixed it.

She loves to make faces and have me take pictures...oh yeah, material for when she starts dating.

Mother and Daughter Dance Night

Everyone got involved, even though the speakers for the music didn't really work.

I think a storm is coming.

Indy talking to Babu, the resident Grandpa

Kari and Bibi

Sissi and Zachary at the pool

Getting ready for one of the meetings.

Saying goodbye to the Ness Family, just one of 3 that is leaving TZ in the next few months.

Easter Morning

My girl...we loved trying out a new hairstyle from http://www.princesshairstyles.com/

Another cute shot...it turned out so nice!

My big 9 year old!

The Hip Hop team at the Ocean with several new songs/raps today.

Another great shot of the group.

And another.  They are very talented.

This morning, Gwangi, playing with his action figures.

Easter Walk Through Experience at HOPAC

Today was the Easter Presentation at HOPAC.  There were 8 scenes or stations set up around the campus that told the story of the Passion of Christ.  The student body was broken up into groups and traveled around to each scene.  At the end, they were able to discuss with their group what they saw and put the events into order.  

I was asked to help with the first scene, the Triumphal Entry.  The group that started at our station was the only group that saw the story presented in order, everyone else had to rotate through the stations starting at a different scene, or else we would have been there all day!

Since I was helping to present and narrate our scene, I wasn't able to travel around with the kids and take pictures.  Thankfully our friend Becky took my camera and captured a few on film.  Also, Jim, our secondary principal took a few and forwarded them to me via email tonight.  Thanks guys!  I can't wait to see what pictures others took as well!

Marla as the disciple, Indy as Jesus, and Sue as Martha talking about Lazarus being dead

The kids waving palm branches and throwing out kangas for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem

Most of our group...Marla, Indy, Grace as Lazarus, and Laura as a townsperson

Here they are "selling" stuff in the Temple before Jesus comes in and over throws the tables

Esther and Sissi "selling" rice and potatoes

During this scene they were talking about how much perfume would have cost back in Jesus' time

Laura was about to put perfume on Jesus' feet

During this station, they each got a turn washing someone's feet and then traded to have their feet washed

Cross Hill

Graveyard scene, Ben is asking them if they can lift this rock...then related it to the size of the rock that was over the the door to Jesus' tomb

This was HOPAC's first year with this type of Easter presentation.  I'm excited to see how it will grow next year!  Praying you all have a very wonderful upcoming Easter!