Sweet Words

Yesterday was my annual teacher in-service day, also known as the home school curriculum fair. I am always inspired by the seminars I attend and the resources I find. I was so engrossed in it all that it wasn't until I was signing a purchase receipt at 2:45 and found my hand shaking that I realized I hadn't had lunch yet.

The kids were happy to have a day with the principal, also known as Daddy.

I was happy to come home and find that while D told Daddy it was a great day, he also said it would be a thousand times better if Mommy would just get home.

Camping

When you live in the country, you don't have to go far to camp.

We surprised the kids by setting up the tent in the yard a few nights ago and giving them new sleeping bags. They were very excited, to say the least. We let them play in it awhile, ate s'mores (not in the tent though -- no need to attract bugs with crumbs,) and read stories as we settled in for the night. We found room for a cot, an air mattress, and the toddler bed mattress.

My husband and I were awoken by the resident fox family - the adults and kits calling out -- more than once, and a brief sprinkle or two. The air also leaked out of some hole in the air mattress on which I was sleeping, so that got a little interesting as the night progressed. If I slept on my side my hip touched the ground and got cold!! The kids woke up early because it was so light outside compared to their rooms. And proceeded to wiggle and move and snuggle with everyone else.

Last night they wanted to sleep in the tent by themselves and we let them. They did it, too! I expected them to get scared and come back inside, but they weren't concerned. How neat! I put books by their beds, so D read in the morning until E woke up and they came inside.

Today we had school in the tent.

Life is good! Thank you, Lord!

Field Day!

Field Day is so much fun -- one of the things I'm so glad my kids don't miss out on just because we home school! This year's highlights (for their age group):

D -

2nd place mile run (I think, they messed up the results)

1st place hula hoop (5 minutes one hoop, 3:54 with two hoops)

3rd place boys team relay

2nd place boys 3 legged race

2nd place jump rope

1st place boys back to back race

E -

3rd place girls team relay

1st place participation ribbon

Lesson on Japan

Today we studied Japan -- Sadako, paper cranes, Sumo wrestling (you can see their bottoms!), our names in characters, sandals, the royal family, etc. We ended with a Japanese meal -- vegetable noodles and sushi. Our version: cheese stick wrapped with ham slices and lettuce (we've had the real version and it isn't a favorite.) We ate at the coffee table with chopsticks from Japan, in our kimonos, thanks to our Aunt, who has traveled there.

Pinecorn Anyone?

(E's word for Pineapple)

Our Home School Group

Well, most of us!

Another One-Liner from E

While playing with Bendaroos, and having a really good time:
"These will really make your eye holders pop out!"