Homeschool Beginnings (Then and Now . . .)

Suffice it to say, I am a little behind on blogging, but since this is the only record of our lives these days (oh how sad!) I am going to back it up and write a few posts that should have been written months (technically years ago now) . . .

Since we've just begun our second semester of homeschooling studies, what better time than to write about the "First Day of School" back in August?!?  (Don't answer that question all you sarcastic smarty pants out there!)

Every year I eagerly anticipate the beginning of homeschooling only a little less than I anticipate the end of it.  For me, the best part of homeschooling is what happens between the end of one year and the beginning of the next--that is the ordering and organizing of materials.  (Sorry, remember I am writing this post in the middle of the homeschool year!)  However, this year I was especially excited to begin our studies as I felt completely prepared for the first. time. ever.

I wanted the first day to be something special and inspiring in order to set the tone for the weeks to come.  So, we had a "kitchen table pep rally"  complete with giant pom poms and streamers hanging from the ceiling.  Nathanael was our motivational speaker who shared some words on our theme verse Proverbs 8:10-11 which we have  kept visible throughout the year:

"Choose my instructions instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare"

Nathanael and I shared special letters we had written to each boy sharing some thoughts and prayers about their unique gifts.  I gave them new binders with our "school motto" (We learn not for school but for life) printed on the cover page and a pencil case filled with brand new school supplies and a couple special treats.  We ate a special breakfast and spent time talking about our hopes, dreams, and goals for this school year and then began the work of accomplishing them.

This year has been a wonderful year of learning and being together at home--even with all the usual challenges of trying to teach one's own children.  As always, I think I learn much more than the children, but that is one of the perks of being on this journey together.  I'm looking forward to the second part of this year living life and learning together.

At the end of our first week, we celebrated with homemade doughnuts on Saturday morning . . . a perfect way to end the week for both teacher and students.

"Afro Circus . . ."

Aye, Aye, Captain!

Each night after Nathanael reads to the boys, we send them upstairs to get ready for bed--a process that should take less than 5 minutes, but often takes significantly longer.  When the boys are ready to be tucked in, they call us from their beds.

Last night, after finishing a chapter in Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, a novel about the real-life pioneer of modern navigation Nathaniel Bowditch, the boys went up as usual.  A few minutes later, we were summoned with a hearty, "All hands on deck!  Topside!"

Aye, aye, Captain Ethan!

The Mouse Speaks . . .

Between Micah and Ethan, we've had quite a few laughs around here lately.  The boys have said some funny things quite unintentionally, and knowing myself, I need to get them written down before life moves on and I forget. Unfortunately some of these were at my expense, but they really did make me laugh.

A deacon at our church:  "Wow, Ethan!  You are getting almost as big as your mom!"

Ethan, quite earnestly:  "Which way?"

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Ethan, after hearing me sigh as I got off the scale:  "The ol' scale giving ya problems?"

Always, Ethan, always!

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As a family we occasionally enjoy watching Food Network shows like "Chef vs. City" or "Chopped."

Ethan, passing by the stove where I am cooking bacon and pointing a critical finger at an underdone piece:  "I would never serve that in my restaurant."

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Ethan, after eating pan-seared chicken Nathanael had prepared:  "Dad, you way over-seasoned the chicken.  It's just too spicy for my small palate."

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Micah, singing along with a Scripture song:  "Out of the overflow of the heart, the 'mouse' speaks."  

I wonder what the mouse was saying?

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Two weeks ago when Nathanael preached, he used power point, but kept pushing the sensitive remote button too hard and skipping ahead.  Micah must have observed that; so this week when Nathanael preached again using a power point slide, Micah piped up just as everything was dead silent.

Micah:  "Daddy!!!" (Me whipping around to quiet him quickly, face turning scarlet.)

Nathanael:  Yes, son?

Micah:  "Wemember, don't pwess the button too hawd."

And this is the son we can hardly get to say "hello" when meeting people.  He chooses the most interesting moments to decide to talk.  Micah later explained to a deacon, who thought his outburst was hilarious, that the first week everyone had laughed at his daddy and he didn't want them to laugh at him again this week.  Well, guess who they are laughing at now, Micah!?!

Turning Ten

In celebration of your 10th birthday, Ethan, I have created a little list to celebrate the things I see in you.  


10 Things I Love About You

1.  I love your friendly nature--always ready to meet and make new friends.

2.  I love your enthusiasm for trying new foods.  You are always up for a gastronomical adventure.

3.  I love your growing appreciation and love of good literature.  I even love the fact that you, like your father, can't wait to share snippets of the book you are reading.  You often follow me around the house, book in hand, saying, "Mom, listen to this . . ."

4.  I love your messy hair and constant "bed head" look.

5.  I love the way God has given you spiritual insight and an ability to connect the dots between God's Word and daily life.

6.  I love your artistic bent and your style of drawing--so detailed and full of action.

7.  I love your inquisitive, curious mind and appreciate your grace when I don't know all the answers.

8.  I love how you care for and protect your younger brother defending him when you feel he has been treated unjustly.  In fact, you always stand up for justice and fight for the underdog.

9.  I love that you want to be right in the middle of all conversations--especially adult ones.

10.  I "literately" love the way you use words and your expanding vocabulary.  (You've been learning the difference between "literally" and "literately" through a process of trial and error.)

Happy Birthday, Ethan!  I love you.

 Lego head cake pops

 The Lego Challenge Scavenger Hunt

 The original Lego creation

 Working on the replica

 Ethan's Lego buddies

Be Careful Little Lips What You Say

I overheard Ethan have the following brief interchange with his Uncle Walter who has been learning Russian:

U. Walter reading from a Russian text: "See, now that word is a verb."

Ethan: "What does it mean?"

U. Walter: "I don't know."

Ethan: "Then you better be careful how you use it."

So true. So true.

Daddy Does It Best

The boys, but especially Ethan, have been captivated by the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. Nathanael has read the first two books to them at bedtime over the last few months. Nathanael reads with great expression and enjoys giving each character a different voice. The boys love it, and from what I can hear from the kitchen, it's pretty impressive.

Recently, we found the third book in audio format at the library--a version read by the author and a cast of actors. Ethan rushed to put it on as soon as we arrived home. He listened for a while and then sauntered into the kitchen and said, "This one's okay, but Daddy does the best voices."

Now You Are Nine

Ethan, it seems like yesterday you were a chubby-cheeked, bald baby who charmed everyone you met with an easy smile. Your eyes sparkled when you grinned from ear to ear, and you lived up to your name which means "happy" and "steady." You're the boy who's always up for anything from playing dress up with cousins to trying new, exotic foods. You are equally pleased out playing soccer or sitting at the table drawing a sketch. You have a hard time choosing your favorite subject in school because you love them all (except math, that is).

Your love for God is most commonly expressed in a sensitive and compassionate heart and an authentic desire to do what is right and good. I love to watch you worship on Sunday mornings at church. You like to sing, but you express your praise best by beating out a rhythm on your lap or the chair in front of you.

This year your Dad took you to Medieval Times as your birthday gift. When you found out that you would be going, you pulled me aside and asked if your brother Micah could come, too. You really wanted to share that experience with him and didn't want him to be left out. The two of you talked non-stop when you got back from your outing--taking turns telling all the details. And that's another thing I like about you: you love to talk! Your Grandpa once told me his mom had to converse with an imaginary friend at the dinner table because her three sons wouldn't talk. I don't think I'll ever have to resort to that!

We love you and are blessed to be your parents! This year your birthday fell on Good Friday, so this post is a little belated just like your birthday celebration. Happy Birthday!

A Bad Combination: Shin Guards, Soccer, and Sweat

Ethan, as he removes his soccer gear on Saturday: "Oh, these smell awful. Daddy; you have got to smell this! Ewwww!"

Nathanael: "I don't need to smell them. I know they smell bad."

Ethan, following after Nathanael: "You have to smell it. It's the sweat of my labors."

"Bad" Words

As we drove home from church on Sunday, I expressed to Nathanael my shock and concern at a word used in a children's movie the kids had watched on Saturday. It was the second time I had encountered this word in a kids' movie recently. Ethan overheard our conversation from the back seat and was, of course, very curious when I spelled the word to Nathanael. He asked what we were talking about, and I told him that there was a word in the movie he had watched that I didn't care for. Without a moment's hesitation, he said, "Oh, 'insignificant'?"

Apparently, Ethan had found the word "insignificant" to be highly offensive:). His next guess was "coward," and that's when I informed him I wouldn't be sharing the word with him. I can be thankful that he didn't even come close to guessing it, but it does make me wonder exactly what he thinks "insignificant" means.

One Hot Woman

Although this series of exchanges between my seven-year-old and me is slightly embarrassing to relate, it's too funny not to share.

Act I

Ethan getting ready for bed last night: "Mom, is it true that people who have more fat on their bodies stay warmer?"

Me: "I would say that is generally true."

Ethan: "Wow, you must be very hot!"

Act II

Ethan shivering at dinner tonight: "Mom, can you come warm me with your fat?"

Me: "I'm not sure that is the best use of my fat right now."

Ethan: "Could you please just come and use your enormous warmth on me?"

Well, at least these extra pounds are good for something!

The Great Ham Wars

Seven-year-old running through house to kitchen sink with dripping water gun in hand yells: "Mom, I need more hammo!"

He runs away to join the fight--a Monty Pythonesque war in which large Spam balls catapult through the air. At least, that's how I envision it.

The Darndest Things

Seven-year-old calling out from the bathroom where he has been planted for the last 20 minutes: "I wish I were a king, then I could command everyone to wipe me."

Brings new meaning to the term "throne."