We are well into our school year already. Phew. That went by quickly, I sometimes feel we haven't started yet, but when I look at the boys binders I can see we've accomplished alot. Routines have been established and we are seeing alot of enjoyment in learning. We have some pretty incredible curriculum this year which makes it fun for me and super informative and exciting for the boys. I often have to finish my chores in the morning in a hurry since they are already sitting at the kitchen table getting a head start on their math and writing. A few Saturdays Andy and I have found them up and at-er before we are even ready for breakfast, so there's more time to play. It's quite disappointing when they find out they could have played all day without even having had to do any school, with it being Saturday! Don't get me wrong, not all days are fun and easy, but I would say the norm here is good.
Rowan wants to be in on the fun, so he can often be found working on his own projects and doing "Maff". The other day while we were eating lunch he was still trying to do his math. We were all talking and he finally put his hands over his ears and shouted "Can you please be quiet! I'm trying to concentrate!" We burst out laughing. He gets an "A" for effort. Abby has some puzzles she likes to play with but normally she has a nice nap in the mornings and for the rest toddles around being a a cheerful little lady.
We are using "The Story of the World Volume 2" for history, and it's been oh so interesting and fun. This is the first time I've been using their Audio book which is a perfect way to make sure it all gets done and redone (I find repeating things always a good idea, and the information sticks much better). We listen to it in the van on the way to music lessons on Mondays. There is really, truly, complete silence in the van while we sit and enjoy the voice of Jim Weiss, telling great tales of the worlds history. Projects ensue.
Music. That's a new thing this year too. We can take them in a group class offered thru the University of Lethbridge's new arts centre, the CASA. It's an elementary introduction to music, focusing on singing, and theory. They also got to do four special classes on world drumming and in the spring, Violin. I'm thrilled with the program and so are Seth and Tristan. It's neat to see how they use it in everyday life, like finding the life beat for memory work songs etc. It's also been really handy for me since it gives me a good reason to go into the city and get some necessary things done. As well as unnecessary things, like the occasional lunch date with my boys. :)
Andy gets excited about some of the science experiments we get to do, and helped make a plaster volcano, which was alot of fun, and had to be enjoyed with several of their friends who came over to play. And yes, I went thru
alot of baking soda and vinegar:)
Just this week we went to a tour at the Taber RCMP office. Great fun of course. The jail cell made the kids a little nervous;) but I'm pretty sure that sitting in the front seat of the Police truck, being handcuffed and the goody bag they all received filled with tattoos, a ruler, pencil and paper hat more then made up for that. :) Constable Wierenga, a friend from church, was part of the tour, and we enjoyed that.
And then there's hockey. Which happens Saturday mornings this year. Our new coach happens to be our very own Pastor Tyler and he is very good at coaching too! The kids are picking up more skill and it's an hour well spent, leaving rosy cheeks and sweaty heads. Never mind the huge appetite for lunch afterwards!
So you can see, our days are full, there's always something to do no matter where a person lives.
On top of that I try to keep the kids fed and healthy, so there's usually something yummy sitting on the countertop or stove and if you ever care to join us, we'd stop and make a pot of coffee to share. :)
And a favourite quote to end this post:
