I love Homeschooling!

I do...I really do.  Yes, the days are crazy and no, it feels like I am NEVER alone, and my life revolves around our school days sometimes but I really do love homeschooling.  I love that we can take our time on a subject, that we can park on something if it is taking a little longer to grasp the concept, that we have flexibility in our days and that my kids have the freedom to explore and research things they are interested in.  Most recently, I have loved watching Hannah and her love for animals and especially birds.  The pictures here show her making a bird trap.  She went online and researched how to make a bird trap, how to take care of birds and what they like to eat and what they need and took notes on it all.  (Um yes, she thinks she is getting a pet bird at some point...not so much).  I was reminded of how blessed we are to be able to homeschool.  I know if my kids didn't have the time the they do in the afternoons, they wouldn't be able to explore the way they do.  I just love what we do! I know it's not for everyone, but I am so glad God saw fit to call us to homeschool.  

Note:  If you haven't heard of it yet, www.kiddle.co is an awesome search engine for kids to use without you having to worry what would show up on google when they are doing research. Check it out!

The bird lover. 

Setting the trap with bird seed to lure her friends. 

Of course Jonas is right there learning from his big sister. 

This was from the fall when Hannah just got excited about writing on her own.  This was her AWANA Bible verse that she practiced writing on the whiteboard.  Love this...

Ok, this was one was from a couple years ago but it is still my favorite...don't you wish she were running for president this fall?!?!

Happy Birthday Josiah

Josiah turned 9 in March and wanted a Nerf gun party. Though I love having their birthday parties at home, living in New England (you know, where it was 80 last week and snowed 5 inches yesterday!) can cause a problem for a Nerf gun party with 9 boys!  I didn't want to take a chance so we held the party at the gym at our church.  SO GLAD WE DID because we needed the space.  Josiah said it was the best party he's had so far!  I was glad to hear that because this mama didn't have to put in as much work as usual...just made sure there was enough ammo and food!  All the boys had fun!  And yes, we had most of these guns. You don't realize how many you have until you pull them out for a party...but I am glad we did!!!

The Armory... 

Of course, with a bunch of boys, there MUST be a refueling station. 

One of the battle training stations. 

Ready for battle 

Auntie Lauren does it again! 

Loading up for the big Nerf battle! 

Do you think this birthday boy is having a good time!?!? 

Caleb scoping out his hiding place (except his 18 month old cousin Jasmine kept giving him away!). 

BLAST!!!! 

Yes, the littlest one has the biggest gun right here. 

Happy Birthday Josiah!!!