Elf On The Shelf: Operation Ralph!

Operation Ralph begins tonight!  For the next few weeks Ralph will be handing out assignments to encourage the kids to do random acts of kindness.  An assignment will be given every other day through December 25th and will include a Bible verse for the kiddos to look up. Our goal is for the kids to focus on the real reason for the season and to share God's love with others.

ASSIGNMENT #1

Elf On The Shelf With A Twist

I have already started to think about how I will approach Elf on the Shelf this year. Although we do not participate in the Santa tradition, my kids had fun seeing what our crazy Elf was up to each night knowing that mom was behind the silly antics.  It was all in good fun but frankly it was a lot of work. I would still like to bring Ralph the Elf out this year but have decided to go in a different direction. Ralph will only make appearances every other day beginning December 1 and will be leaving holiday assignments for the kids to complete. These assignments will focus on putting others first. I would like to include scripture verses with each assignment. Ralph's every other day appearances will allow the kids time to complete their assignment. I have several ideas already but would love some suggestions. Here is what I have so far...

 Elf on the Shelf Holiday Assignments

1. Buy a gift for a needy child. 

2. Do something kind for a friend.

3. Make and send a Christmas card to a senior in our church. 

4. Make & deliver baked goods to a neighbor or shut-in. 

5. Donate some of your toys & clothes to the needy. 

6. Secretly pay for a family's meal. 

7. Leave a tract in a public place. 

8. Do something thoughtful for your siblings. 

9. Give up something important to you for 1 day and reflect on all God has given you. Write a prayer of thanksgiving. 

10. Honor your parents today by obeying immediately without complaints. 

11. Journal about your experience this month and tell which assignment was your favorite and why. 

The more ideas the better because I can always use them next year!

First Quarter Complete!

Today I handed out report cards for the first nine weeks of school. They all made straight A's and I am so proud of all their hard work and patience as we adjusted to new curriculum.  We've had to make several adjustments but the boys are still using Trail Guide To Learning: Paths of Exploration as their core curriculum in addition to Easy Grammar and Math-U-See.  Hannah is using A Beka for phonics, spelling, reading, language, science and writing.  She is also using Math-U-See and loves it! We are using our Awana curriculum for Bible which has allowed them to really learn and understand those truths instead of memorizing their verses just to pass sections. 

During our first nine weeks of school we have learned about the explorations of Christopher Columbus and are currently halfway through our unit study on Jamestown. I think my favorite part is watching the kids learn about these moments in history and then creatively expressing that new information through drawings.  Here are a few of my favorites:

by Devin

by David

by Hannah

Columbus Day!

 Today we finished a 6 week unit study of Christopher Columbus.  We invited the Barnharts over to celebrate Columbus Day.  The first project of the morning was creating our own ships. 

Then they took their boats outside and tested them out in the "ocean."  I love that they used a Lego guy for Christopher Columbus and Hannah tossed a pink dolphin in the ocean. 

 We then enjoyed some lunch.  Since the King & Queen of Spain were instrumental in Christopher's travels, we decided to have a "tapas" like meal.  This is very common in Spain and is now becoming trendy in many other parts of the world.  It's basically finger foods.  We had veggies, fruits, bread, cheeses & meats, marshmallows, and a variety of sweet and savory dips.  We also made a beverage that is popular in Jamaica.  It is called "Ting" and is made with Sprite and grapefruit juice.  We had a great time and everyone had to try one bite of everything.  It was a huge success.  Well, except for the "Ting."  It was too bitter no matter how much sugar we added.

 

Our next adventure in the Trail Guide To Learning Series will take us to Jamestown!  Looking forward to all we will learn and explore during the next 6 weeks!

First Day of 2nd, 4th & 7th grade!

We are off to a great start!  The boys were dressed and seated at their desks when I walked out of my bedroom. Hannah needed a little prodding. She is my late sleeper. I was nervous about the start of this school year because DW would be joining us as a 7th grader, which is a little scary for me. We are also using a new curriculum that will require more time and planning on my part but I think it will be a better fit for our family. They are quietly wrapping up their first day of school with 30 minutes of independent reading. I am so thankful and blessed that I am able to homeschool my three arrows!!

Gearing Up For Another School Year!

Wow!  My hope was to be faithful in updating this blog but it has been months since my last post. During these past few months we finished up our first year of homeschooling, went on a few vacations, returned as youth leaders in our church's youth ministry and are now just a few days from starting our second year of homeschool. This year David will be joining us!  I will be teaching a 2nd, 4th and 7th grader. We had to move our classroom to the dining room because our room last year would not accommodate another student. The plus side is that my husband gets his office back!  Our new classroom gives us more space and turned out better than I could have imagined!  Isn't it cool??

Not only do we have a new room, but we will be using a new curriculum for the older two. We chose Trail Guide to Learning. This curriculum allows the boys to be learning the same subject matter but at their own grade level. It is history based and covers all subjects except math. We will continue to use Math-U-See for that subject. I am so excited and so are my students!!  Praying for another wonderful year!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!

We have been very busy around here with school, basketball, Christmas programs & recitals.  David has also been very busy with the Christmas lights!  God has blessed our Christmas Decor business with another amazing year and we are extremely grateful!  Here are a few photos of what we've been up to over the last few weeks!

Peanut Butter Christmas

Church Christmas Program

"Davey" played by David .

"Joshua" played by Devin

Our Miss Hannah sang beautifully in the children's choir!

 Very First Piano Recital

David played "O Little Town of Bethlehem" &

 "Angels We Have Heard on High"

Devin played "O Come All Ye Faithful"

Hannah played "We Three Kings of Orient Are"

 

Calvary Crusaders

 David is once again coaching the elementary and varsity teams for Calvary.  Both boys are playing this year and having an amazing time! 

David's Last Christmas Program at Calvary

He is the one in the teal shirt and tie!