eggy "f"

I've heard of different mediums for writing and learning lettes...but I'll bet not too many kids are using eggs. I came out to the kitchen and this is what was on my floor. Paxton's been learning the letter F and Rory helped him make this one. 

Intent!

The guys are using water color pencils on a black and white copied pictures of their play-doh creations earlier today. They get to color and then use a paintbrush and water to 'bring it alive'. They look quite intent, don't they? 

Rory's school picture

 

Who was he talking to?

We were at McDonald's one evening and Rory and Paxton like to pretend they're talking to someone on the pay phone. Rory says "Hi Grandma.......goodbye" and hangs up. Paxton picks up the phone and no one can make out a word of what he is saying until just before he hangs up with a loud, clear "AMEN".

Homeschool is fun?!!

I can't believe the difference in Rory this year. A year ago, I had a very unmotivated young lad. He didn't want to 'do school' and he could waste time with the best of them. It was a special challenge for this mom who loves to read, loved school and still loves to learn. I had such visions of fun, eager learning....

Mind you, it wasn't all bad...not at all...but I was wishing it could be less of an effort... for both of us. This year, Rory's in Kindergarten for two days a week and I work with him on the other days. It was just the thing we needed to break the intensity. And now he's thriving. He's even telling others that he loves 'homeschooling'. This year he really likes some of his subjects (like cursive writing) and even wants to do more than I ask him to. He likes math. And he is gaining a lot in reading (even though it still isn't his favorite). And I can't believe how he gets the work done so that we really do have time for extras like art projects, science, piano lessons, etc without adding extra hours on to our day.

Nice shot, Rory

Here's my favorite shot that Rory has taken with his new camera. It's his birthday cake! The party was a little busy as we had to stay indoors as we were having a cold, snowy day. And it's a little scary trying to keep some semblance of order with a number of rambunctious boys and a very brave little girl who came despite being outnumbered by the boys. But we survived and I hope they had a good time.  

Rory's birthday....

Rory turns six tomorrow! We think he's such an amazing little boy and we love him to bits. We bought him a digital camera from eBay because he loves taking picture and we wanted something that would work well for him without costing an arm and a leg. So we got him a used Canon a410. It's in very nice condition and he'll be thrilled. We also got him a game from the makers of Cranium - the DVD version of Hullabaloo. He gets to open those gifts today as Grandma and Grandpa come over for supper. And then tomorrow is his birthday party. I couldn't bear to leave anyone out (there's fifteen in his class) and so we invited them all. It'll be interesting to see how it goes if they all come.

So I'll be sure to post a couple of pictures.

Odds and Ends

WE ARE COMPLETELY DONE HARVEST! I thought it would never end. And as harvest overlapped with my music lessons starting up again, I was feeling lots of pressure over the last couple of weeks. (Plus I was leading worship). So now, harvest is done; lessons have started and I'm finally feeling like life is getting back to a pace that can be handled.

Tomorrow, I'm teaching Rory's Sunday School Class and I have to slip out to play the piano for the offertory (piano/violin duet). We're playing "His Eye is on the Sparrow".

The boys are in the tub. It's really funny listening to them. Paxton makes such a good audience for Rory - willingly laughing at all his goofing around.

My first day at school was neat - Rory popped in to say 'hi' a couple of times during the day. As I was bringing in my guitars I was stopped by a student who stopped me to tell me that Rory was a 'crazy guy'. I think he meant it as a compliment. And then as I picked up one girl from her class - I heard several say "That's Rory's Mom".