Learning to Play the Fiddle

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Our first day of fiddle lessons.  I was unsure if I could commit to one more thing.  I have had it on my mind and the calendar for over four months.  As the time approached I doubted more and more the possibility to introduce another activity into our family/school life.  I went with reservations and the mindset of, "we'll just try it for today".  I am glad that I followed through.  The kids really liked it.  They were eager to learn and interested.  The instructor is very patient and great with the kids.  

I ordered our fiddles the next day.  They arrived on Saturday (thank you Amazon Prime!).  It was like Christmas!  The kids were overjoyed to see and handle their very own violin.  I was excited too.  It is going to be a lot of work and we'll need to practice everyday but, I am looking forward to doing this activity as a whole family. Another adventure!

Never Eat Soggy Waffles

October 3, 2013 at the Malcolm East Science Center.  

Learning about the four main directions: North South, East and West.

How long does it take for the earth to circle around the sun?

365 days.

How many times has the earth circled around the sun in your life time?

Daryl - 8 times

Corey - 7 times

Nic - 7 times

Spencer - 5 times

Lilly - 4 times

Lucas - 3 times

Mom - 36 times!!!

 Mr. Martin directing the crew.

Attentive and eager to hear the next direction to take.

 Lucas holing his compass.

 Waiting for instruction, can't wait to use our compasses.

 Searching for the "Golden Box" with the treasure!

Corey happily holding his compass.

A New School Year 2013- 2014

 Nicolas 2nd Grade

 Corey 2nd Grade

Daryl 3rd Grade

The above photos have captured my three oldest children.  I love Nic's smile.  Corey is still as gentle as ever. And Daryl is still the performer.  She came up with that pose all on her own.  What a blessing it is to be at home with my children and play a big part in their education.

Life is our school and my children don't usually think of themselves in a particular grade but they understand that they are "homeschooled".  Just yesterday, we went to the Wildlife Refuge Center. There was a volunteer who greeted the children as we came in and she asked,"What grade are you in?'  Spencer replied, "We're homeschooled."  I chimed in, "Yes, you are homschooled and what grade are you in?"  He thought for a moment and replied,"Kindergarden."

Each day brings new adventures.  Merrily we roll along!

 Baking cookies has been a favorite as of late.  Reading the recipe and learning the measurements has been a chore for Daryl but will be profitable as time progresses.

 In between batches baking in the oven, all the children retreat to the family room and engage in their building activity.

 Corey made Oatmeal Cookies (Lucas cannot wait for them to bake in the oven, he wants them RIGHT NOW!)

Nicolas made Brownies (again, an unhappy Lucas who just can't wait).