Aquarium trip

School vacation week and we decided to go to the New England Aquarium. It was PACKED! I think our next trip will be when the schools are back in session. But, we still had an educational fun time, the kids got to ride the subway for the first time and I took TONS of pictures..enjoy them!

THE MOON

We spent this week studying the moon. We read lots of books and studied how the moon moves around the earth and why we have day and night and seasons and the moon's effect on the ocean tides. We made some pictures of astronauts in space

And we made earth and moon models. The kids decided that orange craters looked cool on the moon.

A Poem for the Homeschool Mom

A sweet little poem from RICHES homeschool newsletter

A Poem for You, Homeschool Mom!

Another lovely day, another clean slate!

Another day to work on an already full plate.

What will we do first? Reading, Writing, Math?

What if something unexpected shows up in our path?

Another lovely day, another quandary arises,How do we teach these children of different shapes and sizes?

Shall we follow Book A, or Idea B, or the voice of the "pro?"

Can we follow our hearts on which way we should go?

Little Suzy wants to make a pattern for a doll,but she's "behind" in algebra, and can't spell much at all...And little Johnny is working on a project made of wood,but what about his "social studies?" And other things he "should"

Grandma needs some help, but our workbooks are a-waiting!

There are other shut-ins with a visit anticipating.And what about that neighbor with the baby on the way?

Can our "studies" suffer if she needs our help today?

There are many things that pull us daily this-a-way and that,And we can get so sidetracked, that our accomplishments fall flat.

The path is bright and our feet will go, if only we will pray,And listen to the voice of God, who leads us the right way.

Relationships are more important, inside our homes, and out,and how we treat each other is what homeschooling is about.

It's not wrong to be good spellers, but if we lie and cheat and steal,And if we hate our brother, good grades are no big deal.

So dear homeschool Mom, don't worry and don't fret;If little Johnny can not read as well as you think, yet.Little Suzy will learn her math, while baking for the neighbor,and friendships formed inside your home will strengthen, so don't waver!

If you will pray and seek His face for each question on your heart,And read His word, and know His voice, you will know right where to start.

Don't be tossed to and fro by this world's ideas and plans,Listen to your Lord, your lives are in His Hands.

© 2006 Nancy K. Baetz

water, water everywhere

Jesse is learning about water, solids, gases and liquids.

There's a mummy in my fridge!

The kids have been going to a FABULOUS co-op class about Egypt.

So there is a mummy in my fridge! We are in the process of mummifying a cornish hen.

No baby birds =(

Bindi's first clutch did not hatch so no babies for us this time around. I had noticed that she had pretty much lost interest in the nest box and was out of it for an awful long time. When I checked the eggs they were ice cold and stunk! So I threw them away and cleaned everything out really well and maybe we will try again at a later date. She is not looking for the nest box or the eggs and is acting like she could care less so I am glad for that because I was nervous that she was going to have a fit when I took the nestbox away. She is in good spirits and is eating well and is as cuddly as ever so we will see what the future brings.

Applying for SSI

SO, I have finally been talked into applying for SSI for Jesse. I really don't know why I have been so resistant to the idea. I guess because of all the phone calls, appointments and paperwork that I am sure are in my future. But, if he qualifies it will be a lot easier financially here to cover his meds and co-pays for all his appointments, so I am currently on hold with SSI office and have been sitting here for 27 minutes and counting! UGH! And so my SSI journey begins..wish me luck...on to another fight and mountains of appeals I am sure, it never seems to end.