Spyhopping

Just studying whales over here, really, that's all we're doing --wink, wink, nudge, nudge!!!

Thank you, God!

We are very grateful for SJB hybrid. I wanted help with math and writing and we are getting it! As an added bonus, the work in the other subjects -- history, science and religion -- is inspiring. I hope to post soon some around-the-dining-room-table anecdotes, as I am pleased to see us gathering there as I spent so many hours studying at my parents big dining room table when I was young.

It is so true that being around children and young people keeps you young at heart.

St. John Bosco Academy

We are gearing up for spending some quality time in fellowship and study with the families of the Catholic hybrid school, St. John Bosco Academy. Our "meet and greet" is scheduled for Thursday, August 13th.

We are receiving books in the mail almost daily as I ordered several used off Amazon. There are few things I enjoy more than to get a box of books in the mail. I prefer browsing at a library or good book store and taking them home immediately. I got Jacob's Algebra, which costs at least $70 new for $16 off the Internet!

The Big Olive

We got off our WWII kick and downloaded the PBS's series called "The Greeks". Jerry and I finished it yesterday. The Netflix boxes are working well, so far. We love olives and olive oil. I saw lots of olive trees when I lived in Spain. I probably will never get to travel to Greece, but I sure love their food! In one of these programs, they called Athens, the "Big Olive".

New friends

Here are a couple of photos taken in our new cul-de-sac. I love that the kids are outside so much. We have a crazy week this week with our Challenge year end party and the May Crowning with TORCH. It is all good.

Challenges and Opportunities

There are at least two times when homeschooling becomes a seemingly monumental challenge: when a new baby arrives and when you move. God help the family who does both simultaneously, homeschooling or not. Well, there are opportunities to learn and grow amidst the challenges. The older siblings have the opportunity to serve. So do the younger ones. The preoccupation of the adults is palpable. Prayers are often short and breathless. Tempers flair. Love and affection save the day.

After weeks of utter craziness, we are getting back to routine. We went to our new library today and, while the kids were grumpy, I was in heaven. The librarian was enthusiastic and did something that I do. She addressed my son and daughter as separate persons, as if I were not there. It really is the littlest things that matter most.

We are using our workbooks alot right now for math and phonics. JB and J are reading a good amount and lots and lots of narrating.

I am going to finish watching a World War II movie with my hubby and son -- "The Great Escape".

Three Pics Worth a Thousand Words