30 Days of Thankfulness - Days 4 & 5

Day 4 - school choice

I am so thankful we live in a country where homeschooling is legal.  Homeschooling is so perfect for Hunter.  We do our academic learning in the morning, then he has hours in the afternoon to just build, create, and experiment.  It is rare for him to ever squander his time.  If he's not making something, he's reading books on how things work, plumbing, electricity, etc. to get ideas for making something else.  This freedom allows such a wonderful way for Hunter to learn and grow. 

Math and geography are the only things I use workbooks for.  Hunter particularly likes the geography workbook - after doing the work he always adds things to the maps.  For example, if it shows a city, he adds heating systems to the roofs of the businesses.

geography time!

 Solomon participates in some of Hunter's schoolwork too.  Just by being in the same room and listening, he has picked up on math chants, catechism, Spanish words, and often gets in my lap to listen when I'm reading.

Just a little homeschooling hint that someone out there might be able to use:  We are currently reading The Burgess Book of Animals for Children by Thornton W. Burgess.  I made the boys each little blank books from cardstock and for each chapter we read, I give them a picture of the animal(s) that chapter is about to glue to a page.  Oh Google Images - how I love thee!  Solomon absolutely loves doing this.  I think this helps make the subject matter more real.  Often, after we read out chapter, we take a quick peek at that animal on YouTube.  Did you know porcupines can sing?  It's pretty funny!

I am also so thankful that we do have choices other than homeschool for when we need them.  It became apparent during Tabby's last school year that I could no longer provide some of the things she needed in our homeschool environment.  So this year she started 9th grade at the private Christian school Frank works at.  It has been exactly what she needed.

ready to leave for school

Day 4 - marriage

I was a single mom for several years when Tabby was little.  Being single does have benefits.  (Though mostly selfish ones I guess.  For me anyway.)  Being married - well, I will just say it is NOT easy!  Especially when you have a "blended family."  But yeah - it's worth it.  At the end of the day, when I think I'm going to lose it if I hear "Momm-MY!" one more time, it's nice to have backup help come through the door.  It's nice to have someone to help make big decisions with or to discuss things on an adult level.  And it's so important for the kids to have both parents around.

St. Patrick's Day wedding