Missing Pictures

Ella and Mom planned a girl's night since the boys were camping.  We decided to let Ella make the decisions for the night.  Ella invited another sweet friend to tag along with us.  This mom only has boys at her house and that really bothers Ella that she doesn't get to do "girl" things.

 We started off at Mexican, then pedicures, and lastly was ice cream.

One of my favorite things in the world is to have pretty toes  with polish.  I am not a big fan of the foot scrubbing during a pedicure.  I am very ticklish so instead of the "Ahhhh" this is great - I tense up and grit my teeth.  I love the end result so I will suffer through the scrub.

 Ella felt like such a big girl.  Her new item for the night was her feather headband.

 So the boys were off for the night to camp - I love the toughness they were trying to portray.  

 Once the boys were home on Saturday, we geared up to celebrate our Anniversary.  Happy 17th.  Boy am I blessed to have a great man to love.  I am amazed at the memories we have created together as a family in seventeen years.  This picture is on our way out the door to church.  We ate dinner at P.F. Chang's.  Our new favorite place.  It was super yummy.  The best part is having left overs to bring home and enjoy the second day.  (Ella was the official photographer)

I have been looking at these chairs for such a long time.  Well, I dove in and purchased one.  Everyone fights for this chair.  I am sure by the time summer is over I will have a picture of each person in our family taking their turn since we are so great at sharing.  Ha

May, I believe was the fastest month ever.

Music Box Ballerina and Crayons

 The theme of the ballet recital this year was "Toy Shop".  Ella's ballet class was Music Box Dancers.  I love this picture.  She really does look like a little ballerina that is spinning in the music box. 

 Last night was dress rehearsal.  Parents are allowed to take pictures during dress rehearsal. 

 This year Ella decided to take Modern.  She was a crayon for this dance.  Her biggest goal in modern was to learn to do a split. 

 Ella really is all smiles once she hits the stage.  She enjoys performing and dancing.

 As she watched the rest of the dancers last night, Mrs. Bonita invited the little girls to sit on stage and watch with her.  I really love this picture.  Mrs. Bonita is so good to take the time to make each little one feel very special.

 Leaving for the Ballet recital this afternoon.  She is beginning to look like a big girl.

 We are very fortunate to live close to so many of our family members.  All the family that came to support Ella.

 The brothers that "love" to sit through a ballet recital.

So proud of this little one who continues to smile with joy each time she dances.

This was year 3 for Ella so she was able to receive a trophy.

Very proud of you Ella Michelle.

It's Official

It's official.  180 days have been completed at Shepherd's Hope Christian Academy.  When we started homeschooling our first year, I never thought year 4 would be possible.  This was the first year for me to have 3 children "in school". 

As I reflect on last summer, I remember really being apprehensive about schedule.  How was I going to teach three kids when there was one of me?  I labored over schedule and curriculum last summer to really be sure I chose things that would allow my kids to be independent workers. 

Well now that we are on the other side of 180 days, I can now say "Well done kiddos".  I am a really big reflector, meaning think through where you have been and what can you learn or remember.  At the end of this year and last year, I asked my kids some questions to do a 

"Year in Review"

So here are the questions
What has been the most frustrating part of the school year?
What has been the most rewarding part of the school year?
Who was your best friend this year?
Made any new friends
What was the best thing about this school year?
What subject was your favorite?  Least favorite?
Did the year go by fast or slow?
What sport(s) did you play?
Favorite book you read?
A lesson you learned about yourself as a student?
Your take on _______ grade
What do you think you want to be when you grow up?
If you could pick any subject to study, what would it be?
I wish I could do more ________ during the school day.
I wish I didn't have to do __________________
My favorite food
My favorite drink
My favorite thing to play
Start anything new

Sign your name ________________ Age:_______  Grade completed:_________

I love to read their answers.  This gives me some insight into what they are feeling about their own education and what can we do different.  So maybe you have some end of the year reflections that you do.  

The best part of ending a school year is CELEBRATING the journey.  

 It truly is a blessing to be a part of teaching, learning, and nurturing these little people into adults that will one day be part of society using their gifts and talents God gave them to make a difference in this world.  Right now I would have to say - homeschooling is seeing

 "Blessings at Home"

Summer List

 

We are very excited around here because IT'S SUMMER!  (well almost)  Our calendar is full from June until August.  I thought I would share some ideas that we do over the summer.  Other than

Tennis Camp
Dance Camp
Church Camp
Swimming
Carowinds

I have my kids do a CHARACTER chart. This gives them ideas of things to do.  If so many squares are completed then they receive prizes.   So the squares have labels - reading, history, math, journal, letter writing, service, fun and games, bible and adventure.  I fill in each square with different things.  There are 54 squares on the chart. 

 

Some of the things include

memorize verses

cook supper

bake bread

research flag day

read different genres of literature

vision board

star gazing

cloud watching

play card games

play board games

build a fort

baked cookies and give away

sprinkler

scavenger hunt

bowling

several you name its

water balloon fight

paint a pet rock

work on skills from reading and math

journal on vacation

read to brother or sister

I like when my kids have some directions and ideas of things that are using their imaginations.  It seems that motivation to earn a prize by completing squares are the motivation to not have our days wasted when we come to August.

Beach Days

Photos from the week at the beach