Tonight our family helped serve at the free community dinner in Silverton. This was the girls' first experience with any type of ministry like this and they were very excited and a little nervous. We weren't sure what to expect, but once the doors opened it was a steady stream of people and it was busy! At first we served drinks and handed out napkins and silverware, then we moved to handing out dessert. Mira scooped ice cream and Annah handed out cookies. They LOVED it and loved doing something useful, knowing they were helping people. Mira begged to please be able to help again next Wednesday. West even got in on the action, smiling at people from the Moby wrap while I seved drinks and dessert. It was a great experience for our family and we'll be doing it again next month.
Fall is just around the corner and I've been spending much time this summer planning our school schedule and curriculum for next year. In June, Shane and I attended the state homeschool conference at the Portland Convention Center and had an amazing and inspiring time. We left with a renewed sense of why we homeschool and a commitment to homeschool all the way through high school. We had a great time attending workshops and exploring the giant exhibit hall.
I LOVE researching and carefully planning our curriculum for each school year. Although this schedule seems like a lot, it's really not as much as it seems. Some of it requires the girls to work independently and all of it takes minimal time for me to prepare. I usually spend about an hour on Sundays preparing for the school week ahead and about 15 minutes every morning getting things ready and reviewing the day's work. We aim to get school done by about 1 pm every day so the girls can spend the afternoon on making art, music and other hobbies. Many days we're done by lunchtime. We start each morning at 8:30. Here is a list of what we'll be studying and using this year.
Literature – Read a Louds with Mom (Will post book list/schedule soon)
Social Science/History – Geography, Uncle Rick Audio of US History for Preschoolers, US History read-a-louds, History Pockets and Friday history crafts.
Science: Chemistry w/Mira as interested, nature study
We're excited how the Lord is guiding us into action and are excited to soon share with you what's happening in our lives. It isn't easy and it's way out of our comfort zone, but we've found such peace and joy in following God's plan and his calling. I hope this song touches your heart as it has mine.
