It is true that the second year of homeschooling is MUCH easier. We're used to our own little routine (if you can call it that) and I see the girls developing good study habits on their own which will help them in the long run!
I still love Saxon Math! One night, a few weeks ago, the girls actually ASKED if they could get their math out and work some problems! Thank you, Lord!!!
They are loving co-op but sadly, our homeschool group has decided not to do a co-op next semester. I'm so torn. I joined this group in part because of all the things they offered but of course our success isn't dependent on that. I just wish someone would step up and take over the administrative part of it because the girls have really enjoyed it. And before you suggest me, let me just go ahead and tell you God has already reminded me that He does not want me setting myself up again for trying to lead. I felt God leading me to step up last year and when I did, I got shot down. I know God will deal with those people (He already is) but I don't feel Him leading me to set myself up for so much hurt and disappointment again. He knows it's just not in my personality to care what other people think of me and to do something like that, well, you simply need to care. I'd rather continue being my imperfect self and be able to be happy with myself that to try and pretend to be something I'm not for the sake of others and be miserable. It's too bad that most Christians don't feel that way. They see someone of "good character" as being someone who is absolutely perfect all of the time. They need to read their Bible more, of course, as everyone God used to further His kingdom had issues. But that's not my fight, God will deal with those who try and hinder Him. He does not want me to prove His point. My talents and gifts can be used in other capacities. Like maybe a smaller kind of co-op or something! LOL
Anyhoo, back to my beautiful girls, we have been studying the Great Depression and all the other events leading up to World War II, getting ready for our big unit study on that. We continue to explore the human body and learn about manners. They did a week long study on Jackson Pollock and painted Pollock-style splatter paintings. Now we are learning about Leonardo DaVinci and they painted birds. DaVinci was fascinated with birds and flight. They are continuing along with their workbooks on Handwriting, Spelling and Grammar and of course, music. Brooke catches on so fast with piano that I am soon going to need her to start taking lessons from someone else! Kayti is progressing nicely in violin.
One thing I hope to do soon is get us some batons and teach them to twirl! I kind of miss twirling myself as I was a majorette in high school and briefly taught baton for a few years afterward. My mom loaned one of my batons to my cousin and I never got it back! Plus I think my arms must of grown a little after high school because the one I have left is just a few inches too short. But I noticed they sell batons at Dance and Things so maybe one of these days, I'll be able to get us some and we can twirl!
They are excited about their dance classes also and looking forward to their duet. They have submitted a list of songs they are thinking about!
They are also looking forward to the homeschool group's sock hop coming up on the 18th. I have made Brooke's costume already and am still working on Kayti's. She wants to be a carhop girl so hers is a little more complicated!
They just had their first practice for the school fall play and they are loving it. I've got to get to work on those costumes!
Brooke is doing track again and not only will she participate in the school's cross-country meet and the Maple Leaf Run but she and I are planning on doing the Race for the Cure together! Mommy has got to get her behind in gear and start training!
I just love this time of year! The Fall weather and foliage is so beautiful and there's so much to do! Pumpkin patch visits, fall crafts, getting ready for Christmas, etc. (did I just say that? ugh! I'm SO not ready! I don't even know where I'll put a tree this year now that we have the piano!) There's also football games, fall festivals, and if we're not careful, we can be overloaded and stressed out in a hurry. That's why I just love homeschooling. I feel so much more relaxed and shouldn't we be relaxed and not stressed when we're trying to learn? I think so!
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