Classical Conversations Cycle 2 Week 1

Dear Sarah, Hannah, Julia & Joshua, This year we are homeschooling using Classical Conversations and we are so excited about it. I'm a tutor for Foundations- Journeymen class (8&9 year olds). At first I was a tad overwhelmed since I never saw a CC class before. Everything I learned in training was different than what I learned in college to be an elementary school teacher. We had our first class this week and it went well! I absolutely love being a tutor(teacher)! You are having so much fun learning all the songs, especially the Timeline song. I'm reading a diary of Eleanor from Aquitane to you. I think this will be our best year of homeschooling. I love how we start our CC day with chapel, singing praise songs to God. You also do a presentation each week. Then we went to our classes. We started our day learning memory work for all the subjects. We looked at the whiteboard and learned many songs. Then we went outside to conduct two Astronomy related Science experiments. Next, was class presentations & snack. I'm super nervous about public speaking so I'm so grateful you get a chance to speak each week while you are young! Then, we did an art lesson. Joshua & Julia's teacher for the 5 year old class said they drew very amazing, detailed lions. Good job! Last, we ended the class with review games. I had a beach ball with the subjects written on it with a permanent marker. We stood in a circle and passed the ball from person to person while the timeline music was playing. When the music stopped, I would call out left hand or right hand. Whatever subject that the ball said from where the child was holding it- is which review question I would ask. That was a fun game. Then we played another one that I made from CC connected (talk like a cowboy, etc...) After classes ended we had lunch and then recess. A few families met at the library for homeschool book club so we went also and met some new friends. You loved playing educational games on the library's computers. :) I am so proud of you and your eagerness and willingness to work hard memorizing and learning this week! I love you. Love, Mommy

Happy 9th Birthday- Sarah & Hannah!

Dear Sarah, Hannah, Julia & Joshua, This summer has been busy for our family. We moved from Northern Ca. to Texas! Miss Mimi & Miss Ashley, our wonderful babysitters from Sacramento helped us move across country. We have enjoyed playing with your cousins that live nearby, Levi & Avery. So far we have been a part of a Beth Moore Summer bible study, many Vacation Bible Schools, Awana Club and American Heritage Girls Club is starting soon. We also are going to participate in Classical Conversations and a fun history class at the Training Center with other homeschool families. We have made a few great friends. It is nice being driving distance to Oklahoma and plan to see your Great Grandmother Snow for her 90th birthday next weekend. We do miss our family and friends in Ca. a whole bunch! So far you all have transitioned nicely and are great kids. I am so excited about this new journey in Texas. :) Love, Mommy

Fun Chores!

Dear Snow twins, Mommy & Daddy went to a homeschool conference given by the Maxwell family. I learned a lot. Mainly to teach you God's love and an importance of daily Bible time. I bought their book about chores. All four of you love to wake up each morning and put the chore clips on. I have an older child teamed up with a younger for the bigger chores like- laundry and dishes. After you complete each chore, you move the card to the back of the clip. Right now the cards say: 1. Make Bed 2. Get dressed 3. Put pajamas away 4. Brush teeth & wipe countertop 5. Bible reading & prayer 6. Either laundry/dishes/sweep/vacuum I love you very much. I pray we will be consistent with the chore clips. So far, the last three weeks we have been except for the mornings that we had to rush to go somewhere. I am so excited for finding this system. I thank you for your willing hearts to help. I love you. Mommy

Cousins during Spring Break!

Dear Joshua, Julia, Hannah and Sarah, Your cousins Tristan & Michaela stayed a week at our house during Spring Break. It is so neat to see you play and get along with them- even with an age difference. Julia and Michaela are almost 10 years apart and they are still best friends.at the end of the week, your other cousins, John & Natalie came over. You went swimming with them and we went back to the snow! You had a great week in your treehouse, playing on the Pegasus swing, playing Wii with your cousins. I hope and pray that you will always share a special relationship with your cousins. I know God has a great plan for all of your lives. Love, Mommy

Nature Hike field trips!

Dear Sarah, Hannah, Julia and Joshua, We went on a 4 hour hike with our homeschool co-op. The weather was beautiful and God's creation was amazing. We hiked the Dye Creek Preserve. You learned what poison oak looks like- and I am so thankful we didn't get it. I am thankful for our new friends and the beautiful places we live near. I pray you will grow up loving to learn more on many nature hikes. God's beauty is all around us. I'm thankful for you! Love, Mommy

Snow's at the snow!

Dear Snow Twins x 2, We live an hour from Mt. Lassen. So today we spent the afternoon playing and sledding in the snow. It was so much fun! You went swimming yesterday and sledding today! Sarah & Hannah fell off the tube sled and Joshua walked all the way down the mountain to make sure you both were alright. He has such a sweet and tender heart. I had fun sledding with you! It was awesome. God's beauty is amazing. The snow shimmered with sparkles the view was magnificent. I can't wait to go back to the volcano. Hopefully, we can go back during Spring Break in 2 weeks with your big cousins. I love my snow twins! Love, Mommy

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Dear Sarah, Hannah, Julia & Joshua, Happy St. Patrick's Day! I can't believe how fast you are growing. One of these pictures was taken 2 years ago (when Grandma Sonia was sick). I thought it was cute how this year, Joshua lifted up his shirt again. The matching shirts still fit although they were snug. Your grandpa Bill (my dad) was mostly Irish and a tad bit Indian. You are 1/4 Irish & 1/4 Korean. I wish I knew more of my Irish heritage. My maiden name was Oliver- which is Irish. I am so thankful for each of you! Love, Mommy

Hannah's Charlotte's Web Project

QflpHbpoBI/UUVJ7Y54DoI/AAAAAAAAAag/6KTb40IPo1A/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" > Dear Hannah, You are taking a Language Arts class through our homeschool charter. You love the class and are doing so well. After reading the book, Charlotte's Web, you made an amazing poster project. You also memorized your summary of the book to present. We just found out that your teacher in this class won't continue teaching because she is starting chemotherapy for uterine cancer. We are praying for healing. I am very proud of your hard work. You are a very smart girl. I know God has great plans for you. I love you. Love, Mommy