Back to School 2013/14

This year we are beginning 4th grade for Mary Helen and 2nd grade for Anna.  We will be using My Father's World for our Bible, History, Science, and some literature.  We started using MFW last year with Adventures, and this year we are starting Exploring Cultures and Countries.  The focus is on geography, cultures of the countries, missionary heros, and learning the major religions of various people groups while learning how to pray for those groups.

I sat down today and figured up that when the baby we're expecting to arrive in February (#5) graduates in 2032, I will have taught through the 5 year cycle of MFW 3 times.  So, I thought it would be a good idea to keep a record of what we use, what we do, what we enjoy, etc.  Not only will it be priceless for my family to look back on, but it will serve as a great reminder the next couple of times I go through it!

We are in week 4 right now, so I'll try to catch up and keep going with what we're doing each week.

Camping Out

The girls decided last night to spend the night in their playhouse.  They watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the first one, not the one with creepy Johnny Depp), had their dolls in their pajamas watching with them, had some candy, and did a craft.

The best part of all, Mary Helen said this morning, "I had a pajama party with one of my BFFs" and pointed to her sister.  THAT is such a desire of my heart - to see my kids look to each other as best friends.  It so often seems they are fighting with each other and driving each other crazy!  But, now and then, they realize for a bit that they are FRIENDS!  I imagine there will be arguing today, but that's okay.  I'm one blessed mama!

Here they are this morning after coming in.  Daniel was so excited to see them coming that he started cheering when we saw them making their way through the backyard :)

Random Pictures from the last few weeks

I couldn't possibly catch up from the last time I posted. . . nearly 2 years ago!  So here are some pictures from the last few weeks as a way to get started blogging again :)

Anna (6) gets her breakfast in bed one morning

Daniel playing with trains and shows he is turning 3!

Daniel knows how to keep Sarah Beth (8 months) happy - share a sucker!

Some days Daniel decides he needs to "do cool with the guhs" (translates to "do school with the girls") 

Daniel and the sweet neighbor girl playing in the playhouse

Isn't this what everyone looks like when they are getting tucked into bed?

Showing off our science project where we learned that seeds need water  to grow and we need Living Water to grow.

This is what happens when you put big sisters in charge of little sister. . . 

Mary Helen (8) cooks breakfast for our bunch each morning - she's a great cook!

Mary Helen has been learning to sew. . . this is her first quilt, pillow case, and pillow that she made.  We are so grateful for a sweet lady in our church to take time each week to teach her how to sew, crochet, do some hand embroidery, etc.

Happy girl loves her bath time!

. . . and breakfast time!

Little monkeys :)

She thinks just because she is homeschooled she shouldn't have to miss out on sack lunches!

How precious is this?!

Mary Helen got a cute little puppy after months and months of researching and begging. . . 

Well, she's mostly cute!

Sarah Beth hanging out during school time

Sweet sister smooches!