It's hard to believe September ended yesterday, but here we are! When we first began considering homeschooling this year, I was afraid that the days would seem super long and drag on. However, I have found that just the opposite it true. Time never slows down! Here are some photos from our month of September.
I'm still trying to take photos of Brooke and Brecklyn as they get a little more wear out of their warm weather wardrobe. They are at the cutest age, and I find myself wanting to freeze time!
Brooke, Brecklyn
Brecklyn, Brooke
Brooke, Brecklyn
This month was filled with running meets and practices. Brooke and Brecklyn are learning many good lessons in patience while the big kids practice. Most mornings during practice, the twins and I read and maybe do a little math. Sometimes, I'll let them play outside a little bit after they've completed their work, and Brooke's hair always shows us how high the humidity is! I'm glad to see her curls are still with us.
Speaking of running, the big kids had two meets this month. One was on a Thursday afternoon toward the beginning of the month. I was very pleased that both kids beat their previous race time at this meet!
We had a very special treat at this meet when the kids' former PE teacher, Mrs. S, came to see them run. She is so good to encourage them, and it was great to visit with her a bit. We miss her so much!
The other meet this month was this past Saturday in Sand Springs. There was some confusion with the start time, and about half of the elementary kids competing ended up running with the middle school aged kids.
I think running with older kids must have motivated my kids because they both blew their previous race times out of the water. It's amazing to see how much they've already improved since their first race four weeks ago!
I'm learning to really enjoy being a "cross country mom"!
When I was looking into a science curriculum for the kids, I landed on one that was subject oriented instead of just age/grade level oriented. This meant that I had a choice regarding what we wanted to study. Some of the options included Biology, Botany, Zoology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Astronomy. I decided to let the kids choose what they wanted to study, and they chose Botany. Honestly, Botany probably would have been last on my list, but I had already told them they could choose. They have been having the best time with Botany, and I'm even enjoying it more than I thought I would. One day, we had to dissect flowers for our class.
They really worked hard at it and took it very seriously!
Brooke and Brecklyn don't do the science curriculum with us, but they are often listening and watching while we work. A few days after dissecting flowers, Brecklyn showed me her beautiful flower pot she made out of a tiny snail shell she found. I love it!
For the past decade or so, our congregation has hosted a Gospel Meeting during a week in September. Of course, with all the craziness and cancelations this year, we didn't know if we'd be able to host a meeting. I'm SO thankful that we worked it out! Larry Yarber was our speaker for the week, and we had a great attendance each evening. I think people are craving normalcy, truth, and fellowship, and this proved to be a most uplifting time! Each evening, we had a solid group of young people who sat together and encouraged everyone by their commitment and interest.
I don't think I've mentioned this before, but the kids' running coach is a member of the church in a nearby town. Her husband is a minister at that church, and she has written a bible class curriculum that we have used in our cradle roll and toddler class for several years. It's been such a neat connection for us! Before our gospel meeting, Brianna and Brenson invited Coach Renee and her family to attend. We were thrilled that they attended two different nights, and it's been a wonderful opportunity to get to know them a little better.
A few weeks ago, I picked up a few new pieces of autumn decor. I'm one of those crazy people that actually likes to redecorate for different seasons and holidays. My new autumn things had just been sitting on our bar waiting for me to find them a home. I finally decided to decorate my mantle for autumn last weekend, and I love how it turned out!
I tried a new recipe for beef stroganoff this month that the kids actually ate and enjoyed! It seems almost impossible to find something they all like, especially if it's something new. Sadly, Chris had to work late on the day I made it, so I sent him this picture to let him know what he was missing!
The grammar curriculum we're using has us reading poetry along with learning parts of sentences and how to diagram them. The poem we read last week was about a man who was disappointed his braid always hung down his back and no matter how much he spun around he could never change it's place. I had the kids act this out, and Bren tried to act too cool for school about it.
However, he started smiling despite himself, and if I didn't know better I would think he was actually having a good time!
Who says grammar is no fun, lol?!?
Finally, last night was the fifth Wednesday of the month. I typically teach the 2 and 3 years olds in bible class on Wednesday evenings, but on the fifth Wednesday we have singing night. Sadie sat with us last night, and she and the twins drew this sweet picture of the three of them. Their friendship makes my heart happy!
Happy October, everyone!
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