tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71280222606646165272024-03-04T20:32:12.161-08:00Our Schoolhouse in the WillowsAt Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-80139632103781073322012-04-04T08:07:00.000-07:002012-04-04T08:07:01.678-07:00Choices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpXnnnFX3a0A0DvjXbzwQi6lwyNJOaE7sABk7W15h3BU1XiCrRE6NY5Azrlvd8PPSKy4RKfxBZxdCuOE3jCiaMtTIyMWdhINWbZvFgW8l2iYt5bUGIzddatn1FCsqfNJUHQpbSpRHgA/s1600/anne+of+green+gables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpXnnnFX3a0A0DvjXbzwQi6lwyNJOaE7sABk7W15h3BU1XiCrRE6NY5Azrlvd8PPSKy4RKfxBZxdCuOE3jCiaMtTIyMWdhINWbZvFgW8l2iYt5bUGIzddatn1FCsqfNJUHQpbSpRHgA/s1600/anne+of+green+gables.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GxwYO4Nb3iPs41th1Ufs1l1Bg6PJObFV82_ItTYJLYxHW8Q3O_KbYB6yd0ygspw3E9ItwHcw6CBGz6FVxL_Oo_4IzK2Z22OpyJfSNbcbls7Xfakp-hvpR4hk9OImmWx_WjdfRD60lg/s1600/ann_of_green_gables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GxwYO4Nb3iPs41th1Ufs1l1Bg6PJObFV82_ItTYJLYxHW8Q3O_KbYB6yd0ygspw3E9ItwHcw6CBGz6FVxL_Oo_4IzK2Z22OpyJfSNbcbls7Xfakp-hvpR4hk9OImmWx_WjdfRD60lg/s320/ann_of_green_gables.jpg" width="208px" /></a></div>In previous posts, I have written about reading choices. This is such an important issue for any family, homeschooling or otherwise. A recent series of books has captured the attention of the young people--unlike some of the other series, this one has been embraced by the homeschooling community. I have heard that the public schools in our community are requiring reading the book. Many of Virginia's homeschool friends have been caught up in the series, and she asked if she could buy it with some of her own money. I foolishly allowed her to get it without reading about the book or the book itself. One night she came in to tell me about the book. I was floored. The whole premise is violent and disturbing. I asked her if she would please give me the book. I promised to let her pick out something else at Barnes and Noble or something for her Kindle. Since then, we seem to have been inundated by this book series. One of her new friends, another homeschooled young lady from a lovely family, had a birthday party with this book series as the theme. Unbelievable. I think there is a major part of Virginia that wants to read the books to be part of this group, and I understand that. Our decisions about their activities, tv and reading choices are not to make a statement or to make a big deal out of being "different." But the Lord has placed <em>us</em> in earthly charge of their hearts and minds. <br />
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Virginia has decided that the Anne of Green Gables books are at the top of her list. We went to a used book store last night and she found some Lucy Maud Montgomery's other series books and some other Avonlea story collections. The Anne books have their share of sadness and tragedy, but the stories are uplifiting. I think that Lucy Maud Montgomery had a great deal of sadness in her life, but her heroines overcame life's trials and maintained a love for living. I am so pleased that Virginia has fallen in love with Anne--this literary figure is an inspiration and delight. <br />
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Life has harshness, tragedy, and sadness. The news is filled with terrible stories of violence and unspeakable worldliness presented as everyday behavior. I can't shield the children from all of that. Our 17 year old<br />
went on two trips this past summer in which he spent time with people with very different upbringings and values. But he has reached the age of knowing what is good and acceptable in the eyes of God and what is not. I see that discernment growing in Virginia. Both of her brothers have values we are grateful for and which honor God. Our task is to teach them the values in God's Holy Word and hope and pray that they turn to those values as their moral compass.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-40360868808449437682012-02-06T13:49:00.000-08:002012-02-06T13:49:29.454-08:00Some Lovely Additions to the Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2-H4KgLX8EEOsa08_F8vD4rpQ_fxSw8MTPRrY00_JJKIPTYEPKDPYRfSedpZTeeYDNQ8Jay32RbRu05K12ACfodxfbgwW_wl6sflv-yAlywmEPzqwZBita39WnWntboRehe7lN6dJQ/s1600/100_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2-H4KgLX8EEOsa08_F8vD4rpQ_fxSw8MTPRrY00_JJKIPTYEPKDPYRfSedpZTeeYDNQ8Jay32RbRu05K12ACfodxfbgwW_wl6sflv-yAlywmEPzqwZBita39WnWntboRehe7lN6dJQ/s320/100_3579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZTvIcNR_c79Fyp47G4YmzE6ekq0LZUTDs8wcdwYqf_-J3prvq1Rn89DtyBVSL4p_0JmC0v4TQ7Fr8FJc8s-OccMgN6YiriyJe2FKS1SzpcceITS8uPqMnnXkoQWWHKAuqG3fuxLycA/s1600/100_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZTvIcNR_c79Fyp47G4YmzE6ekq0LZUTDs8wcdwYqf_-J3prvq1Rn89DtyBVSL4p_0JmC0v4TQ7Fr8FJc8s-OccMgN6YiriyJe2FKS1SzpcceITS8uPqMnnXkoQWWHKAuqG3fuxLycA/s320/100_3581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66sB-XoGQzBpsBKM17HoucTXbYdz5U-Nn0zgR_0BDB6A8ZS1hOVNM9PUGJxC2s5Fo-6JyURtDOG9nJqD4aUFtWKj9FjcJWVcvAhpclEDR_FdnnL_8_F6y33PL5UwAkeLeLsJeDXY71g/s1600/100_3582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66sB-XoGQzBpsBKM17HoucTXbYdz5U-Nn0zgR_0BDB6A8ZS1hOVNM9PUGJxC2s5Fo-6JyURtDOG9nJqD4aUFtWKj9FjcJWVcvAhpclEDR_FdnnL_8_F6y33PL5UwAkeLeLsJeDXY71g/s320/100_3582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I love my kitchen--good thing! After Christmas, Michael bought me the sink mats you see in the top picture. They are so pretty! In the middle picture, my $2.00 lace tier is featured. Yes, $2.00!! JC Penney had these for $12, and I had a $10 off coupon. The tier is hung on a tension rod, and I have played around with the height a bit. Our cat Helen really likes them. I snapped a picture of her sitting in the window Sunday morning.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-47535961201068244862012-01-27T20:01:00.000-08:002012-01-27T20:01:50.219-08:00Casablanca, Petros and Mrs. Smith's Blueberry Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtmbJri47PeuMP0bkJQq44TVTetrU38t1xdV_6eqgmr8DwZdT6Cvkt4DLW8W8I0NG7WkONvSjWPb9-YpbDkO9t2LupEw31Kn_tTLJnrspyqZQ8LQtQTKXAo9JGLUzVeQAhjTdTrUNGg/s1600/casa7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtmbJri47PeuMP0bkJQq44TVTetrU38t1xdV_6eqgmr8DwZdT6Cvkt4DLW8W8I0NG7WkONvSjWPb9-YpbDkO9t2LupEw31Kn_tTLJnrspyqZQ8LQtQTKXAo9JGLUzVeQAhjTdTrUNGg/s320/casa7.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
What a great Friday night at the Justus house! This has been a good week, but a challenging week for our family--lots of busyness, but lot's of blessings as well. Tonight, we really needed a quiet night at home together. Tomorrow will be full of activities for everyone.<br />
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After our Bibe study (I want to talk about that in another post), we had supper in the living room and we watched Casablanca. I think Dad is the only one of the family who had seen it all the way through. We loved it. We had what Dad and Virginia call "Petros"--corn chips, chilli, cheese and sour cream.<br />
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We had a little intermission to prepare Mrs. Smith's delightful blueberry pie! Yay! It was wonderful. <br />
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I am so grateful for these times together.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-750885831862815412012-01-22T04:50:00.000-08:002012-01-22T04:50:46.174-08:00Having a Few Friends Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3daRq3pX_rLT3QiGGzf6vLaCoYG65gU0aWq96RD-zmm5ILSbPoxSi2hu6drzeAti6iOU4pvwomwkLv2RuRwIlh-lpKD8iSTUb0SLcTutL9Y1N8Z5nEZjiLYanr4epqbwvChKGDcGDw/s1600/hanna+barbera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3daRq3pX_rLT3QiGGzf6vLaCoYG65gU0aWq96RD-zmm5ILSbPoxSi2hu6drzeAti6iOU4pvwomwkLv2RuRwIlh-lpKD8iSTUb0SLcTutL9Y1N8Z5nEZjiLYanr4epqbwvChKGDcGDw/s1600/hanna+barbera.jpg" /></a></div>Friday night turned into a night of fellowhip for the Justus kids. Virginia had planned to go skating with her friend Gideon; that didn't quite pan out as the rink had changed its hours (an unannounced change too, may I add). Virginia, Gideon and Gideon's mom went to McDonald's then came back to our house. We had a wonderful visit. Gideon's younger brother, Gray, was with them as well. Michael came home from the college with the boys, and JT and JM had a great time visiting with Gray. Then, Gray's dad came over on his way home from the College! <br />
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Eventually, Virginia went to Gideon's house with her parents for supper, and Gray stayed here with the boys for supper. There's a pretty big age difference between Gray and the Justus boys, but that didn't stop them from having a great time. Before supper, they played games at the table; after supper, they played in the living room and watched some of their Hanna Barbera classic cartoons. <br />
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I enjoyed talking to Gideon and Gray's mom, Morgan. We share many of the same views about what our children should read and watch and so forth. I am really grateful for their friendship and presence in our lives!At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-25995014707819576342011-11-23T13:54:00.000-08:002011-11-23T13:54:28.321-08:00Adventures in the Land of Mossflower!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/49/RedwallUSCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/49/RedwallUSCover.jpg" /></a></div>Hi there! James Martin here! Mom and I are currently reading the book "Redwall" by Brian Jacques! I've been a fan of the series for 7 years and I got hooked to the series when I first started. I was blessed enough to even meet the author myself! I wanted to read this with Mom for a long time and we are finally doing it! We are currently on Chapter 11 and we are reading with the dramatized audio book. This is my fourth time reading it, and Mom is reading it for the first time. She says she is really enjoying the book. It is an incredible book. I highly recommend this to lovers of medieval literature, fantasy, and adventure books! It's worth the read!At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-15914277873819776382011-11-17T06:53:00.000-08:002011-11-17T06:53:08.454-08:00An Old Friend Acquires Some New Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOisXCbtHrWYSidcT-1x9glQ_vkjfIn89wRfW71mUmGb9BVawlQE94QG0W2gf2OwxrJmewtpnfNj5wxUnuc1PO87dRfDTmEPSvhx_1D0JhlcZjEZ9xYQpaxZN0uEQ8IS_wbMu7hmX2A/s1600/all+creatures.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOisXCbtHrWYSidcT-1x9glQ_vkjfIn89wRfW71mUmGb9BVawlQE94QG0W2gf2OwxrJmewtpnfNj5wxUnuc1PO87dRfDTmEPSvhx_1D0JhlcZjEZ9xYQpaxZN0uEQ8IS_wbMu7hmX2A/s400/all+creatures.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Years ago, Michael introduced me to James Herriot and the wonderful stories he penned. Now the children have really fallen in love with the series as well. We have watched it and listened to the Audio books together some over the years, but now they are really caught up in the stories and characters. At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-63293516507785340192011-10-24T06:57:00.000-07:002011-10-24T06:57:43.857-07:00Comment Issues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDqCn3Dhs36mHceQqdViQigZBf9NaK7MByJ4RGnlfuwnrCgAWU_thLzVhXY410zaRbMEGNP75GYTfsnmpxYTuWGms86yOBj-TJtiRrGQ6e21tjDEfJICT8pTKtZMR-ZNwJ3Jg9rtNXQ/s1600/schoolhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDqCn3Dhs36mHceQqdViQigZBf9NaK7MByJ4RGnlfuwnrCgAWU_thLzVhXY410zaRbMEGNP75GYTfsnmpxYTuWGms86yOBj-TJtiRrGQ6e21tjDEfJICT8pTKtZMR-ZNwJ3Jg9rtNXQ/s320/schoolhouse.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>I am so glad to be back on this blog, and I appreciate the comments I received from Miss Lynda. Sadly, I am having some kind of problem with posting my comments. Blogger won't allow me to sign in and post. I really don't understand given the fact that I can make new posts. Thanks for your support, Miss Lynda. I think the curriculum you mentioned is Sonlight. They really are wonderful with regard to reading. You just can't go wrong with a reading-based program (as long as the material being read is edifying).At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-27404759710798209082011-10-21T20:49:00.000-07:002011-10-21T20:49:51.278-07:00Through Golden Windows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2Eqb7UbEP6zJc_J7gbLGhMMUDGUjt51m1IXkM7eCk9S04Mm3-hUR7hNd29sBdkX0GllMIerJlLXg4kq01G4hbZxxZsuv1SZssZOlYa1fvErmk5qsaB59LzVL_46y1FlXpwulWzUM1Q/s1600/vintage+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2Eqb7UbEP6zJc_J7gbLGhMMUDGUjt51m1IXkM7eCk9S04Mm3-hUR7hNd29sBdkX0GllMIerJlLXg4kq01G4hbZxxZsuv1SZssZOlYa1fvErmk5qsaB59LzVL_46y1FlXpwulWzUM1Q/s320/vintage+books.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>This is a set of books published by the wonderful Grolier company in the late 1950's/ each volume contains stories centered around a particular theme. We bought our beloved set from a used book store in Oak Ridge, TN several years ago. Two of the volumes deal directly with American History, including stories about the great explorers. We have brought these volumes down to the school room and we're making good use of them. <br />
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This year with Virginia's history work, we are taking a very unique approach. We are reading and reading and reading some more--a textbook, story books, and biographies (including some that Michael had bought many years ago for his nephews). We are acompiling a notebook of work as well: copywork, artwork, maps, and so forth completed by Virginia will give her at the end of the year almost a scrapbook. with her History projects. I love the notebooking method of homeschooling, and think it can be adapted successfully with almost any curriculum or learning styles.<br />
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Some thoughts about A Beka: their product is unbeatable in quality of teaching and organization. I have just never seen anything better. But I really missed doing the work with the kids like we did when we first started. This year, I took Virginia out of the A Beka program. We have a very strong collection of curricula from which she is working--we returned to Modern Curriculum Press for some items for one last year. I think we will return to A Beka, at least in math and science, next year. But I have to tell you., returning to working with Mom has brought us closer together. <br />
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I'll give an update on the boys next time.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-69843680042570915352011-10-20T17:57:00.000-07:002011-10-20T17:57:02.375-07:00We're All Still Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_eEHELiyZMiHwBxuIlhFC2S_4-mSGGUJ0nofVyXCWrShU5Rc8DmubXfr-HbGUL_1n1JtpoJzQfdTV8TMM2KSELvGwKiE7Z_XBcLnkf3g7v6ijTvFfqtlOO9FvFh-LyC8OYMwu5dkhg/s1600/dick+and+jane+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_eEHELiyZMiHwBxuIlhFC2S_4-mSGGUJ0nofVyXCWrShU5Rc8DmubXfr-HbGUL_1n1JtpoJzQfdTV8TMM2KSELvGwKiE7Z_XBcLnkf3g7v6ijTvFfqtlOO9FvFh-LyC8OYMwu5dkhg/s320/dick+and+jane+3.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
I regret to say that I have neglected this blog! My post tonight (below) was the first I had posted in some time. We are all still here, and I am grateful to God more each day for what He has done for our family. Today, I was able to be home with the boys as Dad took Virginia to our monthly food distribution program, "There's Hope for the Hungry." This is a highlight of Virginia's month. Today, her best friend Joshua was able to attend as well. Both have truly grown up in the Church and under the tender love and admonition of the Saviour. <br />
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Fall is our favorite time of year, and it is finally getting cooler. I think I will bring in my mums tonight as we have a frost warning in effect, and I don't know how hardy they are going to be. <br />
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Tomorrow, I would like to post about our school work so far this year. I am very pleased with the paths that the children are taking. Stay tuned!At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-7794664998055293212011-10-20T17:44:00.000-07:002011-10-20T17:44:01.157-07:00Getting to Be That Time Again . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbLDo2UbC14ajLHtUIP6u8KsvNizPIx5q7KV03TWesKS8vrvcvvUOuxgfhuWFJCOHUVFcyvUMSu_Y9ZOZMPGO3_fTZkvtWEw5XlRe_aWUhsP_l1OX70MWKqArRhtSzA-4VcURChyphenhyphen8jw/s1600/600full-the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbLDo2UbC14ajLHtUIP6u8KsvNizPIx5q7KV03TWesKS8vrvcvvUOuxgfhuWFJCOHUVFcyvUMSu_Y9ZOZMPGO3_fTZkvtWEw5XlRe_aWUhsP_l1OX70MWKqArRhtSzA-4VcURChyphenhyphen8jw/s320/600full-the-legend-of-sleepy-hollow-poster.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Every year about this time, we read Washington Irving's marvelous classic, <em>The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. </em>What a fabulous story and author! I always loved the Walt Disney animated version when I was growing up--it seemed to capture Ichabod Crane just as Irving imagined him. <br />
And my goodness. could Irving turn a phrase!<br />
<em>It was the very witching time of night that Ichabod, heavy-hearted and crestfallen, pursued his travel homewards, along the sides of the lofty hills which rise above Tarry Town, and which he had traversed so cheerily in the afternoon . . . All the stories of ghosts and goblins that he had heard in the afternoon now came crowding upon his recollection. . . </em>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-58703121248562942792011-09-11T14:06:00.000-07:002011-09-11T14:06:01.536-07:00Did You Hear?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8_06ZOk2gNajlT1I4ica2egGpFfQPuwgm14HQRDFLCD-_S5K-KFOOkFAio9cbPw67xoFlGdbw_45qvmBNsOIp9soUavmu5DqlVeADOjgtthu-Sg6OXDGFD8rMpx_S1GFFBhVrNhd6Q/s1600/ancient-roman-fashion-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8_06ZOk2gNajlT1I4ica2egGpFfQPuwgm14HQRDFLCD-_S5K-KFOOkFAio9cbPw67xoFlGdbw_45qvmBNsOIp9soUavmu5DqlVeADOjgtthu-Sg6OXDGFD8rMpx_S1GFFBhVrNhd6Q/s320/ancient-roman-fashion-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, the students are all abuzz--another semester of Classical Latin! This semester, we have 39, not counting the delighted instructor! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the dream come true! And thank you Drs. Caner, Reynolds and Justus, for believing in me and this endeavor.<br />
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I love my students this year, and have quite a few siblings of last year's group. The summer class was outstanding! <br />
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We are still working on the on line version. It will not be taught until next year, but that is actually a blesssing. <br />
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"Labor me vocat!"At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-35879680288005648482011-07-21T06:19:00.000-07:002011-07-21T06:19:31.394-07:00Getting Ready<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcsiSE9SMlaff8AHdHT_ICwO_DYKnjVKnqby-cVDcqmRPKFZpt6x0ZoUWsRMvpUsx61bIdq_ajB9lySVbc8UuVMTO-HetH0TVMPpd9O0MfHPdYUyuVsK_2i_8YVbXoE0Y1VzGSHSheA/s1600/schoolchildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcsiSE9SMlaff8AHdHT_ICwO_DYKnjVKnqby-cVDcqmRPKFZpt6x0ZoUWsRMvpUsx61bIdq_ajB9lySVbc8UuVMTO-HetH0TVMPpd9O0MfHPdYUyuVsK_2i_8YVbXoE0Y1VzGSHSheA/s400/schoolchildren.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>Praise the Lord for His goodness. We are getting ready to begin another school year. This week, we went to an A Beka Conference with our friends, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Prussia. They never oversell or undersell; they listen to what we need for our family and try to put together the best package for us. We are so grateful for them and for the A Beka resources. <br />
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This year, we are using a combination of materials for all three children. John Thomas is taking three classes at the College and taking Physics and British Literature with the A Beka program. We are so pleased with this combination. <br />
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James Martin has the heaviest A Beka program, but he will be doing a couple of history projects with me and the other kids. <br />
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Virginia will be working with a variety of resources, including some old favorites from Modern Curriculum Press and Christian Liberty Press. She will be back in A Beka next year, but i wanted a real hands on approach with her subjects this year. She will be "reading and writing" across the curriculum.There are so many elements of the Charlotte Mason approach that I love; I want to incorporate "narration" as much as possible, and in fact, hope to adapt this skill in some form in my college classes. <br />
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We are all very excited and so grateful to the Lord for His role in making this endeavor possible.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-47071595905150757462010-11-27T13:00:00.000-08:002010-11-27T13:00:57.482-08:00Time for Dickens!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/christmas-carol-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" ox="true" src="http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/christmas-carol-a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-83374989416905552972010-11-24T05:20:00.000-08:002010-11-24T05:20:59.602-08:00Virginia and the Cowboy Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4g9FJ8TIBjtQxlT2jTXR3BNzpoYf0t1BJJwT-_1ZCR4DGCcCURu_Sl-8pqnh-2rADvP3tUwI8111Fj4c7RcIKOC_UF7QdbV9-U5MmyFRNblm84l1V8SFnpGiTXNswUmXzborkG6vsg/s1600/P1010141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4g9FJ8TIBjtQxlT2jTXR3BNzpoYf0t1BJJwT-_1ZCR4DGCcCURu_Sl-8pqnh-2rADvP3tUwI8111Fj4c7RcIKOC_UF7QdbV9-U5MmyFRNblm84l1V8SFnpGiTXNswUmXzborkG6vsg/s400/P1010141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Each of the Justus children love the singing cowboys; Virginia loves to sit and watch Roy Rogers and Dale Evans movies with Daddy on Sunday afternoons. She was very excited to have her picture taken with these singing cowboys: Woody Paul, "Too Slim", Ranger Doug and Joey, "the Cow Polka King." <br />
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After the concert we toured the Boothe Museum of Western Art. They have a fabulous collection of western art. Before the concert, we attended the "Cowboy Days" activities outside the museum, including a reenactment of the Gunfight at the OK Corral. The action was described by an historian of the era as the actors displayed first, in slow motion, and then in "real time," the gunfight. James Martin loved hearing about all the people involved and the circumstances that led up to the confrontation. <br />
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All of this would tickle my parents and grandfathers for certain. Moma and Daddy always loved Marty Robbins and his ballads about the Old West. Moma told me that when she was a little girl, she would watch the movies on Saturdays at the theater. Pawpaw would read a western every night before going to sleep, and I remember Grandaddy watching westerns on TV. They would all be pleased that the Justus children are growing up with their old friends--Marty, Roy and Dale, Marshall Dillon and the Cartwrights.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-55219395042452264242010-11-22T06:46:00.001-08:002010-11-22T06:46:57.709-08:00Happy Thanksgiving from Our Schoolhouse to Your's!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thanksgiving-wallpapers.com/images/wmwallpapers/vintage-thanksgiving-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="http://www.thanksgiving-wallpapers.com/images/wmwallpapers/vintage-thanksgiving-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-90768574051020857592010-11-22T06:12:00.000-08:002010-11-22T06:12:50.586-08:00Some Thoughts Going into the Thanksgiving Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ericas.com/fabric/989026b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://www.ericas.com/fabric/989026b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are all excited about having some time off from school. This has been the busiest semester of my teaching experience (two new preps). We have spent many an evening at school after supper. This is not a complaint. I am so grateful to have a job that I truly love, and one that allows maximum time with our family. The homeschool program in which the children are enrolled is marvelous, but very demanding, almost exhaustive. I understand why--to meet the SACS requirements in distance learning is very difficult. The positive side of this is that the kids are learning not only thier subjects, but that all-important work-ethic. Moreover, they have to be somewhat self-disciplined to work steadily each day. Many of my students are "hares" rather than tortoises. They procrastinate and wait to the last minute to study or complete assignments with sometimes disatrous results. I feel like circumstances force me into that position from time to time, but the fault is really my own. My time management skills definitely need some work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With our break this week, I hope that we can all sit down together to catch our collective breath and re-prioritize our lives. What is important? What is MOST important? Each day is a gift from the Lord, and I want to be a better steward of these gifts. </div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-31250653559274264382010-11-21T18:49:00.000-08:002010-11-21T18:49:35.599-08:00Ivanhoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW-vUuo6uKzdXpOWrVIwwg-LX7LxtoR1S5iThuEvJDOOIePSGRKwS8zPRRbXlcVKg45wor5oxUdjC27Y6W1-bhP1wtsPfm9Bu7gY4KIuEUMmge8hSb-XcQuFeEGrOzjwSX6mpk_xuqQ/s1600/ivanhoe5756756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW-vUuo6uKzdXpOWrVIwwg-LX7LxtoR1S5iThuEvJDOOIePSGRKwS8zPRRbXlcVKg45wor5oxUdjC27Y6W1-bhP1wtsPfm9Bu7gY4KIuEUMmge8hSb-XcQuFeEGrOzjwSX6mpk_xuqQ/s640/ivanhoe5756756.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our trips to Church take us about 30 minutes each way. On Sunday mornings, we listen to Bill Mack's "Sunday Social" and "Classic Cowboy Corral" with Ranger Doug. But Sunday nights are a little different. We are currently listening to Sir Walter Scott's 1818 classic tale of Medieval chilvary, <em>Ivanhoe</em>. We are listening to a dramatic reading by the British actor, David Warner. The presentation is not dramatized as such, but his reading is very dramatic. His reading makes this story even more enthralling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maybe after we are finished listening (and this will take several trips to and from Church), we can watch the movie with Robert Taylor and Joan Fontaine and Elizabeth Taylor and Rebecca. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-12028304554344487702010-11-14T19:24:00.000-08:002010-11-22T06:18:08.694-08:00The Adams Chronicles<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.playbill.com/images/photo/8/9/89880d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" px="true" src="http://www.playbill.com/images/photo/8/9/89880d.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One of Dad's favorite mini-series was produced by PBS in 1976 (remember the "Bicentennial Minute" too?) called <em>The Adams Chronicles</em>. A while back, it was released on DVD in the wake of the popular HBO mini-series about our great second President. We started watching this tonight after Church, and everyone really loves it! I am glad the kids like history as much as Michael and I do. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-11960677450613614862010-11-13T19:22:00.000-08:002010-11-13T19:22:00.519-08:00Reading Together Charles M. Sheldon's Classic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/perma-books/633-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/perma-books/633-1.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This very hectic semester has been given a little bit of stability through our reading together of favorite books and stories. We read Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" as we do every year. We are getting ready to take out our Dickens pretty soon as the Christmas season approaches. A couple of times, the boys and I hiave started Sheldon's <em>In His Steps. </em>I have had a strong sense that we need to pull this beloved title out again, this time including Ima Virginia. Perhaps the Lord wishes to speak to us throught this meaningful work of fiction--I am looking forward to seeing what He has for us to learn. </div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-70044972033162681682010-08-10T05:05:00.000-07:002010-08-10T05:05:06.474-07:00Magistra et Discipuli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwXMWq0suzhUcl4c-t2f6v5t9L7m6U1_jnx8SGyG_MMVUCzIacbNOxHt1opJIszW7E-qPZynm3c6CYQbN-RJrQQICtVA84YZwphFsfwxLh475lsLcB2uFoS-5tPGb5dPBurbZ2tBf3A/s1600/P1010012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwXMWq0suzhUcl4c-t2f6v5t9L7m6U1_jnx8SGyG_MMVUCzIacbNOxHt1opJIszW7E-qPZynm3c6CYQbN-RJrQQICtVA84YZwphFsfwxLh475lsLcB2uFoS-5tPGb5dPBurbZ2tBf3A/s320/P1010012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We were able to visit so many historic sites and museums on this vacation, We are going to count them as at least one day of school! (179 to go!) We must complete 180 days of instruction, and that may include some field trips (we would not abuse that privilege). We visited memorials for Presidents McKinley, William Henry Harrison and Harding. We went to the Creation Museum and to the First Ladies Historic Site. We had a great time!At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-10426461223741210682010-08-07T19:54:00.000-07:002010-08-07T19:54:08.653-07:00School Days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC3FBNV0u9euRvtxdkUpjSb0eu_-wzDk0yUndFAqR_sbA6RddFK80qg9mu5lTzENAhr-MyjxJ5KLPyPJht1uUvQqky9KHwgAT9GXAuyAMXXhBi9VkY0nA7GpvUBRzmdM4GwV-wdzgYw/s1600/backtoschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC3FBNV0u9euRvtxdkUpjSb0eu_-wzDk0yUndFAqR_sbA6RddFK80qg9mu5lTzENAhr-MyjxJ5KLPyPJht1uUvQqky9KHwgAT9GXAuyAMXXhBi9VkY0nA7GpvUBRzmdM4GwV-wdzgYw/s400/backtoschool.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>Well, "Back-to-School" time is almost here! I am so excited. We are going to be doing some different things this year, and Mom has lots of new material to teach. John Thomas will be taking Latin I at the College. James Martin will have some really interesting electives, and Virginia will have her favorite teacher for several subjects in her DVD lessons. They are each participating in the A Beka SACS-accredited program. <br />
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This year, we want to increase our reading a bit (me included!) and decrease the TV a lot. Our school books are scheduled to arrive Monday and I will be working on organizing lessons by Tuesday. We are all so grateful to be able to do this another year.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-53581422394217599612010-08-04T04:50:00.000-07:002010-08-04T04:50:57.682-07:00Corbin, KY--"Where It All Began"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC2aoGTuBQx60MPOP7iS-LBwTJ2VKdB0RE4lNLzCxN8IIfsJaTSEGxw9SUoCJoSc_FUuIiRTOz2Jn9qW5Dkm6C_wQxQFohMz2H9cJc_lr_JDO0Dc4Y4vIMK5w7mTzZKpnnG_cQYG9FA/s1600/P1010154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC2aoGTuBQx60MPOP7iS-LBwTJ2VKdB0RE4lNLzCxN8IIfsJaTSEGxw9SUoCJoSc_FUuIiRTOz2Jn9qW5Dkm6C_wQxQFohMz2H9cJc_lr_JDO0Dc4Y4vIMK5w7mTzZKpnnG_cQYG9FA/s400/P1010154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>One of our favorite stops is always the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Corbin, KY. This restaurant in Corbin was the original home of KFC. Inside, they keep a little museum with mementos from those earlier days. As you can see, KFC makes children grow tall!At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-30710480873359669212010-06-20T19:55:00.000-07:002010-06-21T05:26:36.340-07:00. . . whatsoever things . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0hvd9q54-0t9GbgYvCAX6SQChoxrHdZeAz8w6FvdXWg5oK0pEuEkm-GEtBm1XIpdO3QQOGYn_0SM7WNSL24MVqkt6Kuqhxnfl7-xbPMVjrzpx7jp-uSYok2BKnyLQbR_P-Nm8Klitw/s1600/childrens-books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0hvd9q54-0t9GbgYvCAX6SQChoxrHdZeAz8w6FvdXWg5oK0pEuEkm-GEtBm1XIpdO3QQOGYn_0SM7WNSL24MVqkt6Kuqhxnfl7-xbPMVjrzpx7jp-uSYok2BKnyLQbR_P-Nm8Klitw/s400/childrens-books.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have wanted to post for some time on one of our blogs my feelings about reading and book choices offered children today. Years ago, before the idea of homeschooling ever entered our minds, my husband and I ran into a really telling situation at a used book store. I was browsing through the children's section and overheard a conversation between two school teachers. They were buying all the Goosebump story books they could. The shelves were full of classics (and I'm not talking about Don Quixote, but wonderful children's authors like Robert McCloskey). Unfortunately, I could not hold my tongue and made a comment about their choices. They were incensed, of course, but the only reply they could muster was something to the effect, "well, does it matter as long as they are reading?" Oh dear. Yes, it does matter what our children are reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have stayed away from the Harry Potter and Twilight books. These series deal with sorcery, witchcraft, vampires and a host of other ungodly creatures and topics. If you visit a large retail book store, look at the teen books--they are all about vampires (no Lucy Maud Montgomery anywhere) and sexuality. The covers are horrific and often extremely suggestive. Yes, it does matter what our children are reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are viewed as odd by many close to us, but that is really ok. Michael and I are responsible for guiding our children's choices until they can make those choices themselves. I am proud of what they read: the boys read the classics: yes, John Thomas <em>is </em> reading <em>Don Quixote</em>, and will then begin Dickens' <em>The Pickwick Papers. </em>We have read Mark Twain, Dickens, and Robert Louis Stevenson classics together, and independently, they have read so many classic works of children's literature. Virginia loves Catherine Marshall and Carolyn Keene! She has read everything by Mrs. Marshall she can find, and also loves the classic Nancy Drew stories. She is working her way through the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, it does matter what our children are reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scripture, as always, states this best:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>Philippians 4:8</em></strong></div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-14395748685217434112010-06-13T07:19:00.000-07:002010-06-13T07:19:06.292-07:00Kidnapped!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiULB1HYczCiIUbLcRN1dixB25RBo8Yl6tsq6oXX-Zaym5aAtTvZ2VMd8ur59Pn3HeD24thulC-Fy66FIM03jJnl3-SMmAYi84Y1wQ5yxGqs3ZDfeCEM127jxiI-h8skHaI_85yFEdA/s1600/kidnapped+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiULB1HYczCiIUbLcRN1dixB25RBo8Yl6tsq6oXX-Zaym5aAtTvZ2VMd8ur59Pn3HeD24thulC-Fy66FIM03jJnl3-SMmAYi84Y1wQ5yxGqs3ZDfeCEM127jxiI-h8skHaI_85yFEdA/s400/kidnapped+b.jpg" width="286" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxi-YGqfbAxT5CoMl5khdzCxK1GKPDXAbn7i-4j7z2hDewlxpfz3eJYH0BPTa-3P62u5oy4-xpRw3nj-R8rOZPb7xTehaMNQQ_QM-_dc_dyC_kJOZPekv0Fip-a9F8C2cnOM_qHC5zQ/s1600/kidnapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxi-YGqfbAxT5CoMl5khdzCxK1GKPDXAbn7i-4j7z2hDewlxpfz3eJYH0BPTa-3P62u5oy4-xpRw3nj-R8rOZPb7xTehaMNQQ_QM-_dc_dyC_kJOZPekv0Fip-a9F8C2cnOM_qHC5zQ/s320/kidnapped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
For some time, the boys and I have read books aloud together. This is apart from some of our other reading projects. Together we have read, <em>In His Steps</em>, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "Rip van Winkle," <em>A Christmas Carol, </em>and <em>The Prince and the Pauper.</em> Now, we are working on Robert Louis Stevenson's <em>Kidnapped.</em> The tremendous adventures of young David Balfour carry us away to faraway places and put us in the presence of some rather frightening pirates and scoundrels. (Oh yes, we also read <em>Treasure Island</em>). The boys really seem to be getting into the pirate life--I love hearing them read with their "pirate accents." We are also reading a biography of Stevenson and some of his beautiful poetry.At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7128022260664616527.post-36362583633216461822010-06-10T04:30:00.000-07:002010-06-10T04:30:57.499-07:00Back to School--In June?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLL4AQuG9HXBHREOgqcoTGApC2DeH2_fFc1wYEGmP2ZSRNDvZQIbZtbMiw0WJi0x9mOWg0os86EnYq3TjDYra13rMwvIEOiLwa7NeotUz89_qIcsmDPFfq2fCR-9NY9F-zr12bH1q6OQ/s1600/old-library-reading-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLL4AQuG9HXBHREOgqcoTGApC2DeH2_fFc1wYEGmP2ZSRNDvZQIbZtbMiw0WJi0x9mOWg0os86EnYq3TjDYra13rMwvIEOiLwa7NeotUz89_qIcsmDPFfq2fCR-9NY9F-zr12bH1q6OQ/s400/old-library-reading-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes! Back to School, at least for John Thomas. Today marks the official beginning of his collegiate career. He will be taking a class in World History this summer and Latin I in the fall. He will be continuing his A Beka homeschooling program for two more years, but he will also pick up a couple of courses and earn college credit early. Many high schools offer dual-enrollment courses whereby high school students can get a "jump-start" on their college education while still at home. </div>At Home Togetherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02338360129527995619noreply@blogger.com1