September's End

Whew! Is September over? You betcha! Tonight I took in a wonderful concert in Prattville. It was worth the trip there and back. The music was varied but highlighted movie tunes from movies such as Mary Poppins and Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang.


Earlier today Cody, Andrew, and I, along with Chief, Francis, and Cassie began a Good News Club at our neighborhood elementary school. We had been helping out the last two weeks at a school closer to our church, but now we've branched out. We sang songs and prayed. Cody presented a missionary story, and I presented a Bible story and salvation message. In the end, nine students made a profession for Christ (which is not only "good" news, but also GREAT news :).

Cody, Justin, and Sam have been busy exploring the Scout Hut where they meet for Venturing. Sam discovered an old brass bugle. He was covered with cobwebs by the end. There's lots of camping equipment, old flags, papers, books, benches, dust, and oh, did I mention dust?













The boys are beginning to plan what activities they want to do. A trip to the Florida Keys to go sailing and SCUBA diving seems exciting. Of course, that trip will be many dollars down the road. Until then, riding down the Coosa River should satisfy their craving for adventure. Other ideas? The beach, a mission trip, CPR/First Aide Training, teaching kids sports . . . it's their crew.



Here are a few more pictures from earlier this week.

















Justin trimmed the vines around our columns.

Predator and Prey

Andrew directed his brothers in a game called predator and prey. Each participant is blindfolded. The rules are simple. Stay in a designated area. If you're the prey, avoid the predator. If you're the predator, catch the prey. Justin was the predator is the first game. He stalked Cody by listening for noises. Though he was often distracted by other noises, Justin finally caught him. Cody chose to be spider-like and waited for his prey to stumble into his trap (See the photo below). This method was equally effective.

Textbooks and the Microscope

Here are some of the books we are using this year for science:

The upper-level texts also have cds with additional lessons. Andrew is enjoying putting together a science notebook about land animals.

The boys all enjoy the experiments, and Cody is currently studying microscopic sea life.

Of course, Andrew and Justin want to get in on the microscope study as well!

Bible and worldview texts and media have been very worthwhile, a true blessing. This week we'll begin to study Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday celebrated next week.

Sunday Afternoon/Evening Photos

Orchestra practice on Sunday afternoons can get long, especially when the clarinet parts are few and far between! The boys' friend, Sam, is the one relaxing on his stand.

Andrew on the horn

After orchestra practice and a CEF meeting, Cody prepares the sound board.

Cody packs up the microphones and cords after the service.

Social Interaction

Whenever people find out I am a homeschool mom, they usually ask if the boys miss out socially. Folks who know little to nothing about homeschooling must believe I chain my boys to their desks! Perhaps some of you readers have wondered how we integrate others into our schedule. We are very busy during the day, but the boys have actually expanded their network of friends since the beginning of the school year. Instead of being part of a jr/sr high with 60 +/-students, we're a part of a bigger community.

I have planned a challenging and therefore time-consuming curriculum. So, we do spend much of the school day in focused study (with flexible breaks when they need them, of course). However, our afternoons and evenings are filled with activities.

Our boys have been involved in scouting all their lives. They belong to one of the largest troops in Montgomery. This week there are three scout meetings/events they will attend. Cody and Justin are also forming a Venturing crew. Their crew will bring together those who are interested in faith and fitness.

Because of their interest in music, the boys sing with the Capital City Singers and play in the home school band. They also play in our church's orchestra.

There are still other activities. Justin is on an AYSO soccer team and the Evangel Family JV basketball team. Cody and I will be doing CEF at a local public school. The boys go on church visitation every Wednesday afternoon. Cody runs the sound system for most Sunday evening services and is a bus ministry volunteer, preaching every other month. Justin ushers and helps out with junior church. Andrew participates in Awana and Middle-C choir. The boys have run chains and have helped as water boys for CCA's home football games. Cody stepped forward to head the fundraising committee for EFCA. And so it goes . . . I guess the boys interact with at least 185 different people a week . . . with our knowledge and guidance.

Cody, Justin, and Andrew are getting to know many great kids and adults. They also have gained a greater appreciation for our family. More importantly, though, they are getting to know the Lord better. To God be the glory!

Labor Day

Our family spent a few hours at Ft. Toulouse/Ft. Jackson Park. When we lived in Montgomery from 1994-1998, we loved going to this park. Since then, there have been several 18th and 19th century buildings built. There are lots of trees and meadows for the boys to explore. The Alabama and Coosa Rivers are alongside the park as well. I love the Spanish moss that drapes many of the trees in the park. It reminds of when I lived in Florida as a child.

Here is one of the many footbridges along the trail.

Justin

I guess we weren't too far out in the woods! The cell phone found us . . .

Here Jack, Cody, and Andrew are looking for turtles across the river.

Andrew decides to head down the road less travelled.

Cody

A fist full of persimmons