Memorial day

I love the way I've learned from other homeschool moms to seize opportunities for learning. Today is Memorial day and we decided to take some time and teach the kids what Memorial day was all about. We packed into the car and headed to a local cemetery where they had alot going on related to the holiday. On our way there we took the opportunity to discuss some history of the holiday. Did you know that Memorial day was started in 1868 to take time and remember those who have served our country. In 1950 is when it was actually named Memorial day, but it wasn't made a holiday until 1971, by Richard M. Nixon. We also talked about some of the ways we can memorialize those who have served our country (ie parades, observing prayer at 3pm, placing flags on their graves, etc....) and what their service means for us. How other many other countries don't have the freedoms we do, specifically our freedom of speech and religion, but many others too. Our local cemetery even had a replica of the tomb of the unknown soldier complete with the changing of the guard ceremony!







We tried to get Micah to sit up front with the other kiddos but he liked this "seat" best :)
The pictures below were from an area that was round with about 5 or 6 flags representing different times in American history, what our flags looked like. In the center was the larges and current flag which was of course at half staff for today.









Another neat thing we got to see were these custom caskets.....the makers sign is at the bottom...what a neat tribute to any soldier or fireman :)










I'd like to thank ALL men and women who have fought for our rights and freedoms, but a special thanks goes out to my husband who served, my mom who served, and my dad who served in both peacetime and wartime and committed a large portion of his life to the service. I love each of you and am soooo thankful for you!

Fishing Derby

Caleb's school participates in an annual fishing derby that headstart puts on for all the centers in the Eastern part of the state. All the students and their families are invited to fish (fishing poles and bait provided) lunch and some games. The kids had a blast and it was a wonderful time. We've also "pick up" a new addition to our family ;) Her name is Savannah and she's a neighbor.


The girls were so funny. Neither one wanted to put a worm on their hook (can't blame them, I wouldn't either! LOL) so they asked one of the boys who were there as volunteers. He was a cadet at a local boys school......I think there were probably 50 or more there to help in various ways. I think shy Brianna got Savannah to do the asking for her ;)

Micah just wanted to cast and reel so we eventually took his hook off and just let him play :)
They had some farm animals there......Micah wanted to get in the pin with the calf!
Everyone enjoyed a lunch of hotdogs or hamburgers.


t


Just before we left the kids all got their faces painted.........

Caleb's Last day

Caleb had a GREAT time this year in the local headstart program. His teachers were wonderful and they even allowed him to pray over their food every morning for breakfast.....he's a witness already! By the end of the year the kids all knew the prayer and many joined in with him :) The one he said was one the older kids learned in preschool:

Tick toc, Tick toc
now it's time to pray,
we fold our hands
and bow our heads and this is what we say,
God is good,
God is great,
let us thank Him for our food,
Amen.


Here he was getting an award for participating in their reading program.

He won a drawing and got to pick one of the class books to keep so he chose the foot book :)
And here he is with a few of his good buddies from school ;)
He had a great year and we were so thankful for the program but he is also VERY excited about the fact that "he's done with school and now he's homeschooled!" in his words :)

Brianna's recital

Brianna was privileged to be able to add voice lessons to her piano time so this year she sang as well as played piano for her recital :) My videos were to big to put on here, but enjoy some pictures :)


Mom and Tim were able to attend :)

As well as Brianna's good friend Emily and her family.