Peek and see

Here is another peek at our school week! Allowing others to look into our day brings quite a bit of vulnerability to any mama who teaches their children at home.  Many people have strong opinions on how and where children receive an education. I tend to want to tuck my head and do as the Lord is leading our family with confidence and not engage in conversations that would attempt to deter my thoughts and heart with what we know is right for each of our children. I am surprised each and every week I receive phone calls, facebook messages, emails and face to face questions about how we approach school. We always said we would make an individual decision for each of our children with how we approach their education ever since Breanna, our oldest, was a baby. We said if we felt it was best to homeschool we would be willing but I really didn't think it would ever happen. But it did. Various and different reasons each for Maddy and Logan led us to keep them home for the past year and a half (perhaps another post for another day).  We started homeschooling Maddy mid year during 6th grade and Logan started his 5th grade year. Breanna graduated from public school and Olivia attends a public school. I am not anti-public school nor wish to participate in conversations that declare an overall statement that everyone should homeschool or conversations on the other side of the pendulum that no one should homeschool. Sweeping statements of only one way to approach kids that are uniquely different cause me to cringe. We will continue to seek the Lord and be willing to do what we think is best for each of our children. 

So here is a peek behind the scenes.

Madelyn creates her own projects and she will work on them during the day in between her scheduled studies (History, Science, Spelling, Literature, Civics, Grammar, Handwriting, Math, Health & more!) She enjoys learning, is passionate, innovative and has many dreams and ideas. She likes to create PowerPoint presentations as an avenue to teach others what she is learning. We have sat through various presentations over the past few years and we have learned so much in the process. She is currently working on a PowerPoint about GMO's. (Genetically Modified Organism's)

I love the picture of Maddy above, the way it captures her focus, determination and a little of her personality. Logan shot that photo. He has a growing interest in photography, videography and journalism. He recently set up his own YouTube Channel.  We were reluctant to allow him to have this avenue but I am thankful we did because it has fueled his interest and creativity.  You can check out his Channel here

Logan spotted a new bird at the feeder this week so he ran outside to capture a picture. As many of you know they participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Click here for the link (for kids and adults). All kids are different right? I decided at the beginning of the year I wanted this to be a consistent activity that they participated in during the week. Not all kids show an interest in what you might get excited about...at first. It's a challenge that keeps me intrigued and studying how each of our children learn. Madelyn will sit by the window and wait for the birds to come to the feeder . She will study the bird with a large bird poster and field manual. She might have a notepad beside her so she can do further research on that particular bird's migration pattern or other detailed information. Logan wasn't opposed to the project but not thrilled at first. It was a challenge for me to see how to bridge the gap with his interests and how he learns. So, I handed him my camera.  He knows, I don't hand my camera to just anyone so his time of birdwatching and recording data is special. I had to chuckle this week when he was taking a picture and he said, "Look at this picture of this chickadee thingy." This weekly activity has allowed them time to slow down, observe, record data while participating with people all over United States.

Every week or so we make a quick trip to the library. Madelyn is just as predictable as Logan when we get there. She will quickly grab a couple fiction books and then race over to the garden/nutrition/fiber section. Logan knows the exact book he is going to get before he walks into the Library. He has laser focus and will not deter from his mission. He will search the computer for the location of the book, pick up the book and  be ready to go within a couple of minutes.  This was the first time that Logan has gone to the library and was content to sit patiently while waiting for Madelyn to browse through the books. He wasn't anxious to get on to the next thing or grumbling and complaining about how long it was taking. He sat down, put his feet up and relaxed. He didn't even notice me taking this picture. It was just one of those moments that I wanted to etch into my memory so I could recall it when I need to remind him to exhibit self control in the future.  

I gave both the kids a rubric and set a date for a book report of their choice. Logan read three books in two days! This is a huge step as I recall the first part of the year he was so concerned about how much time he had to read or had left to read that he was not enjoying the actual book. I just watched him and thanked God several times for allowing me to see progress.

 A few people ask me about our Math Curriculum. This year we used Teaching Textbooks. The kids have enjoyed the program. This is the only subject they do on the computer and it is a CD program. The program keeps a log of their grades as they complete lessons/lectures. If you purchase this curriculum for Math you can use the ID number for 4 or 5 times.  We were not sure if you could buy this used but you can! Just make sure you ask how many times the ID has been used. Billy's parents purchased Madelyn's Math curriculum and we borrowed Logan's from a friend. We purchased the textbook/workbook with Madelyn's and I must tell you it is not necessary to spend the additional money for it. We haven't opened the books at all. The books duplicate the exact lecture that is displayed on the screen. There are additional "helps" but both our kids have been extremely successful with this program.

Olivia was out of school for President's Day so we took a field trip to the Whitaker Center. 

Hands on demonstration about air. It's always fun to watch one of your siblings being included in the demonstration! 

The Whitaker Center is a great place for hands on learning. If you have a family membership the IMAX documentary films are discounted $2 per ticket. We didn't see a film on this trip due to it being a holiday they were only showing the movie Frozen...uhhh no, thank you. We hope to go back soon to see the Jerusalem Documentary. 

Could anyone not smile while doing a Grammar lesson with a bunny hanging out under their legs?

There are times that chores need to be completed before, during or after the school day. It is part of being a family and builds character. 

Then some Physical Education looks like this! I should have ventured up the hill as he met up with some buddies but it was really cold.

I signed the kids up for a Science class at Messiah College's Oaks Museum

We enjoyed this activity and it was nice to see both kids participate and eager to talk one on one with  the adults to gather additional information about what they were teaching. The kids did further research the following day and wrote a report on something new they learned at the Museum. There are a few additional classes that are being offered click here for the topics/dates. 

Saturday we had another snow storm, so why did I post a picture of Saturday when we are peeking into our school day? It seems that learning is just a way of life and doesn't have to occur only between certain hours. Madelyn will go outside to play but she decided to work on her garden while it was snowing. She spent hours playing in the soil. She wasn't in any hurry to get the job done and move on to something else, she sat quietly and placed the seeds in each pod carefully and stopped to research about the plants to see what would be good companion plants. It has been a very cold winter and many people are ready for it to be over, but not everyone. Logan as you can see is one happy fella during the wintertime. He enjoys each and every snowfall and is eager to spend time at Ski Roundtop snowboarding. He has made a couple videos of his adventures so be sure to check them out here

We have some exciting things planned for the rest of this week...stay tuned!  

Broken BUT made new

Recently, I was dusting Logan's book shelf and I dropped one of his trophies. It shattered into several pieces all over his floor. I collected the pieces and set them in a neat pile in Billy's office. Olivia, passed through the office shortly after and glanced down to see the pile of broken trophy pieces. She stopped and stared at the pieces and asked what happened. After explaining the situation she appeared concerned but accepted that it was an accident. Tim and Teri (our friends from NC) were on their way to the house for a visit and everyone was eager for their arrival and perhaps a bit distracted as we were not thinking about the trophy any longer.

The Grays arrived and we spent time talking and catching up and at some point during their visit  Olivia whispered something to Mrs. Teri and off they went into the another room. Little did we know that Olivia had collected the pieces of the trophy and she had attempted to put it back together with an Elmer's glue stick. She had been working diligently, with good intentions attempting to put it together but without success so she asked Mr. Tim and Mrs. Teri for help. The pieces were collected, the Elmer's glue was cleaned off and another type of glue was used as Tim, Teri and Olivia sat at the dining room table putting Logan's trophy together.

I would have never chosen or wanted Logan's trophy to break BUT the opportunity for his sister to show compassion, care and love for him was worth the broken trophy pieces. Also, Tim quickly reminded me that it was an opportunity for he and Teri to bond with Olivia. Olivia was so thankful that she had help, she was tired and wasn't making much progress (perhaps making it messier) by attempting to do it all on her own. I couldn't resist thinking of all the learning lessons and illustrations that were unfolding before my eyes.

That little trophy was broken BUT it has been made new and has a new story. It was special before BUT now it holds a deeper, more significant story. When I look at that trophy now, it's not perfect BUT its a treasure. We all have a time in our life when the pieces are shattered, circumstances are difficult and we can attempt to put it back together with our own efforts (perhaps making it messier) or surrender to our Savior and allow Him to restore, redeem and transform our lives with significant purpose. Surrendering and being transformed doesn't mean a perfect life but one that allows the flaws to be used for His purpose and to point others to the redeeming power of our Savior.

.......BUT^[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them Ephesians 2

Olivia wrapped up Logan's trophy, a note and some chocolate that was given to her in a small box. Here is a small clip....

Special Day for our boy

 Lunch with my boy for his Birthday. The cakepops were a HIT! The kids were so excited and it made it extra special for Logan to see his classmates excited for his birtday. Logan unashamedly hugged and tucked his arm around my back while we ate lunch together. I love how tender and affectionate he is.

 

 

I couldn't pull my phone out fast enough as the kids spontaneously sang Happy Birthday.

 

Okay, not my typical cake baking for birthdays but I go with the request they give me and this year Logan wanted a cake with Reese Cups  and chocolate all over the top so that's what he got. In between the layers of cake is a layer of Reese's cups and homemade peanut butter frosting, covered with dark chocolate ganache on the top. Ohh my word how many calories can you put in one cake!!!!

 

 Whoo hooo! RGIII Jersey!
 

 AND the magic kit that he has wanted for a while. We have been entertained for the past few days as he is learning to work some of the illusions.
 

 

This is a face of "I am special" He was so appreciative as he thanked us several times for the gifts and making the cake just the way he wanted it. God has big plans for this boy that is growing into a young man. He is 100% boy and the most tender, compassionate, protective boy I know.

 

We love you

 LoMo, Ltrain, Lo, Carolina



Guys' Weekend in DC

 

Ok, it doesn't happen often but the guys are taking over the blog for this post. So here we go...

 

Logan and I had an overnight trip to Washington DC a few weeks ago.  The purpose of the trip was to get away as father and son to talk about biblical manhood and to challenge Logan in a few areas of his life as he is getting older.

We visited many sights and monuments around Washington and attended the Redskins vs. Giants game on Monday night. (Thanks to our friend Eric for scoring some great seats)  We had a great time, did a lot of talking and made some wonderful memories.  Here are some highlights from the trip.

 

 

We began Sunday night by reading a verse out of the bible:

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father."

Colossians 3:17

This verse would serve as our foundation for the weekend.  We had a great discussion around how our actions, words, deeds, everything are to be done in a way that glorifies God and honors Him.  We talked practically about how we can live out this verse on a daily basis with our friends, family, classmates and teachers.  Logan was very thoughtful about how he can honor God by honoring those around him.  He has a very tender heart that allows him to easily think of ways to serve and love others.  He made some great suggestions on how to honor God in deed as we were in DC. 

He suggested he could give up his seat on the metro to someone who didn't have one.  He also talked about thanking people who otherwise may not be thanked for doing their jobs.  He said this would honor God by showing love to the people God had created.

 

We also looked at the fruit that our lives should produce as we live in a way that honors God:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23

Logan was able to make the connection between honoring God with our words and actions and how that would produce the fruit of the spirit.

 

As we visited the monuments and sights around Washington we talked a lot about the fruit of the spirit and how they are displayed through action. 

We visited the Vietnam wall, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.  We talked about sacrifice and how Jesus laid down His life for us so that we could have a relationship with Him.  These memorials served to remind us that ordinary men laid down their life for our country and our freedom.  In light of that, how much more did Jesus do by laying down his life for our souls.

We visited Arlington National Cemetery as well.  As we walked passed thousands of tombstones we had the chance to talk about sacrifice, faithfulness, love, and self-control.  We were able to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.  This was a special ceremony that served to demonstrate the ultimate in honor, faithfulness and self-control.  The guards who faithfully walk 21 paces back and forth in front of the tomb and pause 21 seconds at each turn for a fellow soldier they never knew was powerful.  Seeing this ceremony allowed Logan and I to talk about integrity and discipline.  It was a powerful demonstration that will surely stick in both of our minds.

 

We had a great day together followed by a fun night at the football game.  Logan got to attend his first NFL game and see many of his favorite players up close.  A friend of ours got great tickets for us and we were able to go down on the field before the game.  Even the football game served as a reminder of honoring God with our word and deeds.  We talked about teammates holding each other accountable and how they would practice for months before playing a game on the weekend. 
 

We looked at Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

We discussed the importance of relationships with other Christians and how those relationships would serve to encourage, challenge and sharpen our relationship with the Lord.  Accountability is important in the life of a man and it is fundamental in the life of a man whose desire is to be a man of God.

It was a great weekend and one that I will treasure for a long time.  I am proud of the young man Logan is becoming and I look forward to continuing to guide him in to biblical manhood.

 

Here are a few highlights from the weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few pictures of the monuments we visited.  Logan really liked the Vietnam wall and statues since his grandaddy is a Vietnam Veteran.  He also enjoyed learning about Lincoln and the Gettysburg address that took place right down the road from where we live now. 

 

Logan is a tough kid who loves sports, and doing "boy" stuff. At the same time he is also very tender and affectionate. As a result, this is how we spent most of our time walking around the Mall area.


After the Mall we ate lunch and then headed over to Arlington.  This was my first visit to the cemetery.  It was a bit overwhelming; the emotions of gratitude, pride and patriotism.  There are over 400,000 service members, statesmen and presidents buried there.

  

 Logan really wanted to see "F. Kennedy's" grave.  Not sure why he kept leaving John off but we went to see it anyway.

The Highlight of the Arlinton Vist was the Tomb of the Unknowns.

 

I bought Logan a coin for the Tomb of the Unknowns to serve as a reminder of the fruit we talked about: faithfulness, self-control and love.

 

After spending the day walking around DC we headed over to the stadium to see the game.

We had tremendous seats and the usher let us go down onto the field before the game so Logan could get up close with the players.  It took him a few minutes to settle in and enjoy it.  It was his first time in an NFL stadium and it overwhelmed him quite a bit when we first walked in.  Once he took it all in he was good to go and had a great time.

 



 

 

 

 Walking up to the Stadium and then down onto the field!

 

 

Santana Moss, Logan's favorite player and the receivers warming up.

 

Moss!

 

Logan's uncle Rob let him borrow a Chris Cooley jersey to wear to the game.  When the ends came out for warm-ups Chris came over and gave Logan a wink and a smile.

 

 London Fletcher and the linebackers warming up

 

When you are the only kid on the sidelines you get a lot of attention.  The ushers, and adults were making sure he could see and one of the officials, Tony Steratore, stopped by to say hello as well.

 

He also hung out next to this NFL photographer.  They guy was very nice and told Logan all about his camera and let him pick out some players for him to take pictures of.

 

 

We got to see the Redskins marching band, the Sean Taylor memorial and a few celebrities along the sideline.  Former Giant player, Michael Strahan and Yankees pitcher, CC Sabathia both hung out on the sidelines next to us before the game.

 

 The Skins take the field!

 

 He didn't even make it out of the parking lot.

 

A great weekend for us both!

Throw Back Thursday-neighborhood production

Here is a video I dug up from the vault. This was Christmas Eve 2009 and the kids "made a church" in the woods and had several services for the neighbors. Once the people stopped coming the kids took the production to the neighborhood.  They went to all the houses on the street to share the Christmas story.

This all started when Logan's friend told him that he had not been to church and he didn't really know the Christmas story. Logan went to work building a cross out of sticks and Maddy organized some neighborhood children to fill the different characters. They alternated turns reading the story and were so serious as they taught others about Christmas.  I must admit the Lord was graciously teaching this mama that day as well as the kids. They were coming in and out of the house collecting bibles, towels, books (advent)  and other items.  Little did I know what the Lord was doing in their hearts as I looked up in my cleaning frenzy and noticed neighbors passing by my window to go into the woods.  The Lord was graciously teaching me a big lesson that day as he does very often through our children.
 click on the box below.....

Party-Party-Party

P-A-R-T-Y  Time!

It was a very busy few days with all the fall parties at school.

I had the opportunity to help out in both schools this year. I was able to volunteer in Olivia's class and plan the party in Maddy's being room mom. Maddy and Logan's parties are always at the same time so I will do my best to alternate between the two classes throughout the year.

 



The Morrison kitchen was busy!!! I made chocolate covered Oreo's with sprinkles for Olivia's class. The ingredient list is attached to each and every lollipop!  I have a new respect for parents who deal with Peanut allergies, it is not an easy task to make a special little treat that is peanut free.

At Sara Lindemuth, Olivia's school, the kids dress up and take a lap around the track as parents line up around the fence taking pictures. I enjoyed being in Olivia's classroom during the party helping out. These kids enjoyed all the activities and were very cooperative. It was so sweet seeing Olivia in her new school setting. She appeared very comfortable as she moved around the classroom.

Lots of people came out and the kids look forward to this tradition during their fall parties. The High School band played while the kids marched around in their costumes.

The Principal and all the teachers join in on the fun.

Back in the classroom working on a pumpkin craft. The room mom did such a great job with planning. She had so much to do and the kids had a great first party to kick off their first year of school.

Olivia has made some pretty special friends this year.

Next P-A-R-T-Y

 Maddy's class was GREAT. Boys against girls relay races. This was a hit for sure...

 All waiting to see who was going to finish first...

 

 This is such a great class. Everyone was so cooperative and no one complained at all during the party.

 

As I said, it was a very busy week in the Morrison kitchen! There was even a little time to make chocolate covered marshmallow's for Maddy and Logan's classes. (YES, Peanut Free treat)