This week we learned about Daniel Webster and how he was a good example of being a good servant by giving freely to others. This went along with our character trait, service, for the week. Our verse of the week was Proverbs 11:24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. The hymn for this week was "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart" and here is a video of the kids singing it.

We also learned about Samuel Morse. I was surprised that the kids actually remembered learning about him from two years ago. So we decided to just read our history book for fun and not do any of the scheduled projects, but instead spend our time playing math games.

Our nonfiction book we chose to read for our story time genre was Shipwrecked. This book was very informative about Japan and the kids and I really enjoyed it. We decided for a nonfiction book it was written very well.

In science we learned how the pioneers used canvas to fold into a cup to drink from on long trips that way they didn't have to pack around cups. I know this seems like more of a history lesson, but it was from our science book... nevertheless, the kids really enjoyed it. We chose to use old calendar pages to make our cups with. Here the kids are getting ready to learn to fold a cup like the pioneers did.

They said the water had a funny taste... oops. Don't use old calendar pages if you do this. ;/

Kane, yes I used his real name. ;) I guess the nickname thing really isn't worth it. Even though I love the nicknames Granny. :) So anyways, here is Kane learning to use a math compass. I didn't realize how difficult this is for little hands. He's still trying to perfect it.

 

I think the kids' favorite part about this week was learning about Charles Goodyear and how by accident he figured out how to mix sulphur and rubber to make a more resilient form of rubber. We walked through the house after our reading looking for items we could thank Mr. Goodyear for. Kane especially was really excited to see vehicles that had Goodyear stamped on the tires.

This was Kane's book project for our nonfiction book in Drawn Into the Heart of Reading. Kyah and Kolten wanted to get involved too. They made an accordion book with 10 facts from their books written and then illustrated on each page.

YES!!! Vacation!!! The Joyful homeschool will be taking the rest of April off and possibly the first week in May. We'll still be learning while on break though so don't worry. Life is all about learning. They are now sitting on the couch with a soda and popcorn watching a movie to start off the vacation. We just might be caught dancing in the rain here in a bit though.  

 

Karter, formerly known as Baby America, is learning to crawl. Well, backwards crawling that is. :) We often find him like this and have to rescue him.

 

The cutest grin ever! :) Kolten, our little warrior! Formerly known as Inchworm.

 

What a face! I wonder if he ever gets tired of being squeezed? He sure has to endure it quite often. Happy NINE months Karter. We're so happy you joined our family.

Well that wraps up our week. We'll be back! :)

In other news, Kolten will be having two surgeries in April so we would appreciate any prayers that you may be willing to say for our little man, our family, and the surgeon performing the surgeries. This will be his 2nd and 3rd surgery in his life, and definitely not the last. We are so very blessed that he is such a fun, loving, happy, normal two year old and try and remind ourselves of that daily.

Here is a picture of Kolten after his first surgery at six weeks old. For those of you who don't know he was born with spina bifida.

 The first picture is of Kolten at six weeks with our favorite PICU nurse. The second is him four days old after being put under for his first MRI. And the bottom picture is of him with his very talented surgeon, Dr. Monica Wehby.

It has been one rough ride for this little guy. We are all very thankful that it isn't as bad as it could be though. We know that God is watching out for him and we trust in His will and plan for Kolten's life.

Playing dress up with Kyah. He was giving me a "big smile" in this pic... I know it looks like he was crying but he really wasn't. :-) We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

On his 2nd bday both of us with our messy hair-do.