Christopher is a Saint!

I know that caught the attention of some of you.

My oldest has many wonderful qualities.

I'm thankful for the ways that I see him learning and growing.

Im excited about the changes I've seen in him over the last 4-5 months as he is seeking to know more about God and to get involved in a variety of ways at our church.

Well, this really isn't about church though.

If you have peeked at the pictures below, then you know what I'm talking about.  If not, ... they are coming.

I couldn't resist this post. 

When evaluating his time commitments for this year, Christopher decided that he wasn't going to be able to play football.  We asked him on numerous occassions if he was sure.  He was. 

Just recently, one of his former coaches (and his family) were over for dinner.  He talked with Christopher about playing.  He said they could use someone tall and fast.  They needed a receiver.   This is a big change for my son who is used to playing defense.  I think he likes being the hunter rather than the prey.  I do think he'll do a good job in this role though. 

It is nice to be recruited!  It was a blessing to receive a partial scholarship too.  I'm looking forward to the season!

So, once again ... Christopher is a Saint!



I love the values this league displays.  They pray together before the games (and during it if someone is hurt).



They have a devotion after the game and close in prayer.  Where else are you going to see opposing teams sitting down together?  And not just in the same space, but mixed together AFTER the game!



The game was interesting.  Our team was down 13-0 in the third quarter.  It was then that I learned that not only had they not yet won a game ... they hadn't even scored a touchdown yet.  I was wondering if this was going to be a long season.  Things really turned around in the 4th quarter though!  They scored!!!  Not once, but twice and went on to win the game!  It was exciting. 

So our Saturdays will be spent watching football.  If you are local and want game times, let me know as it's always fun to have more fans!  If you want to offer prayers for safety for these guys too - that is always appreciated!



Blessings

Leslie

Beyond FIAR Co-op Betsy Ross #3

Playing catch-up and wanted to post this one before we meet again with our group!  We are meeting for the third time in our study of Betsy Ross.  We have covering chapters 8-12 during this co-op.  It was a delightful morning with lots of neat things to do and learn!  I love co-op days!

We started with a needle/sewing project.  They each had a plastic canvas cut into the shape of the Liberty Bell.  They learned how to do the stitches and then were given some time to work on their bell.  Some did not want to stop!  I was pleasantly surprised at how much my boys enjoyed this project.  I don't think it is something I would have ever thought of doing with them.  It was a perfect project - something that was managable and not to lengthy (not like commiting to making a sampler as Betsy Ross did in one of these chapters). 



One of the blessings to *me* in co-op is the privilege of my children being able to do things that they wouldn't get at home - either something I don't know about, can't do or don't think they would like.  It is a privilege to see them learning fun things!  It opens my eyes to new possibilities too.  It is a sweet example to me of the body of Christ working together and being much greater together than any of us would have been alone. 

Here is what the completed project looks like.



Next the children watched a Magic School Bus on the human body.  This lead to a discussion about blood and the 4 main parts of blood.  In order to really grasp this, the children each made a blood cell! 



Here are the four parts:

1.  Plasma - represented by corn syrup



2.  White blood cells - represented by white jellybeans

3.  Red blood cells - represented by red disc shaped gummy candy



4.  Platelets - represented by the purple candy



They had a blast making these (and sampling the goodies before they went into the "blood".  Again, this is not a project I would have chosen to do at home and I'm so glad they had this experience!  It was fun!  We also had a snack time (but no pics). 

Next was a fun game in which some of the children were white blood cells (white headbands) trying to capture the others.  The white had to band together (3 children ) in a circle around a blue headband (bacteria) in order to stop it.  The blue could be released by three of their teammates circling around them.



Always fun to run and chase!



There is so much that I love about homeschooling.  When I started, I never realized how much God would use it to shape me, humble me and teach me.  I really thought it was all about the children.  God is so much bigger than anything I can imagine though and he uses homeschooling to instruct me and refine me.  It is a blessing and one for which I'm thankful (well, most of the time!). 

Blessings

Leslie