The Evans' Journey

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Homeschooling Convention!

I went to the homeschooling convention in Ohio this year - last year plans were cancelled so I was really excited for this year. I went with Anne and it was so lovely to go alone and not have a little person - this is the first time I have ever went anywhere without at least a baby since I became a mother. What a blessing. So Nice.

I got to meet several of the authors that the kids and I have read the past few years and look at lots of curriculums. Thankfully, by now I have figured out most of the options out there so I go with a list of thoughts.

So Much Fun.

I even got a shirt - Tumbleweed Thompson!

One of the very best - Anne and her littlest love came along with us. He was a dream.

Another author we read together as a family.

My favorite! Andrew Pudewa he has taught me so much. He is the creator of Institute for Excellence in Writing which I use with the kids.

We sat in on one conference talk about college and this was one of many examples of new college safety plans. We also learned of new educational rules in the public school system - I like to be aware of what is going on in the public schools in case we ever have to go down that path and also to honestly reiterate extra reasons of my homeschooling journey.

I did not start this journey because of the public schools and their teachings I started this journey for my family to be together and learn together on our schedule and enjoy the freedom of this life. I started this journey to be able to teach them about Christ in all areas of learning. I am glad I chose this journey for what is happening in the world today. It is a commitment of my time and all my energy but I truly believe their is no better way to spend my time as a mother.

It is not always glamourous but life never is.

Photo Take Over

Coraline and Bella have been photographers around here.

Backyard Fishing!

Levi taught us a new way of fishing - limb lining. Really it is just using a line dangling from a tree with a hook and bait and wait to see what happens. He baited a line a couple times when I was away at conference but didn't catch anything. Then we did it as a family this week and caught a catfish but we didn't have a net so it got away.

But while we were visiting with the grandparents by the creek we scored another fish in just a few minutes! It was a bass. We were all so excited to take it home and learn how to fillet it up. We had it for dinner. Fishing Pioneer Style. New Adventure.

Papaw showing off the fish to the kids.

Mamaw and Bella looking for frogs for bait. All our girls love her so much.

This one I got a picture of! Fisherman!

Checking the first line before it got away! We were all a little nervous.

Checking out the insides!

We love all these adventures we can do right at home. We know how blessed we are to be able to enjoy this land and every night at least one of the kids give thanks in their prayer.

Monday, August 16, 2021

New Homeschooling Year Info

I am in full homeschooling organization mess around here!

I mostly put this here for my reference but in case anyone wants to know what we are doing this year - here is a portion of the magic.

Last year, we completed everything on our list!

I am hopeful we will do that same this year. I stayed with the same number of items just to give extra incentive to us all!

Monthly Bookclub Reading

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

Al Capone Does my Shirts

Adventures with Waffles

Willows in Winter

Mighty Men

Treasures of the Snow

The Saturdays

Strawberry Girl

The Westing Game

Smoky the Cow Horse

Minn of the Mississippi

Cheaper By the Dozen

Lillian Thrasher

Family Lessons Together

Paddle to Sea – Make Boat Models

Preserve Leaves in Glycerin bowls

Stars/Constellations

Drawing the World

Make Root Beer

Make Rag Rugs

Make Paper

Oil Change

Build Nature Table

Phenology Wheel

Maple Syrup

Homemade Ice Cream

Candles

Hatchet Throwing

Rock Climbing

After Coop Ends: (May- Summer)

4H Projects

Fairy Tales

Shakespeare Study

Habit Training

Tuttle Twins

Sign Language

Spanish – Muzzy BBC

Family Goals

Cecily – Potty Train

Cabella – Swimming, Bike

Coraline – Swimming, Bike, Reading

Clairana & Nephi – Chess, Euchre, CPR Training, Daily Reading to Siblings

Levi & Danielle - Chess, Euchre, CPR Training, Prayer and Scripture Study Together Daily

Daily Morning Time Loop

Hymn

Prayer (special requests)

Calendar/Announcements

Weather

Pledges

Come Follow Me – Devotional & Scripture Reading

Poem Memorization

Claritas Memory Work

Rotate

· Indescribable Science Devotional

· Friend Magazine

· Question and Answer Book

· Sign Language Cards

· State or Animal Fast Facts Cards

· Yesteryear Newspaper Event

· Story of the World

· Exploring Nature with Children or Discovering Nature and Science

Picture Study

Teaching Character

Clairana (6^th grade)

Morning Loop

Grammar

Math

Institute for Excellence in Writing (includes typing & writing & handwriting)

Clarinet

Spelling

Reading

Service

Dress, Teeth, Make Bed

Nephi (4^th grade)

Morning Loop

Grammar

Math

Institute for Excellence in Writing

Spelling

Reading

Service

Typing

Handwriting

Dress, Teeth, Make Bed

Coraline (1^st grade)

Morning Loop

Reading

Writing

Math

Service

Dress, Teeth, Make Bed

Listen Story Time (15 mins listening time)

Cabella (Kindergarten)

Morning Loop

Service

Dress, Teeth, Make Bed

Listen Story Time (15 mins listening time)

Writing

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Penguins with Grandparents

We met the grandparents for a trip to the Columbian park zoo to see the new penguins.

We had originally planned to meet for an event but the address was listed incorrectly so we never found it.

So... we hung out at the zoo.

The weather was perfect for our visit.

Monday, August 9, 2021

Random

When the kids go to bed.......

We moved our shed - it was in the backyard and we moved it to the driveway that way the kids could have their bicycles closer to ride and it would be able to have electricity.