Back to school, back to the blog :)

After a long break, we are back to document our 3rd year of homeschooling! Year one is documented prior to this post, but a move halfway across the country transpired last year right at the beginning of the school year, and I failed to hold our 2nd annual back to school breakfast and picture session :) So here we are, entering our 3rd year of this journey!

Fun family back to school breakfast, followed by a look through last year's binders and progress, then some special gifts-clocks for the kids rooms!

A look at my school room. Thankful for the space and a hubby who not only worked hard to hang things for me but also scheduled multiple outings with the kids to give me focused time alone to prepare my room, heart, and mind for this school year!

Our first day of classical conversations!

First day of classes at home was also a special 4 year old's birthday! I surprised the kids with meeting daddy for donuts, then we returned home for school!

Savannah is 2nd grade, Camden is Kindergarten (and beyond excited to be in school--K for Kindergarten!!), and Maryn has Toddler Time. :)

I had kept the school room door closed as I prepared the room and put their new supplies on their desks. The big reveal was squeal filled and fun!

After school pic!

Last but not least, a new tradition of School Bus Snack courtesy of my sister! Thanks for the idea Natalie!!

My verse for the year is Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Excited and thankful!!

the beginning of a new journey

Around the Engel home, anything new or special is celebrated with food. :) So on our first day of homeschool, we had a special breakfast with yummy food and school-y decor to start it off!



We prayed prayers of thankfulness and also for God's guidance for this year, and then asked the kids their goals for the year.

**Savannah's goals 1) Learn to read 2) Have recess! :)
**Camden's goals 1) Listening 2) Letters like "ostrich for O" :)

Then we centered our homeschool on the following verse:

~~Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.~~ Colossians 4:2

This was the beautiful sunrise on our first morning. God's creation is amazing!



Here are some pictures of the Kindergartner!



K for Kindergarten!



A look at the school space and the main curriculum:



The laid back kindergartner in her assigned seat:



The preschooler in his assigned seat:



Little sis joining in the teaching:



We even got to "kick off" school with a fun soccer clinic with friends from Savannah's Lincoln Christian preschool class last year.



Now for some Q&A:

How and when did you decide to homeschool?
The desire has been on my heart for a number of years, but recently the Lord laid it on Tyler's heart to check out for our family. We researched and asked questions for a few months and decided in July to go for it! I'm excited to walk this journey with our kids, teaching them not only curriculum but also the ways of the Lord, hand in hand through our ups and downs.

How long will you homeschool?
As long as God leads! We intend to continually evaluate our family and determine what route is the best for our family at the given time. I certainly love the idea of structuring our family "our way" and being a direct part of their learning. After learning the classical model at the practicum, Tyler joked that "it won't be long before our kids are smarter than their daddy!"

What curriculum are you using?
We are part of Classical Conversations which is a model of classical education focusing on memory work divided into 6 subjects: timeline/history, geography, math, science, Latin, and English grammar. We also have additional curriculum for reading/writing and math. So far I am thoroughly enjoying learning along with my kids! We will meet weekly with our community where Savannah and Camden will be in age appropriate classes, participate in a fine arts project/lesson, a science project, and practice oral presentation skills each week. Maryn will be in nursery onsite, and I'll switch weekly sitting in on the classroom time between the two.

A journey it will be. A Heavenly Father who will teach me and instruct me as I teach and instruct them.

Thankful.

A memorable Memorial Weekend

A fun weekend indeed! Lots of great family time, and though we didn't get to be with extended family and celebrate lives and service, we are thankful and ever appreciative for those who have sacrificed for us! Much love grandpa Mick!!!

We fit lots into a long weekend. Here were some highlights!

Kite-flying!




A new method of making homemade ice cream, then fellowship with great friends!






Pool time!!









Zoo time!!



















Such fun with the ice cream truck! And the ~coolest~ ice cream treat ever--Batman!!! (Look closely and you'll see a special figure in Camden's right hand too:))





Family bike rides!!



So blessed, and of course, thankful!

Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!