Fun With Vowels and Reading

We have two children reading, one to go! I love this stage in their learning. First the recognition of the abc's, next the letter sounds. It all starts out so simply and relaxed. For all three of the kids, the vowel sounds have been the most challenging, especially "e" and "i". I found the idea for this clever, homemade vowel game/exercise somewhere online and so far it has been highly effective. Short vowel words, mostly CVC words, are read out loud and Kayla holds up the vowel card with the matching sound. This has really sharpened her listening skills. I think we'll probably have another week with this activity and then we'll be on our way to reading!

When we first began homeschooling, the thought of teaching reading gave me the most worries, but it turned out to be one of the most natural and easy subjects to teach. I am thankful, however, that none of our children have had any learning challenges in this area. My Mom encouraged me by reminding me that God gave us His Word in written form, so reading must not be that big of a mystery!

BIRTHDAY GIRLS!

February 23rd is a special day for our family! Our first daughter was born in 2003, followed by a sister in 2005. It is also their Great-Great Grandmother's birthday. The girls think it's great to share a birthday and work together quite well to choose what they would like to do to celebrate. This year they decided to skip a party and go to the American Girl Place in Chicago. We had such a memorable time. What a place! It truly is a doll paradise. Our lunch at the cafe was the best part. There were little seats for their dolls, tiny cinnamon buns, and chocolate mousse served in flower pots for dessert. Dolls and pink everywhere! Big brother Jacob was a pretty good sport, for a boy who doesn't appreciate dolls, pink, or shopping!

Happy Birthday, our sweet little girls!

AWANA Grand Prix

The AWANA Grand Prix is always highly anticipated in our house. The kids enjoy choosing the design, sawing it out with Daddy, painting it, and fine tuning the wheels. Dave puts a lot of effort into those wheels! This year Jacob and his best friend worked on their cars together and Wednesday's race was a great success! Jacob's car placed 3rd and his friend placed 1st.

Our Model Tabernacle

EXODUS 39:42-43

"So the sons of Israel did all the work according to all that the LORD had commanded Moses.
And Moses examined all the work and behold, they had done it; just as the LORD had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them."

Valentine Skate Party

Today was the Valentine Skate Party with our homeschool group. The kids had a blast! Last year none of them could even stand while wearing roller skates. All three of them were actually skating today!

We spent many hours yesterday making valentines and decorating boxes to contain the valentines and candy that were exchanged. It was a nice break and a fun time with friends. And it looks like we now have a new family activity!

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Chinese New Year at the Domes

Today we experienced the traditions of the Chinese New Year at the Domes (the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory -- a terrific place to visit while studying biomes in ECC) in Milwaukee. To make it an even more fun and special event, we met up with my sister and her family! The cousins enjoyed being together for the afternoon making and eating Chinese dumplings, having their names printed out in Chinese characters, watching traditional Chinese dancers and musicians, photographing the diverse plantlife, and soaking in the warmth of the tropical dome. They even received red envelopes filled with chocolate coins. It was a great way to spend a chilly winter afternoon!