Quote for today

“In the end, the secret to learning is so simple: forget about it. Think only about whatever you love. Follow it, do it, dream about it. One day, you will glance up at your collection of Japanese literature, or trip over the solar oven you built, and it will hit you: learning was there all the time, happening by itself.” – Grace Llewellyn

A's activities

Busy, busy, busy - is one way to describe A's activities this year.  There are still a couple of things she'd like to fit in, and if we can figure it out, we might add more.  We shall see.

In a nutshell, here is what's keeping her busy this year:

Leaves of Learning:  two days a week, covering Biology, Shakespeare, Psychology and Independent Art (totally her favorite class because she can choose what she wants to work on.)

Teen activities:  she is a member/participant in three fairly active teen social groups, keeps her busy on Mondays, and weekends... This includes twice a month Social Dance classes - one of her favorite activities.

FCS Teen Board:  she volunteers and was selected to serve on the board for our county's Teen Board, it will be a great opportunity for leadership.

4-H Shooting Sports:  a new activity this year, but fun, and she's a natural.

4-H:  regular 4-H, I'm not sure if our current group is continuing, but if not, we'll find a local group to join for General Projects and maybe Dog showing...

Girl Scouts:  this is a continuing activity, she enjoys outdoor activities and time with friends.

Polymer Clay:  A has really taken off with this artform, and is working on many charms to display/sell at upcoming craft shows.  She spends hours working on clay figures from her imagination.  Super talented.

plus, other school subjects at home...  we are still relaxed, unschooly, but I'm encouraging her to think ahead to college and college admission...  We shall see.

New Year, New view

Our new "school" year has begun.  S is taking enrichment classes once a week at Leaves of Learning.  A is taking a couple of academic classes and an independent art study class twice a week at Leaves.  We are studying all the other subjects at home, albeit in a relaxed fashion.  J wants to spend extra time on history this year, so we are delving into world history, but exploring rabbit holes as they come up.

I still feel a little overwhelmed this year.  I think it has to do with having a high schooler, it's a little nerve-wracking, making sure that all of our i's are dotted and t's are crossed for future college plans...

My plan is to get back to my blogging - because I enjoy it, and it helps me to air out my thoughts. 

Bear with me and enjoy the journey.

In a funk

I don't know if I'm feeling burned out, frustrated, or what.  I've been in a funk lately, and I need to get out of it.  Wish me luck!  I am trying to be funk-free very soon.

Girl Scout Camp

Oh my gosh, my oldest dd made it through her week of sleepaway Girl Scout camp.  She had a blast!  She did high ropes, low ropes, archery, swimming (even in their clothes), canoeing, a slumber party, cookouts, crafts, and even more. 

She was a bit homesick during the week - and I missed her dearly, but we survived.  It was a great experience for her, and she made some new friends in the process.

Sleep-away Camps

Oh my gosh, it's happened.  My children are getting older!  The two oldest children have elected to spend a week at sleep-away camp this summer.   A is attending Girl Scout camp for a week.  J is attending Boy Scout camp.  Mom is excited and apprehensive, and busy shopping for all the equipment needed for camp.  Geesh. 

I'm amazed by how different the camp amenities are set-up.  Girl Scout camp is a bit more rustic than the Boy Scout camp.  Girl Scout camp - latrines, only one shower house, family-style meals.  Boy Scout camp - flushing toilets near every campsite, many showers (thank goodness - it would be a very stinky week otherwise), cafeteria-style meals.

 Boy Scout camp focuses on Merit Badges.  Girl Scout camp focuses on fun, girl-togetherness time.

It will definitely be a learning experience for all of us this summer.  I'll let you know how we survive!

Fourth of July Poster Contest for Children

A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks is offering a Fourth of July patriotic poster contest for children aged preschool through 12th grade (with age categories).   The posters can be digital or hand-crafted.  The contest begins now, and all entries must be in by June 30, 2012.  There are prizes available.  Every child who enters will receive a free instant download of a lapbook from A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks.

Have your children start thinking patriotic and enter today!
Patriotic Poster Contest