Smiles :)

Homeschool Update--Let Freedom Ring and The Living Water

So we have been leaning about the happenings that led up to the Colonies becoming States. We have learned about George Washington, The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and The Liberty Bell. Olivia has learned the song Yankee Doodle and enjoys dancing around to it. We learned that "Macaroni" referred to being stylish as it was a fancy hat style worn in England. She has made hasty pudding (eaten with maple syrup) and johnny cakes with apple butter. She was so pleased to have had such a big part in making these things. We have also learned some about the US flag and how it looked different in the days of the original 13 states.

We made quill pens and ink from squishing berries for juice. Olivia signed her John Hancock. :)

Olivia is sporting her tricorn hat that she traced and cut out. She is also ringing the Liberty Bell. It is hard to see but we did put the crack in the bell and the bible verse on it. Leviticus 25:10, "Announce freedom all over the land to everyone who lives there." (the version is her NIV readers bible)

Our name for Jesus has been the Giver of Living Water. Only He can quench our ever-returning thirst. Olivia's memory verse is John 7:37-38, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." A cool connection was made in reference to the Israelites in the desert. When they whined for water, God had Moses strike the rock (which we have already learned is another name for Jesus) and the water flowed from the rock. And then our memory verse this time tells us that the streams of living water (which is the Holy Spirit) will flow from within us. I love how the whole Trinity of God (father, son, and Holy Spirit) is present throughout the bible.

We have done some science experiments involving condensation and evaporation of water and how water is soaked up. There are so many science experiments you can do right in your own kitchen. She really loves doing science. Daddy often gets involved in these with her and that is something she really enjoys. I am proud to say too that Olivia is doing great with her reading and spelling skills. She was able to sound out evaporation and condensation and spell them for me. :) God has really gifted her in this way!

Olivia's Art Show

Welcome to the Opening of Olivia's art show. We learned this is called an "opening" because the artist opens the door to the studio or gallery, inviting people to look. So you are invited in to see a sampling of her recent artwork. Follow me right this way...

We learned that artists look at detail and it makes art more interesting to add details. This is a tree in our front yard. She got the shape of the lower branch really well. And she noticed the stick on the ground near the tree. She drew this with an ebony pencil. I sent her outside with just a little instruction and then she came in with this.

We learned that art has form, which is height, width and depth. It is commonly called sculpture. She had a good time making this polar bear. There were detailed instructions on how to make him in the art book and she did need some help with this one.

Here we learned that artists notice shape. This is her swinging at a friend's house. She was to cut out the basic shapes of things that she wanted in her picture.

We are studying some Early American Artists to go with our introduction to US history this year. This is a collage she did after looking at the artwork of Edward Hicks and his Peaceable Kingdom paintings. He wanted to send a message with his works of art.

This was done with watercolor crayons. She drew her teacher at our Bible Study Fellowship reading the bible to her. She pointed out to me that the bible is red and they are sitting on the carpet. That is the edge of the carpet around it. She said that she didn't draw the other kids cause she was listening so well to the teacher and not getting distracted. :)

This is also done with the watercolor crayons. Her assignment was create art from a photograph.

This one was done with oil pastels. It is a landscape as seen from our side porch looking out in front of our house. Again, I just set her out there with a little instruction and then let her be.

COUSINS!

Well, there has been a baby boom in the family this year! 4 babies added to the mix. Children are such a sweet blessing. What precious lives they all have. And we are so blessed and challenged to be better people by those little lives. Thank you God for family! Unfortunately, we all live several states away from one another but I wanted to put them all together. We will look forward to the chaotic but super fun day that they can be together for real!

Aiden and Kira



Olivia, Ezra, and Gabe




Max

Vivi