Suprise Nature Study

We went outside today, not for any educational purposes. I went out to put more mulch in my garden. My kids went out to play on this mild spring day.

While we were out, Bethany spotted many dragonflies. She began, with much excitement, to catch as many as she could.


She ended up catching 3. Here are the first two she caught.


Even after she caught 3, she was determined to catch more. This is what she found.


As far as we can tell from our research on the internet, she found a baby copperhead. This snake appeared to be totally sleeping. And...no, Bethany did not attempt to catch it, as she has been given the "snake talk", MANY times.


If you click on the above link, please look at the pictures of the copperhead. Then, let me know if you agree with our conclusion about what type of snake we found.

I had to come back and add this. This snake was found in the woods, about 20 feet in. It wasn't just hanging out in our back yard. We will be careful!!!

Climb Every Mountain

One of my biggest dreams is to hike the Appalachian Trail. The hike takes the "average" hiker about 6 months to hike from Georgia to Maine. Okay, I don't have 6 months of vacation coming to me, so I will just continue to dream and do things like we did on Friday.

My hubby got finished early with a job that was supposed to take all week. So, we loaded up Friday morning and motored over to Sawnee Mountain in Cumming, Georgia. Now, Sawnee Mountain isn't the kind of mountain like you see in Denver or even in Tennessee. But you can hike quiet trails up to a beautiful overlook with views of beautiful farmland, lakes and forest land.

We picked the Indian Seat Trail, an easy to moderate hike. This trail takes you up the above mentioned overlook and fabled rocks named the "Indian Seats". You can read about the Indian seats and Sawnee Mountain here.

Giddy with Anticipation

I don't know if other homeschooling mom's are like this, but I become giddy, when I know I am having a night out to myself. Tonight is no exception. Our new church is having a Mom's Night Out, complete with dinner and an encouraging service to follow.

I can't remember when I've done anything like this. Normally, my nights out consist of me, by myself, heading to the library, grocery shopping, or some other fun endeavour. But not tonight, I will be meeting a lady, at the church, that I have been acquaintances with for a few years. She is a talker like me, so I know the night will be fun.

The service part of the night out will be a panel of moms, answering questions about mothering. Can't wait!

My kids and husband have already departed to my mother-in-law's house for dinner. So, I have peace and quiet for an hour, and a night out!

Who'll Stop the Rain?

Yes, I am asking the question about the rain. It's not that I don't appreciate the rain. I actually thank God for the rain, each time I hear or see it. I also have a garden this year and appreciate all of the help I can get. But, my kids are starting to go stir crazy.

It only takes a couple of days of being cooped up inside, to cause my children to begin fighting and complaining that they are bored. So, I am thanking God that tomorrow's forecast is sunny and 80 degrees. We may head out for a nature day. We will see.

13 Days and Counting

Yes, we are all involved in this yearly countdown. This particular countdown involves the diminishing number of school days. At the beginning of every new school year, 180 is a big number. But at the end of every month, I am able to see that number get smaller and smaller.

As each year passes that we homeschool, the kids look forward to the countdown, as much, or more than me. I think Caleb and I are neck and neck this year, regarding who wants to see zero more. It makes me think that my homeschool children are not so different from their public school peers, at least in this sense.

And just for all of the doubters out there, I still do enjoy homeschooling, even after 5 years. The reason I enjoy the countdown is because I am looking forward to what follows. Summer vacation!