MaKenna's 14th

14 years ago, I gave birth to an amazing and beautiful girl who has grown to become a special blessing from God - MaKenna! It was such a sweet thing to see Holly become a big sister and watch their relationship begin. Today, they are best friends! Much has happened in her 14 years of life and we had a lot to celebrate for her special day.

Then:


Now:


As our family normally does, on your birthday you get to choose all the meals for the day, plus you choose the dessert! So, MaKenna began her day with Cinnamon Ripple Muffins - homemade by Marmee (that's me!) Lunch was "Gourmet Grilled Cheese sandwiches" - made with turkey, various cheeses like parmesan, colby jack and provolone, tomato, mayo, and basil - mmmmmmm!!! For dinner, we made Dinner in a Pumpkin. For info on how to make this, check out my post here. For an extra special blessing, she got to share all of this with our dear, dear friends - Aunt Kimi and her 3 awesome children! How great is that!!!!



For dessert, MaKenna chose something different for us to try - Homemade Fried Ice Cream! Oh boy - it was amazing. Here is how we made it:

First, let the ice cream soften enough to scoop it out into balls. Place on cookie sheets and freeze until firm, about one hour. Next, beat 3 egg whites in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 3 cups crushed cornflakes with 1 tsp. cinnamon. Roll ice cream balls in the egg whites, then in the cornflakes mix. Repeat to make it awesomer! Freeze these again at least 3 hours. When ready, heat oil (we used coconut) to about 375 degrees. Use a slotted spoon and fry the balls one at a time for about 10-15 seconds only. Take them out and place on a paper towel. Serve immediately. We served with caramel sauce, whipped cream and marachino cherries! Oh my goodness - these were amazing!


We didn't do any sort of party this year, but instead, she asked for me to take her and Holly to a tea room in Mt. Dora, so that is just what we did! We started her special day at the flea market in Mt. Dora - just walking around and looking at everything, enjoying a beautiful crisp day and each other. Then, we headed to Mt. Dora and the Windsor Rose Tea Room. Here are the girls at our table:


For lunch, we ordered the Tea for 2 - for all 3 of us! There was so much food. We had a variety of tea sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, lemon curd pastries and shortbread. Plus, we had 2 pots of tea. (We even had leftovers!)


Outside the tea room:


After lunch, we enjoyed the rest of our day walking around downtown Mt. Dora window shopping. The day we went was so pretty here - cool, but not cold, clear sky and sunny. What a beautiful day to spend with my 2 favorite girls in the whole universe!

Homeschool Field Trips 2009 Begin

September here did not bring cooler weather, but it did bring some fun, though hot, field trips. For starters, The Smithsonian offered FREE admission to museums on the 26th! We looked over the options we had nearby and chose 2 - The Waterhouse Residence Museum in Maitland and the Orlando History Museum downtown.

The Waterhouse Residence is located on beautiful Lake Lilly in Maitland. It was built by one of the original settlers of Maitland and has been there since the 1800's. I didn't take any pictures inside (not sure why??!!), but here are a couple of the lake:





Unfortunately, due to some circumstances, I didn't get any of the outside either, but will next time!

On to the history center - a perfect compliment to Caleb's study of Florida History. Outside the center, there are some fake alligators that always entertain the kids:


MaKenna, who loves Germany, was so excited to see the prototype for the Disney Cinderella Castle, Neuschwanstein, in the Disney room. Does she look happy or what?!


Soon after this eventful day, we headed to St. Augustine for the Colonial Spanish Quarter Homeschool Day. We passed by the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse:


Once inside the Spanish Quarter, the kids learned many things about the way people lived back when Florida was occupied by Spain. For instance, they learned about some tools used, including this pump drill that Caleb is trying out:


They observed as a "sailor" explained why it was so important to have pulleys when shipments came and went:


They each were able to try for themselves to feel how heavy this bucket was if you just tried to lift it yourself:


Then, they tried again using the pulley system - boy was that easier!


Another important demonstration involved the preparation of their militia. This gentleman did an excellent job of explaining it in such a way that you felt as if you were there and you couldn't help but focus on everything he said:


Didn't I say they were focused??!!!


Holly checks out the "kitchen stove":


As if that weren't enough for one day (and I didn't cover EVERY detail!), we decided to take on the fort, too. The kids paused for a moment to pose on the wall:


We walked along the wall around the whole outside of the fort - another great compliment to Caleb's Florida study, btw!


The group about to enter the actual fort:


Holly and MaKenna on the top of the fort:


The moms:


We had a few great days of field trips and learned so much. I am always overwhelmed with thankfulness for the ability to homeschool and the flexibility to take advantage of great, inexpensive opportunities! Not only did we learn a lot, but we got to spend quality time with awesome people - what a blessing!

Co-op Classes

Years ago when the girls were still in elementary school, a couple of us homeschoolers would get together at each others houses every other week or so for some group learning and socializing. We did that for a school year and then stopped - I guess maybe life got busy?! Since, then, we still have the homeschool group and have some field trips and park days, but nothing like a co-op situation.

Last year, several moms started mentioning it again and we began to meet, plan and brainstorm. What kinds of classes was everyone interested in, how often, how long, how many, etc. So many decisions and little details to work out. After it was all said and done, we came up with a plan that seemed to agree with everyone. There are many ways to "do" a co-op, but this seems to be best for us right now. Here is what we are doing:

We meet at one of the mom's homes (thank you Melissa!!!) every other week for about 3 hours. This seems to make it manageable for everyone's schedule, yet still allows for adequate learning time. We divided the children up into 2 groups - one for elementary and the other for jr. high and high school with a total of 17 children in all. Each group has 3 classes that meets for about 50-60 minutes each.

The older children are taking a Writing Class:


An art class - here they are drawing their hand without looking at the paper:


And a Yearbook/Newsletter class:


By the end of the school year, we will have published 4 Newsletters and a Yearbook documenting each family, our co-op and our field trips!

They also enjoy a little downtime to chat in between classes:


The younger group is also taking an art class:


Drawing caterpillars:


A Literature/Lapbooking class:


And they will contribute to the Newsletter and Yearbook as well - they have already turned in their first assignments!

Like the olders, they too enjoy the downtime between classes:


The whole group, aged 5-15:


I will honestly admit that before we began, I was a little intimidated and maybe a little overwhelmed at how it would actually work - off the paper and in real life! However, from our first class on, it has been just so wonderful. The children are doing well with the classes, they are ready to go when it is time for class to start and quick to come and do whatever their next task is. The moms are enjoying sharing the teaching with each other and enjoying some down time of their own - sort of! (What homeschool mom ever has TRUE downtime??!!) We began the first co-op with prayer and since then, it has all felt just right! I pray that it continues to be a blessing to all and that these children grow and let their lights shine for Jesus!