Science Fair Prep.

Just a few quick pictures. Yesterday, the boys worked on their science fair projects. (We've been talking things through for awhile now but this was the first actual action beyond reading stuff and making lists and gathering supplies, lol.) Asher made models to illustrate the formation of our moon:

Micah painted the planets in our solar system:

And Noah did something with a bunch of acids and bases:

(I'm not entirely clear on Noah's project...am leaving that up to him and Nathan this year, lol.)

Need to just finish up the various write-ups and will report back after the actual Science Fair. :)

Quote #8.

Here's today's:

Indecision may or may not be my problem. –Jimmy Buffett

I can’t think of a better quote than this right now. I don’t know if it’s due to too many options or too much on my mind or the simple inability to make a choice. There ya have it.

I suffer from this often, actually. But acknowledging the problem is the first step, right? ;)

Pyromania.

So. Amid getting a new microwave (that impressed and amazed my boys with its little turn-table (our old one didn't rotate)...how easily they're amused) and various other errands, this is what my boys did yesterday:

Yup, Noah came running inside from the backyard (where they'd been nicely swinging and playing) to ask where his loupe was. (We use them with our Private Eye stuff every now and again.) Knowing something was up, I...good mother that I am...inquired as to *why* he needed it. At least he was honest..."I'm going to burn dead leaves that I found" says he. Ah. Lovely. 

Still. I'm getting used to being the mom of three boys and recognized that it was probably safe enough, so directed him to where the loupes are kept. (Just for good measure, though, I did send Nathan out to supervise at this point, lol.)

After a bit, I figured I may as well grab the camera and join them. This is what I found:

They all managed to get a good bit of smoke but very rarely any flames, so all was good. At one point, I jokingly informed them all that smoking is bad for them. After groaning, Noah says, "but I didn't inhale!" Awesome. ;)

Micah, little ham that he is, posed himself for this picture between changing out materials to be scortched:

Yup. Fun times in the backyard with my pyromaniacs. :)

Brain dump.

I feel like I've gone missing here a bit. It's nothing personal. Basically, there just hasn't been much worth reporting. ;) In case you're really curious, though, here's what's what:

- Asher and Micah are looking forward to their first karate tournament next weekend (it's an "introduction" to tournaments that their karate school is putting on to teach the kids about tournaments...each boy will just perform their form for judges). The boys are still raising money for St. Jude's in conjunction with the tournament. You can go here to donate. They'd really appreciate it. :)

- I've been taking (and enjoying) the first Visual Latin lessons. I like the structure of the "course," and the amount covered in each lesson is a very doable. By the time I finish these first ten lessons (which should be soon), I think I'll be more comfortable starting some Latin with the boys. Given their ages, though, I'm planning to start them with Song School Latin. I'm also thinking I'll work in the Visual Latin lessons (at a slower pace than I'm doing, myself) after we're underway.  

- Our microwave mysteriously decided to die last night. Lovely. I suppose I won't blame it...pretty sure it's original to the house, so is about 20 years old. Sigh. Guess we'll be shopping for microwaves soon. Grateful, though, that it didn't catch fire (which wasn't a certainty for a bit there).

- Aren't these cute? 

- I picked up a couple of piano books from this line recently. (They have favorites, pop, classic, Christmas, etc.) Back when Noah was taking piano lessons a few years ago, we found that these "favorites" books worked much better for him...he was considerably more motivated to practice when he knew the songs. We haven't taken lessons in a couple years now, but Noah still enjoys playing. I love that he's happy to pick up a new book and try some new songs. (It, obviously, doesn't hurt that the main theme from Star Wars is in this book, lol.)

- I've been adding some links to homeschool resources here under my Linkety Link Links up above. Will work on adding more. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

See? I told you it wasn't anything exciting. ;) But now you know.

(For the record, I'm not affiliated with any of the businesses listed here, just think they're cool.) ;)

Quote #7.

(I'll apologize to those who might expect a quote today related to Valentine's Day or love. I've had this one on my mind all week, so figured I should go with it. ;) Besides, we're not really big on Valentine's Day around here...a little too much pink and hearts for us, lol.)

Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant. –Epictetus

I love this one. It could be the motto for our homeschool. While, obviously, I’d be happy if my boys all grow up and are financially well off, I find it vastly more important that they grow up with an education that prepares them to live well in the world…to ask questions…to seek solutions…to be concerned about the world and the people around them...to contribute. A lesson well learned is worth a fortune.

Speaking of homeschool mottos, though...do any of you homeschoolers have a name for your school? I read this post not long ago and it has me thinking...