Random Christmas photos

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

A sample of the snow we received on the 11th. The shock has worn off so now I'm able to post a picture of it.
Here's our tree. Psst, it's fake. We opted to buy a skinny faux tree this year. I love that it takes up less floor space, it's perfect and it doesn't shed. We even bought a box of all of the same color ornaments. I like the unified look.

Our school is officially on vacation until after the new year. Like others we may try to sneak a few lessons in here and there.

Memory Work Companion Now Available

I am pleased to announce that Drew's new memory work book is now available. He is the author of The Latin-Centered Curriculum, the book that has truly revolutionized our homeschool. I plan to place my order this week. Here is some information regarding the content of the book from Drew himself.

My Memory Work book, Living Memory, is now available! This is the book mentioned in LCC2.

Here's the description:

Tantum scimus quantum memoria retinemus: We only know as much as we
retain by memory. While progressive reformers denigrate "rote
memorization," classical educators from Quintilian to St. Thomas
Aquinas have always known that memory work is an essential part of a
complete education.

Now you can give your students the benefits of classical memory
training with Living Memory. This comprehensive K-12 resource for
memorization, copywork, and dictation can be used with any classical
curriculum or as a handy reference for home or school. With this
pick-up-and-teach book your students can master:

* proverbs, maxims, and famous sayings in English, Latin, and Greek
* dozens of beloved English poems, from Mother Goose to Shakespeare
* stirring historical speeches from Cicero to Churchill
* more than 60 English hymns and carols plus traditional hymns in
Latin and Greek
* prayers, psalms, and Bible memory verses in English, Latin, and Greek
* important geography and history facts
* favorite American folk songs
* essential arithmetic facts and mathematical formulas
* key science facts
* a succinct English grammar "catechism" for students of Latin
* fundamental Latin and Greek grammar forms

Dr. Andrew Campbell's introduction draws on both ancient memory
techniques and modern research to explain the importance of memory in
education. He explains how to integrate memory work into your existing
curriculum and how to use four key skills to assure success in memory
training.

http://www.lulu.com/content/5348956

Please free free to spread the word so we can support Drew in his latest endeavor.

I've been tagged

Jenny at The Ridge School has gifted me with a butterfly award. I love her blog as she is creative, inspiring, and educating her two daughters. I also like that she shares her wisdom as she is further along in the educational journey. I have learned many things from her.

Wordless Wednesday: A Few of my Favorite Things

Color Theory, Economics, and Hand/Eye Coordination

Yes, this is the latest addition to our arsenal. A paint ball gun package. Z budgeted his own money to buy the entire set-up. He did get a little monetary help from dad to ensure he had the proper safety equipment. The day after Thanksgiving we had a long family chat sitting in the car in the middle of the Wal-mart parking lot. We talked about the investment, upkeep, and responsibility of owning a paint ball gun. Then we went back to the sporting good store that had the best deal.

So now he is set and there are two wooden boxes outside my garage that are splattered with pink paint. He is going to write a short report on gun safety for school. Now I just need one and we could have a great P.E. class. Good thing we have a big yard. Let the games begin.

Wordless Wednesday

Chocolate ice cream loves me!

I pulled a new carton of ice cream out of the frig yesterday. I opened the lid and what did I see looking back at me. A smiley face. I had to pry the lid off as the ice cream was stuck to the lid, but I swear I did not stick my fingers directly into the ice cream to create this. I knew I loved ice cream, but I never knew it loved me back. It was yummy, btw.


Of course, Z had to get into the act.