American Heritage Girls

Merit badges, leadership training, outdoor experiences, service in the community, honoring God, family, country, and community--for all this and more we have decided to embrace American Heritage Girls.

Evelyn at the AHG Birthday Celebration (15 years)

Emma at Gilbert Ranch

Emma and a friend at the AHG Camp In during Memorial Day Weekend

Music Education

Music is a big part of our lives.  All of the kids take weekly classes at Beacock Music.  I appreciate the teachers, who are all professionals, so much!  We are fortunate to live in an area where such resources are available. 

Sometimes it's hard to say no, not when the things the kids want to do are so great.  Noah is in his third year of band playing trumpet, and he has picked up guitar this fall as well.  Emma is in both choir and third year piano.  Evelyn joined their ranks with the violin this year, after two years previously at Childrens' World of Music, which she still attends as a kindergartner.  Brayden gets to go to "school" too.  His Kindermusik class on Thursdays is just the right amount of time for him to bang on drums, learn fun rhymes, and dance in circles with friends.

Even if they don't stick with it, I know the discipline and skills they are learning from their music education will follow them for a lifetime.  Without homeschooling, I would not choose to provide them these opportunities (lack of time and money)--another blessing for which I am thankful.

Along the Way...

Each adventure needs to have its helpers, or guides.  Mine is no different.  I meet with my helpers each Wednesday from 7am-11am. 

Helper 1: Christ
We begin our mid-week with morning Mass.  Noah serves, Emma prays, and I juggle Evelyn and Brayden as they learn what it means to be attentive at Mass. 

Helpers 2-6: My Family
Between Mass and my Women's Study, we hit Seize the Bagel and drop Evelyn at Children's World of Music. We each have our favorite bagel, but the best part is the single apple fritter we split six ways.  Just enough sweet to curb the cravings.

Helpers 7+: My Wisdom Women
I meet my wisdom women from 9:30-11.  For the last nine years, these women have given me support, encouragement, and friendship.  They are guides along the path of life.  I used to be the youngest, but alas, I am getting older and now my sister-in-law gets the honor of youngest.  The oldest member just had her 90th birthday.  We are currently reading and discussing the Matthew Kelly book, A Call to Joy.

Helper #1: I cap the day with work at Holy Redeemer, a visit with Jesus in adoration/benediction, and then time with my teens at Life is Christ Cafe. 

These people help me recognize the path, especially when the weeds grow tall and it's hard to see which way to turn.  Thanks to all the special guides in my life, your love fills me with joy!

Food--The Sanity Maker

Hunger....Although many of us in the United States will never know what real hunger is, low blood sugar plagues my house with bad attitudes and short tempers.  Eating very small meals six times a day vs. the traditional three meals makes a world of difference for us.  We've all had those bad days--days when our children stomp their feet, give us the look of death, and we decide maybe we need a timeout before doing to doing something we regret.  Trying find healthy, cheap, and high protein snack ideas (that Evelyn will actually eat) has become a bit of a challenge.  If you have any favorites in your family, I would love to hear about them.

Unit Two Comes To A Close...

I can't believe this week marks the end of our second unit.   The kids have learned so much about the middle ages, picked up some new writing and math skills, and are progressing beautifully on their respective instruments.  We are all ready for our fall break next week to celebrate Thanksgiving. 

Thankful we are too.  We are so blessed to be able to provide this opportunity for our family.  To direct my children's education is a blessing I don't take for granted.