To my dismay. . .

Lucy has somehow forgotten the story of baby Jesus. I don't know how this is possible. We usually spend the whole month of December talking and reading about the Christmas story. She has heard it at church and at home and at grandmas' and grandpas' houses. We tend to joke (not to her face) that she can be a little. . .ummm. . .flighty. Honestly, I don't get it. She knows Jesus death and resurrection and believes that Jesus came to save her from her sin - but somehow she can't seem to remember His birth.

Here is her version:

The baby in the nativity set is Moses. His mother is Sarah and his earthly father is Pa (we have been reading Little House on the Prairie). He was born on her birthday - and certainly not in a stable!

Wow. We have a lot of work to do!!

What's in the Box Wednesday: 1st Grade

I have wanted to participate in What's in the Box Wednesday before but always forget to take pictures of Norah's stuff before she gets started. We use the Workbox System and love it (Check here and here for more examples). Although we actually use the plastic drawers for Norah and Lucy, it works great for us and takes up a little less space.

Here is "What's in the Box" today:

1. First Language Lessons - We love this book. Each daily grammar/language arts lesson takes no more than 10-15 minutes. Right now Norah is working on pronouns, poem memorization, story narration, and picture narration.

2. Copywork - Usually Norah has a couple of sentences from a book we are reading, a stanza from a poem she is memorizing or a Bible verse to copy. This week she is tracing some Bible verses about thanksgiving. Every once in awhile I have her trace - just to make sure she easy being extra careful with her writing.

3. Reading -This Strawberry Shortcake is really too easy for her but after being sick this week, I wanted something easy but relevant to our Thanksgiving theme. She is also reading through the Beginner's Bible - a story a day - I just forgot to put it in the drawer before I took the picture.

4. Story Map - After reading The Scarecrow's Hat (which is one of my girls' favorite books), Norah had to identify the parts of a story. She drew pictures in each square and then wrote something about her pictures.

5. Math Page - Norah is memorizing her addition facts. Sometimes we use flashcards, sometimes we use Multiplication.com (don't be fooled by the title), sometimes she writes out a few problems from these little cards, and sometimes she rolls 2 - 9 sided number dice and adds them together.

6. Reviewing number bonds under 20.

7. Science - Usborne World of Animals. This is an excellent book. Norah LOVES it! She is learning about the different animals on each of the different continents. Right now we are working on Europe.

She usually has 9 drawers (in addition to her history that I don't put in her drawers) but with Thanksgiving coming we are doing several big projects that don't fit in her drawers! More on that later!

I am thankful for. . .

my parents. I spent some time with them . . . all by myself . . .over the weekend. I went to Morton for a baby shower and the girls stayed home!! That doesn't happen often but it was nice to have a couple of nights away. Mom and I did a little shopping at some of the little shops in Morton.

(ignore the big circle of light in the middle of the picture)

I am also thankful that my mom is doing well and getting stronger everyday.

I am thankful for. . .

my brothers.

I am thankful for. . .

my friend, Jenny. She offered to have Norah and Lucy come over today so I could get some things done this afternoon while Daphne napped. Jenny is an art teacher so while her little boy napped, she and the girls did a couple of art projects. They did some clay projects (she has a kiln so after she fires the stuff, the girls will go back and finish them) and made a picture with oil pastels, paint brushes and water. The girls had a blast and Jenny said they worked for almost 3 hours!! Nothing like a private art lesson by a really talented artist!! Look at this adorable cat that Jenny made and fired and then let the girls help decorate.

(sidenote: Jenny makes and sells all kinds of really cool animals. If you need a unique Christmas gift and want to get in touch with her, let me know!)

I really enjoyed having a couple of hours to get a few things done around here.

I am thankful for. . .

the cross, forgiveness, grace, mercy.

I'm thankful for. . .

these cuties!

I am thankful for. . .

this guy!