The Jewels in our own Backyard!

As a child I lived in many beautiful and exotic places within our country. I realized quickly that when people came to visit I was able to see more of those places than I did on a daily basis. For example, could you imagine someone from Oahu, Hawaii never having been to the Pearl Harbor exibit? Or what about someone from L.A. never having walked down Hollywood Blvd? So often we don't take the time to act like tourists and explore the town, city, State that we live in. Today, I took some time to do just that!

Just barely two miles from my house (I pass right by it everyday)is a wonderful community nature center. I remember my friend Dee Dee and I taking our children when they were younger and I loved it then. But sadly, I've never been back. Why? Oh, I guess I just let life get in the way. Plus, that was before I knew I'd be homeschooling and before I'd had my Charlotte Mason Education! ;) Today, my husband had a rare day off and we decided to try it out again. Sadly, this was the one day of the week that my dd7 was in Enrichment School, but ds5 and dd2 loved the experience. There are over 33 acres of trails behind this wonderful center! And over 300 trees are labeled with signs telling you what they are! I mean, all of the work was done for me! We saw deer, squirrels, butterflies, spider webs, and even a King Snake. My son picked up a bird feather at the beginning of the walk and thus, our nature journal has begun! I plan to research and identify this bird feather with the kids and tape it into our nature journal this weekend. How do you make a nature journal? I don't know! But it will start with a feather taped to a piece of paper and hopefully a name of the bird and a little about that bird written underneath. Nothing fancy here! But it's a start!

Hidden amongst the many Oak, Pine, and Poplar trees (and among the vast amounts of poison ivy!) was even an old wagon and "lean too". I'm not sure what the "lean too" is actually called but it's a type of shelter that travelers along the Natches Trace used to stay under when it got late at night. Yes, this nature center has tons of history surrounding it as well. If I'm not mistaken (I need to really research this more before I post this but oh, well...)Teddy Roosevelt used to travel the Trace on his hunting expeditions in this part of Mississippi--hunting for bear! This is where we get the word, "Teddy Bear"! What a wealth of history and nature studies we have right here in our own backyard. And do you know the best part, the nature center is free. They run on donations! I promise you this, the next time we're there we're buying a family membership! We'll definitely be using this little jewel again.

Jill

U.S. Space and Rocket Center

Week 2 begins

With an unexpected trip out of town at the end of last week we were able to take homeschooling on the road. Isn't that one of the very best things about homeschooling? You learn wherever you are! My husband's grandmother passed away (which is wonderful since she's now with our Heavenly Father and free from the Alzheimers that has imprisoned her for so long) and we traveled to North Alabama last Friday. The visitation wasn't until late Sat. afternoon so we visited a hands on science museum in Huntsville on Saturday morning. Oh, the kids had so much fun exploring and learning. Even my baby joined in the fun.

Since the funeral ended late Sun. afternoon we didn't want to make a 5+ hour trip right then. Plus, I've always wanted to do one very important thing in Huntsville, AL and I've never been able to do it...visit the SPACE and ROCKET CENTER! Oh, I felt like a kid again. You should have seen my ds5! HE WAS IN HEAVEN! We got out and he was running around saying, "Mom take a picture of this! Mom take a picture of that! Mom do you see that?" We stayed all day and had so much fun. Don't worry, there are many pictures. They'll be on here soon!

I had planned to begin our Apologia Exploring Creation series with the Botany book. But after this trip the kids and I unanimously voted to switch our science study for this year to Astronomy. As soon as I got home last night I ordered the new book and we can't wait to begin it. I even found out from one of my yahoo groups that there will be a meteor shower tomorrow night. How much fun! I love how the Lord gently guides us in our homeschooling endeavor and in our everyday life. I thank Him that He called me to homeschool and is with me each day. I thank God that He is the focal point of our school and the kids are free to learn about Him and His works. Isn't that what life is all about...praising Him, seeking Him, and following Him! Now I'm off to teach those precious angels of His!