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Happy Friday! I am sooooo glad it is the END of the week. It's been one of ups and downs. Here's a peek:
Foreign Language: Nathan is back in the swing of his German course at the college. He really enjoys this one! I think by the end of the semester, he'll have enough vocabulary built up and enough understanding of the way the language "works" that he'll be able to have a little conversation! That will be fun. He attended "Stammtisch" (conversation table) on Thursday--this is just anyone who wants to can meet over lunch at the college cafeteria with the Professor; they play card and board games, and try to do it while speaking as much German as they know. It's open to all of the German classes that this particular professor teaches, so some of the students are in advanced levels. It's been really good for Nathan, and he enjoys it a lot. He also gets extra credit points, one every time he goes. It's a nice little "hedge" in case, for some reason, he blows a quiz or test! The professor seems to really enjoy the students, and enjoys teaching. She is very kind!
Bryan got 100% on his last Spanish test!!! Hooray! I am so grateful to my friend, Christine, for teaching him. He is having a blast, and the one-on-one is the best set-up for him.
Farm Work: Bryan worked yesterday (Thursday) at the Farm. It was "MAN DAY!!!" No, it wasn't an official designation...just that, because we scheduled him on Thursday instead of the usual Saturday, he was working with all the men instead of the young women who are there supervising on Saturdays. We're going to try to schedule him with the men as much as possible, even though it makes Thursday afternoons REALLY crazy for me in terms of tons of driving. Bryan is VERY close to getting his drivers license--thank God! That will help.
Anyway, at the farm they did something that is heavy, hard work, but totally cool. He came home tired, but satisfied and HUNGRY as a bear. This video was made a while ago (Bryan's not in it), but you'll see how they do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1zcRe_ilp8
I mailed in a packet of information and letters to Harvest Home Farm for Bryan's search for an apprenticeship. It's in the Lord's hands, and we are completely trusting Him for the outcome. I'll keep you all posted...we are feeling that it may be better for Bryan to complete his Associates Degree and his other learning experiences before taking an apprenticeship position. There are a number of reasons for this, and it's been beautiful the way God has lead us to this place of complete peace about all of this!
Social Studies: The study of economics continues. The guys are studying about the 3 main economic models: capitalism, socialism, and communism/marxism. We will also be looking at what is happening with our own US economy (this is not part of the curriculum, just doing this on our own for future preparedness), and about the gold and silver markets.
Science: Chemistry continues. We're using Apologia Academy's online class that goes along with the Apologia curriculum. It's going well, and they're keeping up with it!
Math: Algebra 2 for Nathan is picking up steam again...he has to take the Unit Test, and then, if he passes with at least an 80% (my requirement), he can move on to the LAST module!!! His goal is to finish it and then rapid fire through geometry by the end of the summer, so he can get into pre-calculus in the fall. He's going to have to be a lot more self-disciplined in not wasting time during his day in order to complete this goal!
Geometry for Bryan is going just fine, PTL!
English Composition: A college course, so it's going to be dual-credit and will count towards their future "Gen. Ed." requirements for their respective college degrees. College English classes are dicey, they are often quite liberal, and this one has a required play that they have to see which is not anything that I desire them to see (I've searched and reviewed what it's about...and I'm not too pleased). We will go as a family, and have already discussed a Scriptural response to the basic premise of the play. I'm not sure what all the Prof. will ask them to write in response to the veiwing of it, but they know that, while including Scripture in a secular college paper is a risky thing, there are ways that it can be included so as to strengthen the opinion being expressed and to not "beat down" in an offensive way that which is being discussed. I will never counsel my sons to shy away from standing for their convictions, especially in the educational setting. I will encourage them, in fact, to state their beliefs and to use the Scriptures, for their is so much wisdom in them, and the world needs to hear them! It's always hard to go against the grain...but it is often precisely what we need to do, and we will pray that God will go before us...even in an English paper!
Bible: We have 2 weeks left in our Biblical Survey (also known as the "Kingdom Study"). We are still in the book of Hebrews, and it is fantastic.
Music: Bryan has not been practicing enough between lessons, I think. So it was a little rough sounding! I have to remember to get on him a bit about this! I have seen Nathan "noodling" around at the keyboard, using Bryan's books. He does not want to take lessons, I've asked. But he can teach himself all he wants, as far as I'm concerned! He also pulls out the guitar each week, a few times. I really wish he would just commit to it. I really wish I would just commit to it!!! I would love to play guitar, but I seem to get discouraged easily. I'll get there. We got a real "boost" to the desire for guitar in the mail...more on that below!
Homekeeping/Family: I am working on identifying the priorities in my life so I make room for them. I am going to have to walk away from some stuff...good stuff...but I need to clear out my heart and my head, which have become too cluttered with the stuff of life. I'm getting it written down to help me really see it.
OK, so I mentioned something we got in the mail that has kind of turned on the musical machine. I had loaned my dear friend a video concert featuring Nathan Clark George. We'd loaned it out months ago, and she had asked if she and her sons (the ones my boys like to get together in camofluage clothing and sing hymns with...remember the "Band of Brothers" I posted about a while back?) could keep it, as it was really speaking and ministering to a need in their lives. Of course they could!
It was in my mailbox on Tuesday afternoon...a delightful surprise! Like an "old friend" coming back home. Of course, we had to play it that evening! I could see a little spark in Nathan's eyes, as we watched this particular song performed...he told me that I should learn to play the mandolin, and then we could play together! Oh my...what a challenge! I have to say, I have NEVER heard a mandolin played like this, and I loved every bit of it! This is from the Franklin Springs Family Media DVD, "Nathan Clark George: Pull Up A Chair."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u8IDFI7y10
So, what did you think of this song? I hope you liked it! If you did, keep checking back here...because in about a week, I'll be announcing my first ever GIVEAWAY!!! Hope you stop by again!
May God Bless you this coming week! Let me know you were here, and be sure to visit Carol at Three Little Ladies!
