Thank God for summer camp!

This week I have the luxury of having kids-free the mornings. Registered them to a summer camp at a church close to home. I learned of it sort of late, so Daniel didn't get into the soccer track.

Daniel said to me after the second day, "They have lots of Bible in this summer camp, while at BCS (the Christian school he used to go to) they did not."
"Then it's good." I replied.
And they're having fun too.

Honestly, the main reason I sent them there is to have the morning to myself so I could do some preparation work for our homeschool. Day 1 and day 2, I drafted our family educational philosophy and completed the registration package for ACAEC. Day 3, some errands and some reading on Amberside online. This site is fantastic! Thanks to Ashley. The volume of information is a bit overwhelming though. I haven't finished FAQ and introduction yet. I will definitely use the curriculum (mainly the subject and book list) as a framework for our first year, very likely with some adaptions.

Today is day 4 of summer camp. Between dropping off and picking up the kids, I didn't go home but went shopping. Got a pair of sandals for Daniel, a T-shirt and a sling handbag for me, plates and mugs (these were accidental find, but I love them!), and a sofa cover.

Tomorrow is the last day. Hope that I will make the best use of the morning time. So much more needs to be read and so much more needs to be done. Not to mention that there's only 9 days left before our trip to China.

Camping by the river

Our camping trip this year was at the same camping ground at Coloma as last year. We stayed two nights and two days. It passed very quickly. Having a very cool spring might have be one of the reasons why the water of the river was so cold, icy cold. Last year, Guibo was able to swim across the river but this time during the two days we did not see anybody swimming in the river. 

James was posing by the tree at our camp site. It was a site right next to where we camped last year.  

Daniel was ready to go with his fishing pole. 

About a year ago, it was in the same tent, after the kids fell asleep, with the background sound of rushing river, Guibo and I lay on the air mattress, talking about the feasibility of homescholing. Back then, although convicted and with a burning desire, I never imaged that we are really going to do it. I am so thankful!

Swimming time

Daniel finished his 4-day swim lesson yesterday. He learned pretty fast, according to the instructor, but still got a long way to go. I bought swim pass for the boys and me, hoping it would motivate me taking them swim more often. It's not cheap, esp. considering that we'll be gone after July 24. 

James was much bolder in the water this summer. He does not mind water on his face and head any more. Whenever his face is wet, he just walks over and uses my t-shirt  as a towel to wipe it.

Toothpick art

Breakfast time turns into craft time. No, I did not plan this. Daniel and James are the artists. Toothpicks, cherries, and croissant are their materials. They made cannons, battleships, and porcupines.

Of course, breakfast took twice as long that day.

An ending and a beginning

I haven't blogged for a whole month. What happened during this past month?
- I ended my career of almost ten years, with May 26 being my last day at work. I felt a bit sad about leaving because the group I'd been working with is a fabulous group of people. I shed tears at the farewell party, and I was not the only one.
- Daniel finished school on June 1, and has been home with mom since then.
- James' last day at his preschool was June 2. He has been home with mom since then.
- Memorial Day weekend the whole family went to my sister's house at San Jose. On the way home, we stopped by at my friend Min's home too.
- We started telling family and friends about our homeschooling decision. Praise the Lord that my dad and step-mom took it very well. Dad was a bit cautious but understanding and supportive.Step-mom said that she will pray for us.
- Guibo and I attended the SCOPE conference on June 11 and June 12. We joined HSLDA and CHEA. I bought a penmanship curricula and some books.Oh, I chatted with Don from Bible Courier International (BCI), and got encouragement from him.
- Last Wednesday, I took Daniel and James to the Elk Grove/Green Haven chat group park day. There were quite a few boys and they both had a good time.

OK, this is the second week that the three of us are home full-time. Surprisingly, although busy, I feel very much "at home". I have not missed my working days. Or should I be surprised?

I'm working on family's summer goal and the corresponding summer activity list. I've been reading a wonderful little book [Manners Made Easy] with the boys in the morning. They have lots of free time playing and exploring and making masses. Nurturing relationships (us with God, husband-wife, parents-children) is a major goal. Obedience training is a top priority, but it's hard to find the right reward/punishment method to make it effective. Of course, we want to have some summer time fun!

This was an outing we took in May. By the American river near the hatchery.

Daniel with his teacher Mrs. Weller at the last day of school. She was the best teacher Daniel ever has had at BCS.





Below: at Aunt Minmin's house. Three little boys: Daniel (age 7.5), James (age 4.5), and Richard (age 2).

Above:
Daniel in his "grown-up" attire on the day of his class' Citizen Party.




Left: Go fishing! Daniel with his cub scout den at Elk Grove regional park pond.

James loves his rain boots. Good that we have a very cool spring that he could still wear them occasionally.

Paintings that Daniel and James made last week.