Alpaca Farm
April 19, 2007 at 2:15 pm | In Homeschool, Travel | Leave a CommentHomeschool on the road isn’t just about visiting historical sites. It gives you flexibility to learn about anything that interests you. Kathy and I have been attracted to the idea of owning alpacas for a number of years. While we were in the Lancaster area, we took some time to drop in at an alpaca farm. The farmer spent more than an hour with us explaining what it takes to run a successful alpaca farm. From acquiring, to breeding, shearing, showing, and selling. These are wonderful animals and it was valuable to get some insights into the challenges of running a successful breeding farm.
Kevin: These big furry animals are, shy, soft, and so loveable. When we went today to an Alpaca farm, we would have never have been able to think up these kinds of animals. The farmer showed us around. There was an amazingly interlinking system of gates and doors to keep the females and males from breeding. The first pen had the females and young. There were two younger alpacas, one which was only five or so months old, which was a nice white color. There was another which was born on Christmas day, who was named Leon. Try to guess what it means. He was really nice and soft, probably the best of all the ones we saw. In the next pen the man described how you sold the alpacas by their thickness of hair. I think it was a fun experience, seeing all of these amazing animals. One quick fact is that they are related to the lamas and camels, and do spit.
Gettysburg
April 14, 2007 at 5:23 am | In Civil War, History, Homeschool, Travel | 1 Comment
We visited Gettysburg with much anticipation since we’d already visited a number of other battlefields and forts from the Civil War era. We had been learning about the war since we first came to Vicksburg, Mississippi last fall. After Vicksburg came Fort Sumpter, Appomattox, Richmond, and other field trips. We had also started reading Michael and Jeff Shaara’s books including ‘Gods and Generals’ and ‘Killer Angels’. We also watched the movie Gettysburg which is based on ‘Killer Angels’.
When we arrived, we were able to arrange for a personal guide, Renae MacLachlan, who drove our car and took us through the events of the battle. You may have to reserve ahead if you are visiting during the prime season but we were able to schedule a guide for that afternoon. This was a worthwhile investment.
Devils Den, Pickets Charge, John Chamberlain’s defense of the left flank on Little Roundtop. All the events came alive as we stood at each location. Renae would answer our questions and give us additional insights. She brought the reality of the battle to us by pointing out things we hadn’t considered before such as poison ivy, black flies, and lack of water in the heat of July. Many soldiers died due to poison ivy, mainly from the lack of sanitation.
Our guide became our commander as she showed the kids how to march double time as we tried to cross the field and climb over fences while imaginary musket balls whizzed by. The passion and courage of the soldiers was magnified by the visible peril of the grassy expanses while approaching the entrenched Union soldiers. Lack of information and poor judgment led to Robert E. Lee’s first major misstep in the long war – resulting in a timely victory for the Union. Prior to the Union victory, Lincoln’s reelection was tenuous. This victory was a major step towards preserving the union while abolishing slavery. Just as Gettysburg was a climactic event in the war, our visit was a climax in our learning journey through that historic era.
Kevin: Today we went to Gettysburg, a famous battle site of the civil war, rivaled in bloodshed only by Antietam. This climatic battle was fought on two sides. Lee’s forces invading the north’s territory, with General Meade on the other defending. We went through the museum, where I learned many things. At about 11:00 we took a tour of the cemetery, which was fairly big, there was the Gettysburg Cemetery, and the Greensburg Cemetery. Later in the day, about 1:30, a tour guide came and drove us all around the battlefield, and explained what happened on both sides. It was a great day, and I had quite a bit of fun on the drive.
Sixteen Years Old
March 23, 2007 at 1:45 pm | In Homeschool, People | Leave a Comment
Caleb is now 16. This may have more impact on me and Kathy than on Caleb. As our oldest son grows up, we become more ancient. Fortunately none of our kids are into the latest and hippest fads. All of them have their feet firmly planted on the ground and we enjoy them immensely. I ‘interviewed’ Caleb and here’s some insight as to where he’s at:
- Are you going to get your drivers license now that you’re old enough? Yes, I would like to get my license when we get back home.
- How do you feel? I’m concerned.
- Why? I’ve been concerned for a while. I’m not sure what I’m going to do when I’m 18.
- Are you going to go to college? Probably not.
- What about Bible College? I’ve already got a Bible and I know how to read it.
- Are you going to get a job? I haven’t found a job I like.
- Have you considered volunteer work? Yes, that appeals to me but I don’t know how or where.
One of the advantages to homeschooling is that we can work on some of these answers over the next two years. We’ll be working on financial planning and how to manage money as well as exploring different careers or ministries that might appeal to Caleb. Caleb is strong spiritually and academically. I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t continue academic pursuits but at least he will have a good high school education, an understanding of the world around him, and good sense of self-worth.
Caleb: I had a great time for my 16th birthday even if I only got 1 thing on my wish list. We went to a nature center for a hike and when we got there we found the place and an adjoining playground crammed with kids. The place was jammed packed! So we got a picnic table and sat down and just 5 minutes after we got there all the kids started to file away into some school buses in the parking lot. 5 packed school buses left and we had the place all to ourselves! After lunch and a hike we went bowling where Adam, who rolls the ball between his legs instead of throwing it, beat everybody except Mom by about 40 points. Then we went to a pizza place. For presents I got a computer game called Rise of Nations, some movies, and a MP3 player that can play audio books (I’ve never had one before.)
The Wright Family
February 17, 2007 at 5:38 am | In Homeschool, People | Leave a Comment
It is an uncommon friendship when you can park a forty foot bus in someone’s driveway and move into their house. That’s what we did for a week at the Wright’s in Newnan, Georgia. Mark and Rhonda Wright have four kids that align well with our own: Jonathan (15), Elizabeth (13), Joseph (10) and Micah (8). They used to attend our church in Monroe but had moved away to the Atlanta area about two years ago. It did not take long to renew our friendship.
What a great reprieve from life on the road! It was like being a family of 12 instead of just six. Kathy and I slept in the guest room – quite a change from the couch on the bus! The Wright kids all shared their bedrooms and there was always plenty of food thanks to Rhonda’s planning. They have five acres in a beautiful setting so the kids had a great time involved in various outdoor activities, from shooting a spud launcher to playing capture the flag. We visited Atlanta one day to attend a homeschool event at the Georgia State Capital (the Wright’s are a homeschooling family too). We also visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site. However, we were just as easily entertained staying at their home and socializing.
It is such a blessing to have friends like the Wrights! They were such great hosts and made us feel right at home. Hopefully, Mark was able to remove the oil spot on his driveway left by our bus ;-)
Maloney Lake
October 20, 2006 at 8:35 am | In Homeschool, Travel | Leave a Comment
Caleb: Well today we drove (while doing school) all the way to North Platte in Nebraska doing school all the way. That’s right, we are in another state. We arrived at a lakeside campground and took showers (I used to have to take them daily, now it’s more like monthly.) [Editor: This is an exaggeration. Do not notify CPS.] We have an incredible view of the lake!
Starting school
September 12, 2006 at 9:45 pm | In Homeschool | Leave a Comment
We finally started school today! One of the great things about homeschool is the flexibility it affords. You can start, stop and take breaks when you want. Traveling and doing school presents some unique challenges. We will likely spend some days doing nothing but school and other days only travel and exploration. This might mean some school at night or on the weekend. Flexibility is the key.
Obviously we’ll be focusing on US geography and history this year. Other subjects include Spanish, Algebra, and Chemistry. For English we are using ‘Writing the Novel Way’ published by Konos. We’ve made journaling as one of the assignments. Each child ultimately publishes a novel at the end of the year. For music, we brought our piano keyboard, some recorders, and a flute. For physical education we brought badminton racquets complete with poles and net as well as our tennis racquets (no net). And of course we will be doing hikes.
Family Academy
August 14, 2006 at 8:00 am | In Homeschool | Leave a CommentWhy are we in Burien? Burien is known for SeaTac airport and flight paths. It is also the home of Family Academy, an accredited school with the unique approach of empowering families to homeschool with the support of experienced, certified teachers. It has been a blessing for Miles to be able to provide computer and web support for an organization that is so needed in today’s culture.
Kathy and I have been blessed that Kathy is able to stay at home and direct school activities. Over the years my involvement increased to the point where we are today and I am able to direct most of my time to the kids’ education. Through the last 10-11 years I’ve seen the fruits of homeschooling in our kids’ maturity of character, spiritual development, and academic progress. For us, homeschooling is not an option; rather it has become a mandate as parents.
I’ve talked to enough parents to know that homeschooling does not work for everyone, nor is it feasible for everyone. However, an organization like Family Academy can help make it feasible when the parents have the desire but feel they need help. Examples include learning disabilities and subjects which the parents are not comfortable teaching.
Before we leave the area, I must take care of all the in-house needs where I can’t do the work remotely. Once I leave the area, I will be able to support the home office and the 40 or so teachers by connecting over the internet.
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