The Unfortunate Turkey

Here is a story that my 9 year old daughter wrote: Once there was a turkey named Tom. He lived on the Burgan Farm. It was 3 days before Thanksgiving Day, and he knew what that meant: death for all turkeys. He hated the tradition of having turkey for Thanksgiving. Tom hid inside the barn, hoping not to be noticed. His stomach rumbled. He was hungry. He saw some feed on the ground and ate it. “No one will find me here, I hope,” Tom thought anxiously. 2 days passed. Tom forgot that there was one more day until Thanksgiving. “Ha! I fooled them that time!!!” Tom thought. He came out of hiding, snickering to himself. Before he knew it, Farmer Burgan was chasing him around the barn. “COME BACK HERE, YOU SNEAKY TURKEY!!!” Farmer Burgan shouted. Tom was beginning to tire. He rested inside the barn. “AHA! THERE you are!” said a voice. It was Farmer Burgan! And no one ever heard from Tom the Turkey again. Moral: ALWAYS COUNT THE DAYS UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING IF YOU’RE A TURKEY.

Stepping Back in Time

Last night we attended a homeschool Family Historical Ball, dressed in Regency period clothing (early 1800's)

Last weekend we attended Civil War Days, which included reenactors (one was in the movie Gettysburg!), and a town hall dance (which included the Virginia Reel!)

Creation Museum

We recently had the privilege of going to the Creation Museum in Kentucky during their "Homeschool Days" (they offered a special rate). John's description: "Awesome!" Other kids' reactions: "Thank you, Mom, for taking us here!" The exhibits were very well done and informative. I highly recommend it!

We were also able to spend the night with our dear friends we met at the seminary last year, and now are living in Kentucky. I managed to keep this a secret from the younger two until we were done looking around the museum. Squeals of delight followed, and a wonderful time was had by all!

Why I Enjoy Being Homeschooled

It's hard to believe that I have been homeschooled for ten years. The years have flown by and I can't believe that I will be starting college in three years. Since I have been homeschooled all my life, I have found plenty of reasons that explain why I like being homeschooled so much.

1. I am with my family a lot more than I would if I went to school. I have learned lots of things about my family because I have spent so much time with them.

2. I don't have very much peer pressure about acting a certain way, dressing a certain way, having certain things, etc. to be accepted in the “in-crowd.” I’m not saying that I never feel this way, but I am saying that I don’t think I worry as much about these things as others might.

3. Because I am with people of different ages so much, I feel comfortable being around them and being able to talk with them in the same way I would to someone my own age. I always get the urge to laugh if I hear about people complaining that homeschoolers are unsocialized because they obviously haven’t been around any.

4. I love getting together with other homeschoolers. I find events like this very enjoyable. Yes, we homeschoolers actually do have social lives.

5. I get great opportunities to read really wonderful literature!

Civil War Days

Discussing the various bugle calls and drum rolls used. Four soldiers slept in that small tent.





This weekend we attended Civil War Days in Angola, IN with a fellow homeschool family. My friend lent us our outfits, and even made the dresses that Elise and I wore.
There were many authentic reenactments. I learned that a soapstone (which is a stone cut into the shape of a cutting board) was used not only as a cutting board, but also as a knife sharpener, bed warmer, and seat warmer for cold buggy rides.
Saturday night we attended the dance, which I think is more fun than any homecoming dance I attended in high school. Young and old dancing together to the fiddler, mixing as they follow the directions of the caller. And no, I didn't take any pictures-I would rather dance! I also enjoyed looking at the gorgeous hoopskirt evening gowns. It was like being at a prom from150 years ago. I am definitely hooked on old-fashioned dances.

My Very Early Morning Just Started Under Nancy's Pancakes

The strange title for this post is the mnemonic we used to remember the order of the planets. Can you say the planets in order? :)
John, Lindsay, and Bethany are studying Astronomy for science this year. We made a model of the solar system, and Stan graciously took time away from studying Greek to tack our model to the ceiling of the girls' room. They are excited to have the solar system hanging over their beds (even if it is just balloons).

School Days

On August 26th, we started school. So far, it has gone well and we have all been enjoying it. Mom and I both wish that we could put all the school excitement in a bottle and open it in January, when things feel much more dull. This year, I am in 9th grade, and am excited to begin my first year in high school! John is in 5th grade, Lindsay is in 3rd, and Bethany is in Kindergarten. She is excited to do more "big kid" subjects with her siblings. The pictures I have posted above are of Lindsay's school rules, which she made up herself, and some of our school books.