Treasured Times with my Teen

Since we were blessed with a somewhat sunny day, Grandma and Grandpa gathered the five youngest into the van and headed for the Duck Park. That gave me a few uninterrupted hours with my firstborn. This sort of golden opportunity doesn't come along too often, so we made the most of it.

We began with several rounds of Geography Games. My kids enjoy using this website almost every day to practice their geography, but they love it even more when they can compete against their mom. Today Elena and I decided to refresh ourselves on US capitals. Our biggest giggle of the day came when I was absolutely stumped trying to remember which state belonged to Columbus. (I spent the first eighteen years of my life in Ohio!) The pressure of the clock got to me.

Then we finally cracked the cover of Beowulf, which I've been wanting to do for oh so long. Elena's been begging me to let her read it herself, since we rarely get time to read together and she knew she needed to finish it this year. But I've insisted on waiting, both because I miss the shared experience of our read-aloud time and also because I know I'd never get around to reading it on my own. I have to admit that I've been putting it off, afraid that it would take too much concentration from me. Well, it did take some concentration, but I have to say that we both enjoyed it. I appreciated the beautifully lyrical writing, and Elena is always up for a good heroic narrative.

We quickly worked through some dictation passages from Eragon, so easy for me thanks to the Boomerang from Bravewriter. After that, we finished our afternoon by eating lunch together in front of a DVD. I'm hoping that Annie's Shells & Cheddar made the Joy of Science a little more palatable for my non-scientifically-minded daughter, but unfortunately I'm not convinced she'd agree. However, she does seem to like critiquing the presenter.

All in all, it was a very treasured afternoon with a beloved girl who is growing far too quickly. I find myself, once again, thanking God for the precious gift of home education. Hoping not to sound too dramatic, I have to say that each day with my kids is truly another jewel in the crown of my life.