Schooling at HOME and FOOD DAY!

We got a late/rocky start with school because of our hospital stay and then Mom and Dad's visit, but I feel like we are finally getting into "the swing of things." This is our 2nd full week. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be able to stay home and teach my children.

We are studying astronomy this year. Here is our planets hung from the ceiling in the basement where we do school. They are in order based on there position from the sun and we differed the size so the kids could see how they compare to each other. For example: Earth is way smaller than Jupiter. The kids made up a mnemonic phrase to help them remember the order. Here is Tyler's:

My (M-Mercury)
Very (V-Venus)
Easy (E-Earth)
Maze (M-Mars)
Just (J-Jupiter)
Scared (S-Saturn)
Uncle (U-Uranus)
Nate (N-Neptune)
Platt (P-Pluto)

Doing hands on stuff is pretty time consuming, but I feel like Carter needs them in order to help what we are studying to gel. We are primarily using Story of the World, Volume 3: Early Modern Times for History. We've been reading about the Dutch Revolt this week. Today they made dikes (out of play-dough) in the Netherlands (a 9x13 pan). The kids did a good job and were able to keep the Low Country from flooding.

On a different note, we are making changes to see if we can figure out what is wrong with Carter ourselves. First idea: Celiac Disease. Testing already came back negative for this, but maybe the test was wrong. Day 3 and his stools seem better, but I will continue gluten free for probably a month. If no improvement, at least we've ruled something out! And, if you forgot, Thursday is FOOD DAY and I need you to share with me, please (Holly)! Comment with a gluten free recipe if you have one. Thanks!

**While I was typing this I was interrupted by a phone call. I was holding back tears the entire time. God is awesome! This deserves a separate post. Stay tuned!!**