Heard in the car today...

We were headed to the store today.  Madeline was in the backseat writing a story about Halloween that she had started before we left home.   As we pulled into the parking lot, she asked, "Mom, may I ride in the cart so that I can keep writing?  I REALLY love writing!"  That's why we homeschool!  Made me smile!

Drawing Profiles

As the new school year starts up, so do the activities.  Madeline has decided to continue with art classes at the Columbia Art League.  This will be her third year, and her third instructor.  I was a bit concerned about that.  She has enjoyed the class the past 2 years, but it is always nice to have some consistency, and it looked as though some changes had been made to the direction of the program.  I must say, however, after meeting the new instructor and Madeline attending the first class, I am very pleased so far!  I have already seen improvement in her art skills and she has a renewed sense of excitement for art.  Since she sees herself as an artist, this is a wonderful thing!

The Nutcracker

As a follow-up to our trip to the Nutcracker ballet, we have been listening to the CD of the Nutcracker that we purchased at the show, and reading this book.  

The pictures in this book are great, and it really simplifies the story.  The girls ask to have it read over and over again!  

Also, I found a recording of the Nutcracker, thanks to Tracie's Adventures in Homeschooling blog.  You can find it here.  I am looking forward to using it with the girls to compare and contrast the two versions of the story.

I was particularly happy to find all of these recordings since we just decided to take the girls to Walt Disney World in February, and I think I will download some of them for use on the plane ride.  Included in these recordings is a version of Peter and the Wolf, Madeline, and Alice in Wonderland.  I do plan to preview them myself as I sometimes find that some of the older recordings contain things that I do not think are appropriate.