Friday, June 22, 2007

Homeschool Update

At one point this past year, we had contemplated the possibility of eventually sending Caleb out for school due to my chronic ailments. But God's grace has sustained us thus far with the conviction to continue to homeschool Caleb. God has taught me so much in seeing the sufficiency of His grace each and every day. His mercies are indeed new every morning no matter how much my flesh tells me otherwise.

It's been almost a year since I started with a formal curriculum for phonics with Caleb. We are halfway through the book and it has worked very well. The phonics primer was recommended by a friend from my sisters' study group, a faithful blogger and mother of 4. I would highly recommend this guide as well because it uses no gimmicks and is very systematic and easy to use. Even I myself have learned a few new things from it!

As for math, Caleb does not demonstrate any sign of an engineer despite the presence of two in the home. He has trouble even counting to 20! And for writing, he can write his own name without any guiding, and that's about it. The Startwrite writing software recommended by the same sister has been very useful. I can customize each writing assignment according to Caleb's development and interest. We also print out bible verses that Caleb has learned and he'd trace over them during part of Pastor Ken's sermon on Sundays.

I had always thought I could do teaching. But not until Caleb came along did God show me more each day how much patience I lack and desperately need. It is no wonder children are a reward from God for He has used mine to humble me and break me and mold me.

I don't know what the future years of homeschooling will look like as it gets more formal academic wise. But we just take one step at a time. And for one, I am simply thankful for God's grace in blessing us with the means and conviction to impress His commandments on our child, to talk about them when we sit at home and when we walk along the road, when we lie down and when we get up (Deuteronomy 6:7). It is worth infinitely more than any earthly education we can give him--all by His grace.

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Thursday, June 07, 2007

Mini Vacation in Monterey

We spent a couple days last week in Monterey after the Memorial Day rush was over. I had lived in Monterey for a year and worked there for five before moving up to the Bay Area telecommuting for the remaining seven. As a result, I was supposed to know the area very well, and had indeed vacationed there often. But I guess there are just places you wouldn't frequent or things you wouldn't do before you had kids. So for our past few visits, we finally did some family things and visited places that many friends and relatives had recommended long ago.



It was our first time visiting Dennis the Menace Playground, Monterey last week and I was impressed by how involved and well-kept a public park can be. There were five or six different play structures, tunnels, slides, steam engine exhibit (pictured), suspension bridge (pictured) and more that even adults enjoy playing on.

Andy's co-worker recommended Carmel River State Beach as an alternative to the nearby popular Carmel State Beach. It was our second time visiting, and we really enjoyed the serenity and beauty of this less known retreat with lagoons, sea birds, rocks, sand, and ocean waves.


And we never go to Monterey without stopping by Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. This time, we happened to pass by the guy in charge of renting the bike surreys and decided to try it ourselves!


Thanks to all who have given me pointers to these family activities by the Monterey coast. I am grateful for the beautiful creation of God for our enjoyment, and in the midst of it, enjoying God Himself as our Giver and King.

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