I'm Thankful For...our homeschool co-op

We have really been enjoying the homeschool co-op that we joined last September. We go every other Monday morning from 9-12. It has been great for the kids, socially and academically. They are doing and learning so many things, and they are always talking about how fun it is (and fight about who had the better snack)! Zachary is in the 2nd-3rd grade class and this semester he's taking All About Michigan, Gym, and Arts and Crafts. He made these this past week:

He also talked about the fun games they played in Gym. He said they did lots of exercises to keep their bodies strong. He says he has lots of friends and his favorite friend is James. (:

Katelyn's Preschool class is great! I think the teacher does a great job putting lessons and activities together. She bases them from Eric Carle books which are actually very educational. They do so many cool projects. The class has made things like tie dyed shirts (learning about rainbows and colors), playing with shaving foam (learning about clouds), and last week she made this when learning about the butterfly's life cycle (egg on a leaf, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly):
For the snacks, they've had things like ice cream (made themselves), pancakes, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, cereal necklaces and more! Katelyn also loves interacting with the other kids and her favorite activity is the sand table and playing with her friends, Terra and Emily.

Another blessing from this group is that they have a "free table" where people bring things they are not using anymore and anyone can take what they need. I have found many great books, clothes, and even curriculum. In return, every time we go, I try to take at least one box of stuff I don't need anymore to bless someone else. It's a great feeling to give and also to receive. These are all the things I got from the free table this week:
I am very thankful that the Lord led us to this group. It is a fairly large group with over 200 kids (K-12) and I think they've been in operation for 9 years! Joining was a big step for us, but one of the best decisions we've made for homeschooling. It's taken me out of my comfort zone, but that's a good thing! I need to be stretched and challenged as much as my kids do. I help out with Katelyn's class, and I've met many great ladies that are going through all the same things I am. It's great to be around so many people that are in the same boat. It is a faith-based group too so everyone has alot in common. Sometimes this homeschooling journey can be very hard and lonely, so it's wonderful to be able to have a place to go, even if it's just twice a month, to get some support and encouragement, as well as some interaction and extra-curricular activities for my kids! I hope we stay with this group for a long time!