Harn Homestead Field Trip & Free or Low Cost OKC Things to Do!

Details of this Friday:

We will meet at the Claremore, Walmart Parking Lot at 7am. The caravan will leave Walmart at 7:15! Please do not be late. 

We will have some toll roads, please remember to bring toll cash or your Pike Pass. Check or Debit Cards are not accepted. 


Remember: The cost is: $8 per student for the three hours. Two parents (adults) per family are free. =)

**Bring a sack lunch for your family!

This trip will go rain or shine, it is a great trip, no matter the weather.


Harn Homestead Museum

1721 N. Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: 405-235-4058
Fax: 405-235-4041
info@harnhomestead.com

Our times are 10-1:30

For an additional $2 per paid admission, you can tour the Harn House at at 1:30, following the program.  They also have a Gift Shop.

For those of you who plan to make a weekend of it here are some ideas of things to do in OKC for free or at least low cost:

Oklahoma City National Memorial 

Travel to downtown Oklahoma City to see the site of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Wander through the grounds of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and reflect upon the outdoor Field of Empty Chairs, the massive bronze Gates of Time and the Survivor Tree, a testament to the city’s strength and perseverance.

Martin Park Nature Center

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Oklahoma’s central woodlands and take a calming outdoor break at Martin Park Nature Center. This free Oklahoma City oasis features a variety of winding nature trails, a beautiful creek that runs throughout the park, a bird-observation wall and an on-site nature museum. 

Oklahoma State Capitol

Take a free tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol and marvel at the building’s impressive Greco-Roman architecture as a tour guide leads you throughout the structure. Make sure to point your gaze upward to see the magnificent detail work on the inside of the capitol dome. 

45th Infantry Division Museum

View an impressive array of firearms and related military artifacts from the Revolutionary War to the conflicts in Vietnam at the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City.  Stroll through 15 acres filled with tanks, artillery, aircraft and more.

Arts Districts

Peruse a multitude of art galleries and meet Oklahoma artisans during a monthly art event in one of the state’s acclaimed arts districts. Attend the First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District, the Circuit of Art in Norman or Live on the Plaza in Oklahoma City’s reemerging Plaza District.

Red Earth Museum

For prime examples of American Indian life, make a trip to the Red Earth Museum in Oklahoma City. View paintings, pottery and artifacts while learning about authentic American Indian culture.

E.C. Hafer Park

Location:	1034 S. Bryant St. Edmond, OK 73034
Amenities:	Fishing, Parking, Pavilions, Playground, Restroom, and Trails
Hours:	Dawn - Dusk, Pavilions open until 10:00 pm

Features
This park features three playgrounds, a volleyball court, exercise station, kids' fishing pond, stage, and an athletic complex.

Photos: view the E.C. Hafer Park Photo Gallery.


OKC BrickTown

BrickTown Water Taxi

Since opening day in 1999, Bricktown Water Taxi has become one of the most popular attractions in Bricktown, Downtown Oklahoma City, and the state of Oklahoma. In 2007, we carried our one millionth passenger, and in 2009 marked 10 years of showing tourists and locals alike the sights and sounds of Bricktown from a unique perspective, floating down the Bricktown Canal.

Take a Segway Tour of Downtown or BrickTown 


Visit the OKC Science Museum
 

That about sums it up on my end. Remember if you have RSVP'd I have already accounted for your family. That means, they are counting on your family being there. If something changes and you cannot make it, it is very important that you let me know ASAP. We have a big group going, I am totally excited and even a little shocked! There will be new and old faces there-- hey I know I'm old! =) I can't wait to spend the day with everyone in OKC! 

Joyfully serving you and our children, 

Kati =)

Get Your Serving Boots On-- we're headed out to lend a hand!

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  Mark 10:45 

It always amazes me, that scripture. Really, the King of the world came to serve not to be served? There is no other king like that!

This Friday we will have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus loving on two great organizations in Chelsea. 

At 10:00 we will meet at the Harps Grocery Store parking lot and head over to the United Methodist Church to deliver our can goods. Remember, each family bring one can good per person in their family. Feel free to bring more or less-- whatever your family is able to bring would be helpful. 

Each week, around 4:30 you will see people of our community lined up outside the locked doors of this church waiting for the food pantry to begin. I love the way Jesus tells us to go and do -- I love that it's not up to us whether or not they deserve our help. We just get to plant seeds and pray for the harvest that one day will take place. The food bank is running very low. We are so blessed to be able to help them. The more food they have, the more people they can help.

At 10:30, after delivering food, we will head over to the Chelsea Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Addam, a life long resident of our little town works there. The Boys and Girls Club provides organized sports and after school care for many of Chelsea's kids for a very low cost. Funding for the Boys and Girls club is not always guaranteed and many of the staff work long hours for little pay. Indoor basketball at the Boys and Girls Club after school will make you think you've stepped back into the 80's, there is no air conditioning.  =) We will spend our morning painting and cleaning.

After our time at the B&GC we will head over to McSpadden Park for Ice cream cones (provided) . Feel free to bring a sack lunch for your family. 

Remember, even if you don't attend co-op on a regular basis, you are more than welcome to join in on the fun of loving others! 

See you Thursday! 

Joyfully Serving You and our Kiddos, 

Kati =)

First Day-- Success!

It was a great day!

We started with announcements then mommas chatted and planned while a couple special dads did games with the kiddos. =)


This Friday is our Service Project Friday-- It's suppose to rain, we'll be thankful for rain. However, we wouldn't mind a break in the rain from around 10 to noon =)

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I am still working on connecting the dots for this Friday, I'll give word as soon as I have it all figured out. Thank you for grace =)

Next week, Sept 21 will be our trip to Harn Homestead. It looks like we are going to have a pretty good turn out! Don't forget I need your RSVP by Sept 18th so I can adjust our numbers if needed.

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The LAST Friday of this month we are having electives. WE WILL NOT have a field trip the last Friday of this month since Harn is the third Friday. We generally have electives on the third Friday of the month however, this month our field trip has to be on the third Friday because Hard couldn't do it on our regular Friday. Click on the picture below to see info about this months field trips.

ONE CHANGE IN ELECTIVE COST: if you have multiple children-- the cost is $10 per semester for the first child and $5 for each additional child. If finances keep you from doing electives, please see me-- it's NO BIG DEAL!

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In our momma meeting we settled on the following:

Cooking & Scrapbooking Kati
1st hour we will be cooking in the kitchen. Second hour, we will work on a scrapbook. We will keep the scrapbook there for the whole semester and show it off at the Christmas party. =)

Transporting Boys to elective- Jeanna (we need a helper for our older boys)
The boys will travel to their elective each month. This month is the auto repair shop. Drive time will never be over 10 min. While at their elective, they will receive hands on training in a specific field. Next month, October is learning Horses at Becky's house-- taught by Tyler.

Fun Art and Science for K-1st Grade: Leslie
Remember, the classes are so super easy, and just built to be fun-- no homework type stuff. As always, Becky and I are totally here to help however needed.

Fun Art and Science for 2nd & 3rd: Tiffany S.
Remember, the classes are so super easy, and just built to be fun-- no homework type stuff. As always, Becky and I are totally here to help however needed. 

Becky and Susan will be floating around to help. If someone doesn't raise up to help Jeanna with the boys, Becky will be helping her with the big boys.



I am so excited about this year. It was so nice to see everyone again, along with new faces. We sure missed a few from last year and hope time permits you to join in on our fun this year! Remember, you can do one, two, or all of the things we have planned. If you would like to only do field trips, that is just fine. If electives once per month is something you would like (I think they're going to be great) you can jump in on that week only. We're just here to do it together. =)

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.  ~Elisabeth Foley

Joyfully serving you and those kids of ours,

Kati =)

Harn Homestead-- Sept 21st Don't miss this one!

I am sooooo excited about this trip! Don't miss this one!

Look at what all we get to do!

Tour of the Schoolhouse:

This allows students to experience a day in a territorial schoolhouse and to study historical events at the homestead. A teacher prepares and presents lessons from the Stoney Point school curriculum guide, while students participate by using slates and reading from the McGuffey Reader. Playground games from the late 1800’s are an option for good weather days. (Students may dress in period costume.)

Tour of the Farmhouse:

Students spend time in a turn-of-the-19th century farmhouse experiencing and learning about early Pioneer life. Activities include old fashioned hard work, such as washing clothes and cooking in the kitchen.

Tour of the Barn Program:

Students are given an opportunity to work in both the barn and the garden areas. They will experience life on the farm, as did children 120 years ago. Students will grind corn, muck the stalls, make rope, and when the weather is good, work in the garden.

We will stop before the last tour for a picnic lunch. This tour is weather proof, if the weather is bad--- all is still accessible.

Cost is: $8 per student for the three hours. Two parents (adults) per family are free. =)


Harn Homestead Museum

1721 N. Lincoln Boulevard
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: 405-235-4058
Fax: 405-235-4041
info@harnhomestead.com

RSVP by Sept 18 is important on this trip as well as 1/2 pre payment.

You can mail pre-payment to HN Homeschool Co-Op
c/o Kati Gibson
5073 S Robert Girten Dr
Chelsea, OK 74016

Get with your friends and car-pool! I will have a list available of all the FREE things to do in OKC for those of you interested in making it a whole day trip.

Feel free to call or email for more information!
kathleangibson@gmail.com or 918-844-9518

Attention Home School Families!

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New School Year is Upon Us! Check us out!

Well mommas... that man of mine walked all those kiddos over to the pool a couple weeks back and Becky and I planned out the upcoming year! 

We are SO excited about everything planned!

To kick off the year, we will have a Back to School Bash August 17th from 6-8 pm at the Vinita Park. (ok, i have no idea what so ever where that is, but we'll get that to ya! or maybe you can get that to me?! ha!)

If you or someone you know is considering homeschooling and would like to meet some people -- realize we're not totally crazy and our children do actually socialize-- this is the place to be! Bring your family a picnic dinner and a blanket. We'll have a cookie contest judged by age  and some fun games planned. More details to follow. RSVP will be requested.

The actual co-op year will start on Friday September 7th @ 10am with our Monthly Moms Encouragement Time. This is a time where our kiddos play according to age and we go over the upcoming month's co-op activities and encourage one another in our homeschool journey. Then from 11-12 we enjoy lunch together as families.

The second Friday of each month is Service Project Friday. Each second Friday we will have a planned service project. Some ideas are-- cookies in our community, picking up trash, serving at the co-op church... we are anxious to hear your ideas for more opportunities to serve.

The third Friday of each month is Life Skills Electives according to age. This is a bit different this year.


1st Semester:
Girls 4th grade and up: Cooking first hour/ scrapbooking 2nd hour

Boys 4th grade and up: Life Skills Class. Usually off campus, changes monthly. Classes include:

*Carpentry
*Auto Mechanics
*Farming
*Sports
*Entrepreneurship

2nd  Semester:
the girls will have the Electives and boys will do cooking and leather work!

2nd and 3rd Graders:
1st hour: Fun Science
2nd hour: Fun Art

Pre-K - 1st Grade
1st hour: Fun Science
2nd hour: Art/Play

Children younger than Pre K will either participate with the Pre K class, if age appropriate or they can stay with their momma-- this is totally up to the parent. 

Each Class cost $10 per student for supplies. IF YOU CANNOT afford it, let us know-- anyone can participate regardless of cost! The cost is for groceries in cooking class, gas or materials in Life Skills glass, art supplies in the little classes, etc. We will need teachers for the 2nd, 3rd, Pre K, and 1st Grade classes. If you feel this is something you would like to head up, let us know! It's a simple fun art for one hour and a simple fun science for one hour per month. We have the Life Skills and Cooking Covered.  

The Fourth Friday of Each Month is Field Trip Friday! 
Some field trip ideas we are getting on the calender are:

Air and Space Museum in Tulsa

PSO or Disney Dam Authority

Otis Spunkmeyer Factory

Owasso Movie Theater behind the scenes

Zoo Tour

Fire Station

Vinita Library behind the books

Incredible Pizza 

Jenks Aquarium 

Shepherds Cross

Harn Homestead 

If you have a trip you'd like to head up, let me know! You're hired! =) ha! 

We are so excited about this year. It's the real thing! The first year is under our belt and we're excited to be on this journey with you. Please let us know what we can do for you or how we can help make your homeschooling year a huge success. 

I think I speak for both Becky and I when I say, we sure don't have it all together but we are trying-- falling daily, relying on that sweet Jesus of ours to pick us up, dust us off, and get us back on our feet.

Praying the same for you today, sweet momma. 

Follow us on Facebook for updates:

House Ninja's Homeschool CoOp

Or Yahoo Groups:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hnhomeschoolcoop/

Both are actually very important for updates and schedules. 

Loves to you this hot summer day! 

Kati Gibson 

HN Homeschool Group Coordinator

The Bank, A New Art Class, and We're Goin' Country...

Well, we had a fantastic trip to RCB bank in Claremore at the end of February.

We divided up into two groups, I was told one was more "talkative" than the other (hmmmm, I think mine was the talkative one and Becky's the quiet one... Becky, surely that is a coincidence, right? HA!) Either way, it was such a great time! We toured all the "hidden areas" of the big banking world, did some hands on stuff, and was able to ask some fun questions.

Like when my son, Judah (4 at the time) asks, "So, do you have to lock allllll the doors before you go home at night?" and I almost cried, yeah... that was sweet.

I know Becky took more pictures, but I don't have those. So, if you were in the other group I don't have pictures of you =( 

Tomorrow, March 9th, we will have Art.

Tiffany Teel will be heading up a Mosaic Class for all the ages in the big room.

If everyone would bring any glue they have laying around and construction paper, that would be great. They will rip and design pictures. JUST ONES YOU ALREADY HAVE LAYING AROUND DON'T GO BUY ANY!

Sarah McDonald will be bringing supplies to make paper flowers with coffee filters for our little ones =)

Before art, Mrs Summer from the Health Department will have some hands on fun for us from 10:15-11:00 Let's hope she does a great job after seeing her age range last month ;)



We will also be selecting COUNTRIES for the next presentation day. Families will choose ONE country to study and learn about. Then we will come together on the fifth Friday this March to give our presentations as a family. All the kids LOVED the States and Presidents Presentations, at least they said they did by a show of hands last week ; )

Can't wait until tomorrow, see you then!