The girls are so gentle with Little Jon, and the 2 brand new kids! Best break from painting the school room! We REALLY need to finish this “school room”… Lance and I broke out in a Queen Bohemian Rhapsody duet today! Paint fumes.. paint fumes! Glad to get out into the fresh air with these awesome “kids”!
A Lesson about Christmas
The heart of a child… not an easy task for “worn” adults – yet something we should all strive for this Holiday season. When discussing with my 4 and 3 year old girls the meaning of Christmas, what the 4 year old said really touched me. I told them that Christmas was about giving (not about receiving) and that we celebrate it because of the best gift of all (Jesus). We had just bought presents for an 8 year old little girl that we never met. My girls were so excited to fill the basket that we didn’t quite stick to budget (but we were close). Once we were in the car, I continued my “meaning of Christmas story” by telling my girls that this year, we have decided to give to those that need it most – those that are sick and hurting… and the little girl that we bought presents for (so she could have 1 Christmas) – and because of this our Christmas at home might not have as many presents as we are used to having. Then, the 4 year old said, “that makes me sad.” I asked, “what makes you sad?” And what she said next, not only surprised me, it really touched me (and made me one proud mama)… “I am sad that the little girl will only have one Christmas.” If a a young child who really loves receiving gifts (what child doesn’t) can come up with something so selfless and really “get” what is important, why do we (as adults) struggle to do the same? I am convinced that this Christmas our home will be rich in love… rich indeed!
Visiting the Watusi and Getting Eaten by an Herbivore?
Day 2 First Year Homeschooling
I have Day 1 pics too… but that is sooo not original these days. Here are some of the activities that RyRoo and Iz completed for Day 2 of our first year homeschooling: b is for “b” bird, God created the sky and the sea, wave bottles, inside-outside and location game, music, sing, etc…
Lesson Planning
Janis Joplin on the record player – while Lance works on the school room and I finish lesson planning the girls first few weeks of school. First day of “Farmhouse School” (as Iz calls it) is next Monday! Next year, I plan on purchasing a mostly boxed curriculum to save on time, but I already had sooo much good stuff, so I am trying to be frugal (unless you count printer ink – yikes)! I think I like the whole record player thing over the MP3 player – sound quality rocks – and it just helps life feel at home with itself!
Reading Rockstar
Teach them while they are young through living books, and they will grow up to be Reading Rockstars!
I could get used to this…
Wonderful day to play in the barn. First day, of new beginnings as a stay-at-home mom!
Stay-at-home-mom at last!
Tomorrow is the first day that I get to be a stay-at-home mom… Something that has been on my heart for a while…. and in the fall, I get to be my girls’ “teacher”… yah! Though I will miss my students and fellow teachers/staff, I am excited about new beginnings and thankful for God’s blessings. I am hoping that this journey will allow my family to more frequently experience adventure in all its shapes and forms… whether it be through a relaxing day on the farm, a visit to their grandparents, the discovery of a new bug in the backyard, sunlight peaking through the trees, or a trip to the mountains, life is too short to not enjoy every second of it… and children grow up way too fast!
Part of parenthood is taking your children on adventures. And, if (when) they fall, picking them up. If they fall really hard and get a really big ouchy from a rock, let a doctor check it out, but don’t stop the adventure. Postpone it until they are ready (and until you have stopped being nervous around every corner)…Then allow them (under your wings) to conquer their fears (like a rockstar)!
Beyond the Elm 