Some Food for Thought

“That work which is of most importance to

society is the bringing-up and instruction of the children—in the

school, certainly, but far more in the home, because it is more

than anything else the home influences brought to bear upon the   

child that determine the character and career of the future man or

woman.”
-Charlotte Mason 

Easter

Easter has always been one of the major holidays we celebrate around here. 

We dyed and decorated Easter eggs.  We've baked and decorated our bluebird cupcakes for Sunday's lunch after church.  And no Easter will be complete without delicious hot cross buns!

We had our Easter egg hunt in our very own backyard this year.  Not a planned event, but turning lemons into lemonade is something I've learned to do.  When a local Easter egg hunt ran out of eggs within the first five minutes, mom decided to take matters into her own hands.

You can just imagine how happy I was when my kids exclaimed:  "This is the best Easter egg hunt ever!  Can we always have our Easter egg hunts at home?  We like it so much better!"  Yes, I think I did pull a few strings to ensure I have some home court advantage.  Like two golden eggs and special prize Easter packs filled with all kinds of goodies to enjoy, but if you knew me you will know I don't do this to spoil my kids, but rather because I want for them to remember these moments; to celebrate life and to rejoice in everything it has to offer.  And what mom does not love being hugged, kissed and told how much her children love her?

We took a picture with the Easter Egg bunny, but I'm sad to say they already figured out that he is pretend, because "he is way too big to be a bunny" and they "saw his human wrists sticking out as well as his neck from under the bunny face".  But they still loved and enjoyed the whole idea.

As they grow up things will change but the great thing is we all grow up together, as a family.

Make Your Own

I've always enjoyed making things.  Be that cooking, knitting, sewing, embroidering, gardening, pottery, painting or home decor I find great satisfaction in making things rather than just buying it.  I enjoy the whole process - from dreaming about what it should look like, right down to holding the final product in my hands with a smile that almost goes right around my head!

This weekend my girls were doing some woodworking with dad.  I wish you could see those little faces aglow with pride and happiness when they saw what they made all by themselves.  It's priceless.  And to me it is one of the most wonderful things we can teach our children. 

Spring

This is the time of year where everything kick starts back to life and I finally get out of the doldrums that so often follow the holidays.

I will slouch down on the dew covered greenery to closely study the beautiful tulips and pansies while the smell of fresh earth hang in the air.

With feet soaking wet, I will sit very still inhaling it all, listening to songbirds celebrating their return while veils of soft, white petals brush my face as they spiral down to earth.

I will read stories to my girls of goblins, fairies and kingdoms far, far away and let them run wild while the soft mist rise with the very first promise that summer is on it's way.

Being alive, filled with love, marveling at all these little things through the eyes of my children!  It is what it is all about!  So give me one more kiss on the cheek, my little girls.  Grab my hand with your still tiny fingers and lead the way.  I'm listening and I hear you!

Home Schooling

Where have I been this long?  What have I been doing?  Doing lots and lots of research!  And I would not be rushed.  I took my time.  Thinking and rethinking everything.  Its just the way I am.  We decided to home school the girls next year.  I guess the first question you might ask is:  "Why home school?  Isn't it just the crazy, old farm folk out in the middle of nowhere belonging to some weird, religious cult that never leave the confines of the compound they live in, who homeschool their children?"  Apparently not! 

Things have been bugging me and I believe it kept bugging me because I need to do something about it.  Things have a way of doing that when I need to take note.

We've interviewed numerous schools in our community.  The girls have been attending a private, Christian academy this year and I've seen all they were learning - marvelous, fabulous things - but I've also seen how narrow minded this particular school system could be. 

I would like for our girls to grow up with the freedom to learn about interests they are passionate about.  I would like for them to pursue their dreams without restraint.  As they spend the years to come figuring this out for themselves we will be there to guide them along.

I like most parents want the best possible education for my children, even though I'm not a parent pushing my children relentlessly to achieve abilities way beyond their years.  In fact I'm quite the contrary - believing my kids should develop as they need to;  when they need to and be given the freedom to grow and excel in all aspects of life at their own pace.

Our home school is going to be a mixture of  various methodologies which will include very little traditional school.   We will make changes as needed where needed.  I've already incorporated many ideas into our day to day life and am so excited to take all of this to the next level once they finish kindergarten in May.

Scootering

They grow up so fast.

So, don't forget to play and have as much fun as possible!