First day of school :: 8.7.17

We are (so far) doing school year round.  And since I don't really want my kids graduating super early, I am doing chunks of breaks throughout the year.  Last year we took about 14-15 weeks off of school, with a 1-3 week break here and there.  I'm really glad we are doing it this way because I notice a difference with mood, focus, memory even with just a short time off.  I can't imagine what 2-3 months would do!  Right now, this is working for us (who knows, I may change my plans as the years go on).  We had taken a little bit of time off between changing grades and then we started fresh in the beginning of August.

This year, Joshua joins us as a pre-preschooler.  He is doing what Jeralyn did at that age (letter recognition, counting, learning shapes, etc).  It's short and sweet (with some wild boy energy).

Jeralyn smoothly sailed into first grade.  She says she doesn't like math, but she's so good at it (although she would argue that point).  Her favorite subject is science.

I'm truly enjoying being a homeschool mom.  I take the commitment very seriously.  It's fun to plan, prepare, and be involved with their schooling.  And I'm even learning things along the way!  I feel really blessed that I get to be their teacher.  It's not always easy, but I know it's worth it.  The relationship-building is what stands out the most to me.  It's what is working for us right now.

These photos pretty much sum up what life is like with these kids.

Joel's blanket :: 8.2.17

Last year I made a blanket for Joel.  You can see all about it here.

Silly kids :: 7.31.17

Love these little darlings!

There's a Joel in my bucket :: 7.25.17

"Dear Liza, dear Liza, there's a Joel in my bucket, dear Liza, a Joel."  Do you remember that song?

Who knew a 5-gallon bucket could hold such a sweet?

Nature Hunt :: 7.19.17

I started getting a subscription for the kids called KidLitArt.  Once a month, a box comes and it has a picture book to read to the kids, along with art projects that go along with the book.  It's super fun and the kids love it.  And I love it because I don't have to think of an art project all on my own.  July's box came with a bingo card to find things out in nature, like "something wet" (river).  

One morning, we went up to Heart of the Monster and the kids walked around finding the items on the card.  It was a "cooler" morning (only mid 70's).  It was a beautiful day and we were eager to get out and explore.

These kids are hilarious.

The path leads to a beach along the river.  The kids had a fun time searching for the nature items, throwing rocks into the river, and playing in the sand.