Thankful Thursday & Rituals

I am thankful for life today.
My life, of course, and the life of my first born, in particular.
Twelve years ago today she came into our world.
When I close my eyes, I can remember it like it was yesterday.
I've been blessed to be with her almost every day of those 12 years.
She's funny and creative, introspective and thoughtful.
She enjoys creating and being in nature.
She's curious about the world around her and goes 'all-in' on subjects she's interested in.
She's becoming such a wonderful young woman already.
I'm so proud of her and can't image my life without her.

Today I'm thankful that she's in our lives.

Blessed born day my sweet girl.

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The children and I have a weekly ritual of sharing the things we're thankful for aloud at the end of each week.  Just the other day I found this creative way to visibly display the things we're thankful for.  You can read more here.  I decided to take this idea but change it a bit to make it more conducive for our space.  I like finding other ways to incorporate new ideas into our way of being.  So, instead of a 'thankful tree' we've created a thankfulness garland of sorts.  Perhaps this will trigger ideas of how you can take this idea and make it your own.

I recently re-read a favorite reference book, Calm and Compassionate Children by Susan Usha Dermond, with some mommies in my homeschooling community.  One of the things the author shares is the difference between rituals and routines.  Routines are things our children can do alone, yet rituals are practices that we involve our children in with us.  The key to creating rituals is involving our children in them.  Like our being thankful ritual at home, and the one here on the blog, we also have rituals around birthdays.  These practices involve each of us and are something we look forward to year after year.

What are you thankful for today?  What rituals have you created with your children to put being thankful into practice?  I'd love to hear from you so take a moment to comment below.  Thanks so much.

Be well.

Wordless Wednesday

Book Sharing Monday

Good Morning all and Happy Monday to you.
I hope that this day finds you in great spirits.

Here's one of the books we've been reading and shared with our homeschooling community a few weeks ago.  We've been learning about artists--well known and little known.  Today's books shares an artist that we didn't know at all:  A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

The story begins with his beginnings.  He loved drawing and copying pictures from his head and from things around him.

Horace entered a drawing contest and won his first set of art supplies.

During a war, he was injured and lose the use of his right arm.

Because are was "in him" he pressed through the pain and learned used his left hand, assisting his right hand in creating art.

Horace painted well into the night.  It took him a few years to finish his pieces now.  But he never gave us.

Here's a photo of Horace Pippin. 

My son took to his story immediately as he found that Horace did many of the things he's presently doing now.  Drawing and painting is something my boy enjoys.  I enjoyed this story as well.  It reminds us that even when there are challenges and setback to overcome, we can do it.  When we're passionate about whatever it is we do, we can find success in being determined.

What books are you reading with your family today?  Link up with us here or simply leave a comment below.  We'd love to hear what books you recommend.  Thanks so much.

Happy Reading!

Intentions, Plans, Goals, Action?

I talk about these a lot with the women in the different communities I belong.  Over the years the ways in which these things are communicated have changed.  But no matter who I'm talking with or listening to, I have found that we are excellent at talking about our intentions, our dreams and our goals--even our plans. Some make distinct differences in what each word means/represents to them personally.  Others use them interchangeably.  No matter how you use these words, at the end of the day, if you're not putting things into ACTION it doesn't matter what you call it.

Every year I read through two books--yes, the same two books.  Every year, I find that I'm in a different place and so they speak to me in different ways each time.  I recently shared this with the homeschooling community to which I belong sharing it as an example of how reading good books help you change.  With things going as they've been in my life, I'm more about the action part of things now. I am good at planning; at balancing different priorities; adjusting and being flexible; yet keeping my goals every before me.  I've decided that in addition to my weekly planning for my family overall (meal plans, weekly schedule, learning opportunities, down time, music lessons, etc.), I need to be extremely intentional about creating regular time and space for myself.

A mother-friend of mine recently shared how she was being intentional about her family life.  Her husband made it a point to her to make sure she included time for herself and her personal development.  That was powerful to me.  Not because it was new.  Not because this was something I hadn't tried.  It was powerful because it involved her partner.  He is one who pushes her towards her continued development--and not only that, he helps make time for it weekly by being fully present with their children during that time.

After hearing this from her and speaking my with own husband (who, I must say, has been a support and encourager all these years), we have come up with a better schedule for our lives now that includes intentional time for both of us to pursue activities that continue to keep us at our best.

So as I get through my weekly planning today, I've decided that I want to set some intentions at the beginning of the week.  Intentions that I can then put into action right away.  I will be looking for practices that will stretch me yet reinforce these intentions.  I'll check in later in the week to let you know how things are going.  What's working and what needs some adjustments.

• I intend to be fully present, specifically with my children & husband; secondly with those I'm with over the course of the week.  I will practice listening, giving eye contact, seeking to understand first before being understood.
• I intend to make time this week to create.  I am working on warm hats, scarves and making gift items for the upcoming holidays. 
• I intend to reach out and make plans with three friends to engage them in creating/crafting.  By week's end I hope to have those dates on my calendar.
• I intend to spend time three times this week working on my professional and personal development classes online.
• I intend to make time daily to read, for myself and aloud to my children.
• I intend to make time daily to write for one hour on my book projects.
• I intend to make adjustments in my bedtime and change my overall sleeping patterns.  I will begin this evening by getting to bed by 11pm and practicing this all week.

Honestly, I have a lot more I'd like to add, but am stopping myself now. (This might need to be one of my intentions as well, keeping things simply and not overdoing just because I can.) I want to be successful at this. I know that although I may be able to do more part of being intentional, for me, at least, is to put this list into ACTION.  No longer just on paper or on a nice check-list or chart.

I'm wondering if this might be something you already do. Perhaps you have some tips to offer me as I begin.  I would love to hear your experience with moving plans, goals, intentions (whatever you call them) in to action.  You're also welcome to cheer me on should this be something new to you.  And I would be remiss if I didn't invite anyone of you to join me in this practice of setting weekly intentions and then making them happen through immediate action.

Your comments are welcomed below.  Thanks for stopping by and reading today.

Have a great week.

Weekly Wrap Up

We've made it to the end of another week.  We have spent a good deal of time enjoying each other and catching up with my dh.  The kids have rituals that they've missed while he's been out of town.  When they were younger I used to try to still try and make them happen.  But now I respect that they're his things to initiate and engage them in--and so I allow that time to be 'special time with Daddy.'  (It also alleviates the added stress on me--win-win.)  

Here are the highlights of our week:

Monday--Homeschool Classes:

We started a new unit studies on birds.  The children continued their P.E./Health class taking about more healthy habits--how to read body language when playing with others.  They also practiced group juggling.  We found that it not only takes coordination and concentration but takes a lot more practice than we first thought.

Learning to pay attention to body language.

We have been blessed with a husband/daddy who is focused on nutrition.  Monday began with a breakfast smoothie using fresh fruits.  This particular Monday it came in quite handy since we were running a bit later than we had hoped.  We drank it on the ride to the rec center.

Fresh fruit

Monday evening I attended a book reading and signing with a couple of the mothers from my homeschooling community.  Author Ritu Sharma read from and discussed her book Teach A Woman to Fish.  I will share more about this event in an upcoming post.  Suffice to say that it was very stimulating and we had a rather lively discussion afterwards as well.

Tuesday:

The boy had a birthday recently.  He's started taking guitar lessons and we were blessed with a guitar from some dear friends earlier this year.  He's been using that and doing quite well--even though it's a bit large.  Grandpa sent us a better sized guitar this week.  Isn't it a perfect fit?

New kid-sized guitar

For the better part of the day the kids spent time with their father.  I GOT THE DAY OFF.  I caught up with a dear friend who I haven't had time with in a rather long time.  We sipped and chatted.  I then caught up with another dear friend for dinner.  Cussing, fussing and tons of laughter ensued.  I needed this break.

Wednesday:

Daddy fixed breakfast and then we headed to the library for our weekly library time.  We had lots of books to return and several we on hold for us--we're researching and studying about birds.  Our library branch has been adding new books to the shelves and today they were in the process of adding when we arrived.  The children were excited to see more new books and checked out several of the graphic novels. 

The day ended with soup!  Tortilla soup to be exact.  All made in a matter of 6 minutes.  Yes. Six.  And it was delicious. I'm learning about other recipes and just started a board on Pinterest to hold them.  You're welcome to check it out.

Making soup.

Yummy Soup!!

Thursday:

My eldest just completed The Giver by Lois Lowry.  She's been reading it for her reading/literature class.  We've been discussing it as she's read it and completing vocabulary and comprehension work as we go.  I found a test of the entire book online to give her tomorrow.  This book has many layers to it--we've shared many good discussions.

The boy enjoys building with Legos, yet his first love is writing stories and illustrating them.  He spent much of the afternoon writing and illustrating the story he created using the Legos he built.

My no-longer-little second daughter enjoys creating as well.  Today she wanted to paint--and so she did. (smile)

Friday:

My eldest has started the Harry Potter series.  This is one of the books she reads for entertainment/enjoyment.  I agreed that she could watch the movie AFTER she read the book.  She finished this first one a few weeks ago and is already well into the second book.  We checked out the DVD from the library this week and she watched it with her father.  She enjoyed it and has been able to compare/contrast it with little help from us.

We have plans to read together later this evening and maybe invite some friends over. We'll see how things go. We're also looking forward to a relaxing weekend. There are a few things we have planned but for the most part, I'd like to continue with the easy pace we've had this week. Thankful to be able to do just that.

How did things end up for you this week? What things did you get into? How did you learn with your children? Want to join in? Click here for the current Weekly Wrap Up to read it and those who have joined in this week.  Click here for further information.

Enjoy the weekend.

Thankful Thursday

I used to link up with several other blogging mamas, but none of them are blogging now....or at least doing this blog hop.  So I've decided to start it again here and invite any one of you to join me.  You are welcome to add your link in the comment section (just below this post) and I'll add you to the 'Thankful Thursday' list.  You can also click here for further info and to grab my button.

Today I am thankful for:

• being able to sleep in
• warmth of blankets
• children who can take care of their things (their doing their own laundry as I type)
• birds (we're studying them presently)
• connection with family (spoke with three extended family members this morning)
• a husband who provides
• good books to read (will have to write another post about this one!)
• women who challenge me, support me, encourage me
• a day full of possibilities

What are you thankful for today?

Book Sharing Monday

We have been reading books that are illustrated by one of our favorite illustrators--Kadir Nelson.  My children have always enjoyed his real to life pictures and coloring of people.  Today's book is Coretta Scott written by Ntozake Shange and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

It's the story of Coretta Scott.

The story begins with her as a young child.

As she is in school, she meets Martin Luther King, Jr. and they become fast friends.

Coretta was just as much involved with the Civil Rights Movement as her husband.

I liked how the emphasis was put on Coretta in this book.  She believed and fought for the same things her husband, Martin, did.  When he died, she spent her life continuing to seek justice for all.

I'm sure you'll be able to find this book at your local library.  Perhaps you'll add it to your personal library at home.  Either way, we hope you'll do some reading today.  Share a book of your own whether below in the comment section or through a link to your own 'Book Sharing Monday' post on your blog.  If you'd like to join in, here's more info.

Happy Reading!!

Homeschool Resources: Freebies

Yes! Who doesn't like free resources.  I typically share what I come across or what another homeschooling family shares with me via my homeschooling community's Facebook page.  Today, I thought I'd share some of the resources that I've found to be helpful.  Please note: I have not been asked to share these in particular nor am I getting anything in return for this post.  I simply wanted to make you aware of some of the resources that have been helpful for my family.

Geography:

For those with children who enjoy drawing, why not learn world geography, too.  This is a complete world geography unit for immediate download.  I've just found this so we haven't yet begun using it, but I have plans to as we enjoy drawing over here. (http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/HSE/?c18993Le)

Nature Study:

We are beginning a unit with our homeschooling community on birds (which I'm facilitating).  I've found a lot of good resources: http://hsedufreemarket.blogspot.com/search/label/Bird%20Study and they are all free.

Online Classes:

If you happen to be in the Atlanta-metro area and possess an Atlanta-Fulton Library card you can utilize the online classes on UniversalClass.com for free.  Otherwise, they're still a great price. ($180 for a year.)  Classes range from specific subjects to hobbies and personal development.  All classes are self-paced, overseen by a teacher and offer a certificate and/or grade at completion.  You can take up to 6 classes at once. (You must log-in to the library's site first, then go through eCampus to UniversalClass.com.)

Science:

We are starting to become familiar and learn about the Periodic Table of Elements.  A friend shared this site with me recently.  It offers an interactive table that then correlates to video lessons on each element.  Talk about an awesome resource.  You can find it here: http://ed.ted.com/periodic-videos

Music:

All three of my children are taking piano lessons.  I have started all of them but have allowed the younger two to take some instruction online via this site: https://www.hoffmanacademy.com/ I like the simple lessons that are offered and all of them are free.  You have the option to purchase additional lesson resources through the site. I haven't found that we've needed them thus far.  I view the lesson, make anything that may be needed for it and them allow them to do the lesson.  So far it's just what we've needed.  It also gives me a little break from having to teach them everything. (I am looking for a firm, yet gentle, piano teacher to teach them as they continue.  Should you have a recommendation for us, please share.)

U.S. History:

Perhaps you're looking for history resources.  I always am.  In creating my own curriculum, I am in continual search of primary sources to read and study. The Zinn Educational Project is a great starting place for this.  They offer resources and also give links to other primary resources.  I strongly suggest you take a look at what they have to offer.  Most of the resources are free of charge.

Have you come across free resources that you're using with your family?  Share yours in the comment section so others can benefit too.  Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you're able to make use of one or two.

Happy Learning.


All images were found via a Google Image Search.

Adventure & Book-Making

Hard to get everyone in the selfie.
But we're all smiles.

Another homeschooling friend shared with me information on a book-making workshop at a 'not-so-local' library.  When I made reservations for my children, I thought that I'd have a way to get there. The closer we got to the date, I soon realized that I would not have our vehicle (DH being out of town and all) but I didn't want to miss it.  So, I decided that we would use our local public transportation. That's what it's there for, right?

Adventure:

Now, we have taken the train/light rail--to major events that take place downtown (avoiding parking fees and traffic before/after the event).  But we have never used the bus system.  Today we did. We made it to the library after taking two trains and one bus.  There wasn't too much walking on either side of things.  We made it in pretty good time as well--this is what impressed me the most.

A quick side note: I share a lot in my homeschooling community about modeling what we want our children to learn.  Part of me preparing my children to be independent is showing them how to get around town.  Today was an effort toward that specific goal and I have to say I'm rather proud of it. They each are different people and can often times be nervous about new experiences (in their own ways).  I was happy to see that each of them embraced this new experience very well.

The children learned several important lessons on our travels.  The most important was about reading signs and paying attention.  We talked about what to do if we were separated.  They also got to view the roads we normally take by car from a different perspective.  I think we all have a better appreciation for our public transportation options now that we've used them.  I must admit that I am eager to go more places now using this option.

Book-Making:

Amy, from Blue Sky Papers Book Binding, hosted a hands-on workshop in book-making.  I had only signed up two of my three, but not as many people attended as expected and so there were enough supplies for my sweetie-pie and I to join in too.

We learned a lot and all got excited about book-making.  The boy has a host of books that we've already written and made.  I was thrilled that she taught us a way to make books that we've never done before.  This widens our book-making repertoire. Here are some shots from our time in the workshop.

Amy giving us a guide for how large our
stack of paper should be.

Deciding the order of pages and stacking them.

Lining things up and clipping pages for binding.

Gluing pages together.

Making book covers; scoring the folds.

As pages dry designing book covers.

Completed book--still bound and clipped
so it can dry evenly.

My book--clipped so it can dry properly.

Once it was over we went into the library.  We couldn't pass up library time in a 'new-to-us' branch. Although it was smaller than our neighborhood library, there were a couple things I really liked. They have window seats with comfy pillows and room for several people to comfortably sit and read. They librarians were friendly--always a plus!!

Browsing the shelves.

One of the three window seats in the children's
section. (The only one without pillows.)

At this point, our books are still trying but I will add a photo of the final products once they're finished.

And now, we're finally home, after a short walk, a bus ride, two train rides, and walking a few more blocks.  With all the excitement of today, I'm tired.  Looking forward to sharing our new knowledge with our friends.

What things did you get into today?  Any new adventures?  Any new skills?  I'd love to hear about them--so comment below.

Happy Life Learning!



UPDATE: 11/9/14
Here are our completed books:

Weekly Wrap Up

So I've decided to join in this weekly wrap up.  For starters, because it will help me get back into the rhythm of blogging and, secondly, it's a good way to keep records of what we're doing--more just academic type work.

Since our homeschooling year began with our homeschooling community, many things at home have become a blur.  I'm actually having to think about what we've been doing this week.

Monday we spend at co-op.  The children participate in P.E./Health class, a Nature Study class and an Art Appreciation class.  Then there's free time with their friends outside and in the gym.  This Monday we celebrated the boy's birthday.  My dh attended with us and made ice cream on the spot. Upon returning home he opened his gifts and went right to work on one of them--new set of Legos. There was a candle to blow out and cake to be shared. Overall good and exhausting day.

Tuesday I was able to walk alone--used voting as my reason.  Our precinct is just around the corner from where we live--so the kids were able to stay put.  Although and overcast day to start, it warmed right up when the sun appeared and we were able to walked up to our neighborhood library and spend a few hours there.  I'm researching for the next nature study class and the kids always enjoy looking through books.  Our library has gotten a lot of new books in over the passed three weeks, so my girls enjoyed looking through what's new on the shelves.

Wednesday we spent at home. Nothing special. Regular learning time and chore time.  We did watch the Lego movie again.  It was fun listening to my children laugh.  I have to admit, that movie does have some funny jokes.

Thursday I gave most of my time to assist my daughter through her very first online class.  Our library offer free classes through the UniversalClass.com site.  She's taking Fashion Designing 101 and is thrilled.  She completed her first lesson and we made a schedule for when she'll have access to the laptop to complete the rest of her lessons.  My middle daughter played dress-up most of the day, in between our reading lessons.  She's enjoying that still and I'm glad to still have a little girl on my hands.  Time is winding up in this area---so there's no need for me to rush her.

Friday has been spent drawing.  I've tried to make it a point to do this with my kids.  We all enjoy it. We've been studying perspective and creating landscapes with 1 point perspective.  Right now we're all just copying pictures I've found on Pinterest.  In the next few weeks I'll start pushing them to create their own using the techniques and skills we're learning.

I'm looking forward to the weekend.  Although this has been a slow week, it has felt full.  I guess this is probably because I have been holding things down by myself.  My dh has been working out of town since Monday.  I'd like to sleep in a bit on both days--probably won't happen though.  We do have things to do on both afternoons and since it's just me if I don't get up we won't get out on time.  I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I would take myself to sleep at a reasonable hour. LOL!  Something to start working on for next week.

Hope you all have had an enjoyable and productive week.  But if not, don't be too hard on yourself.  You get another one to do things differently.  Should you be interest in joining in on this weekly wrap-up click here.  You'll find information on how to link up.  What to read others' posts for today? Click here.

Have a good one.

Personal Growth and Development

I have been homeschooling my children for over 10 years now.  I spent just about the same amount of time in the classroom as a teacher.  One thing that I learned, while a classroom teacher, was the importance of continued personal development.  Granted, most systems require this of all their teachers. And not only in education, but also in business, you'll find professional development classes and workshops that employees are required to take on a regular and on-going basis.  This is something that we as homeschooling parents may not always think about.  What things are we doing to continue to push ourselves--continuing to develop our skills, knowledge base, talents and interests.

We cannot give our children what we don't have.  Whether it's skills, values or information.  We must possess what we're offering to our children.

Please don't mistake what I'm saying.  This does not mean that if you don't know about, say, Chemistry or Physics, your child won't be able to learn it.  If you know this is an area of challenge for you, you can seek the assistance of another or sign your child up for classes (online or in person) or begin research--showing them how to figure things out for themselves.  In this example, you take the lead in figuring out a way to learn something that you don't know--a skill that everyone should learn, especially our children.

It is important for me to model the skills I want my children to possess.  Learning as a lifestyle. Learning is what we do all our lives.  So it just makes sense that I would continue my own growth and development.

[Note: Our desires to continue to strength ourselves and add to our own toolbox should not overshadow that of our children.  At this time, they should be one of our top priorities.  I'm not suggesting that you drop everything and go 'all-in' on developing you.  That time will come again.]

Besides running a household, homeschooling my three, leading and facilitating a homeschooling community, providing massage to a few clients, volunteering in my immediate community, I have many other interests and I desire to continue learning and growing as a person, a woman and a mother.  I've found it important over the years to make time for this kind of growth specifically.  It's different than my need for a break or for connecting with my friends.  It's even something different than learning what I need to in order to instruct my children.

I have many interests so this makes this part of learning easy, in a sense.  The challenge comes in making a choice and then sticking to it.  (smile)  Reading is something I enjoy.  I have several books on my night stand presently that I've been reading and gleaning from.  I also have several writing projects underway.  Just recently, as in last week, I signed up for a few online classes being offered through my library's system (for free!) all in hopes of broadening my knowledge base and fulfilling my need for personal development.

One of the more important ways I'm hoping to add to my overall experiences is participating with others in learning.  I've invited several of my friends to join me in these learning adventures.  One has taken me up on it!  In so doing, I'm looking forward to having someone to discuss and practice with. Learning, for me, is multi-dimensional and including a friend makes the overall experience more enjoyable.

At this point, I'm working on a schedule for making sure all of this happens without burning me out. This, too, is key!  I am still seeking to be present with my family and facilitating their learning time.  As they are getting older, many of the responsibilities I lead out in they are now able to take the lead on.  This has freed my time in a way that will allow me to focus on my own learning.

So how do you make sure you're making time for your personal development?  I'm interest to hear from each of you how it works for you.  Does it mean classes for you?  Perhaps you participate in community learning.  Are you into reading--challenging yourself to learn? Do you learn better in a group (in-person) or online (virtually)?  What sort of things are of interest to you?

As homeschooling families, it's easy to be so focused on our children's growth and development we forget about our own.  I hope this post has reminded you, if you've forgotten.  You are important.  How you continue to develop yourself is something your children will see and learn to appreciate (and hopefully take on for themselves).

I love comments, so please take a moment to do so. Thanks.

Be well.

I'm Coming Back!

It's been such a long since I've taken a moment to stop by my own blog.  Yes, you already know. Life it happening and we're "all-in" over here.

I have missed this space.  The time of sharing and reflection.  In re-connecting with another 'former' blogging mommy friend, I was reminded about how we found each other then and how I needed that online support while I was physically away from my network of homeschooling friends.  Blogging was about staying connected.

I've since returned 'home' and am well involved in the homeschooling community I left.  It has definitely changed.  I seek to be 'all-in' whether I find myself.  Because of this, I have not made time to blog in a rather long time.

In speaking with another friend the other day, I shared with her my thoughts about this.  She encouraged me to do whatever I thought was best.  I've been thinking about this over and over and am seeing the positive side of joining the blogosphere once again.

I am going to take it slow.  There are quite a lot of things I'm doing, personally, and, of course, with my children.  They're older.  They are well into their learning and have each found their major interests and passions at this time.  Our days are full and there are times I long for the slower-paced days when they were younger.  When time really felt like it was passing at a slower rater than normal. Yes, those were the days that I thought would NEVER end!!  It's funny how time seems to speed up once you really want to use it.

Anyway.  I'd like to see just how many of you are still around.  How have you been?  I guess I'll need to take time to make the rounds and read on your blogs how life has been for you and yours.  You're more than welcome to leave me a comment.  I LOVE reading your comments.

Looking forward to seeing just what this new start will bring.

Until the next post, be well.