OLIA'S ART

She's just that kind of person...

The kind that picks up her first real watercolor brush and effortless strokes simply turn out beauty.

(first painting)

The kind that sits down to her brand new lap dulcimer and immediately plays a song.

(Drummer Boy)

Olia is humble, talented, understated, graceful, kind...and she creates beautiful art.

What a blessing it is to homeschool and offer the gift of time to explore the gifts God has given.

"He has filled them with skill."

Exodus 35:35

SAND CANDLES

Something my family always looks forward to is crafting with Mrs. Reyes!

The last time we were here at the beach house and Mrs. Reyes came with crafts in tow,

we ended up searching for our sand candles in the dark as the tide came up...such sweet memories!!

This time, we chose to make the candles a bit farther away from the rising tide. ;)

We melted the wax on the BBQ, settled seashells into the sand, added a wick, and poured the wax.

Then we waited...

And the results were beautiful!

Thank you, Mrs. Reyes, for always making nature and crafting so fun!

Your friendship is a gift from the Lord!

"Let your light shine."

Matthew 5:16

FILMMAKING

Today, we gathered around to watch some of Brodie's videos as he presented to us his latest work. Filmmaking has become a growing passion of his this past year and a fruit of his time spent documenting our ventures. I love watching him explore his talents.

(The Ark Encounter, Kentucky)

And have exciting experiences in the process!

(The Grand Canyon, Arizona)

As his interest has grown, we've begun to invest in higher quality equipment
to help him flourish and the results have been beautiful!

Brodie loves God's creation in nature, music, animals, and adventure, so documentary filmmaking is right up His alley!

(GoPro surfing with Noble)

(helmet cam)

Brodie definitely has an eye for the art of filmmaking and is dabbling in writing scores on his piano and guitar

for the background music as well, another offspring of his ample time via homeschool that we cherish.

(The Petrified Forest, Arizona)

Thanks for the memories, Brodie, and we look forward to seeing what all

the Lord will do in the future through your filmmaking.

May your efforts glorify Him!

www.vimeo.com/atreeanditsfruit

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

LITTLE HOMESCHOOLER

She watches big brothers and sisters and wants to be like them.

Another reminder that we ought to set a good example in all things at all times.

We love our precious little homeschooler.

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.

Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Hebrews 13:7

HOMESCHOOL ON THE BEACH

...as our unconventional new year continues.

Malleable in the Potter's hand and feeling thankful for "home".

"If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

Psalm 139:9-10

UNCONVENTIONAL NEW YEAR

Well, unbeknownst to me, we are setting about a new and

quite unconventional school year sooner than usual here in Tennessee.

Being displaced while we await moving into our new home, with all of our belongings still in boxes, 

has led us to occupy ourselves in creative ways and here we are in August.

All it took was an impromptu trip to the store for some paper, pencils, art supplies, and worksheets...

And before I knew it everyone had caught the homeschooling bug in summertime, ready to get busy with learning!

Hey, I'll take it! I love that they love to learn...and really we're never not learning.

We have grown to see homeschooling as a year round, all day every day type of lifestyle.



And yet, I've still always loved the autumn-like feeling in the air that reminds me of pumpkins and newly sharpened pencils so we've traditionally embarked upon a somewhat formal "new year" outlook to commemorate such in September. But not this year. I do wish we could find the rest of those binders of ours, however, but until then, we'll be flexing and learning just the same here at the outset of our surprise entry to an unconventional new year.

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."

Proverbs 18:15

AMERICAN HISTORY

(final project - timeline)

Brodie is an artist, so naturally his study of American history

will be expressed through things he loves...like reading and art.

It's a privilege to homeschool and meet my children's educational needs

and strengths in the unique ways that God designed each one of them.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

Psalm 139:14

CRAFTING WITH ELKA - PAPER PLATE WIND SPINNERS

All it takes is a paper plate, some art supplies, scissors,

and a very crafty super fun big sister.

Paper Plate Wind Spinners!

And they're off!

"Even the wind and waves obey him!"

Mark 4:41

READING BUDDIES

With pre-readers, beginning readers, and intermediate readers in our family...

Reading buddies are a big help and encouragement!

We're so proud of our little readers.

And they are so blessed to have their reading buddies.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

A REASON FOR HANDWRITING

{classic. staple. biblical. never gets old}

"For whatever was written in the former days was written for our instruction,

that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Romans 15:4

MATH

{Daddy style}

"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."

Proverbs 13:20

ARMOR OF GOD

Another homeschool day well spent...

Older and younger siblings creating together...

Memorizing Scripture...

(Noble the knight...making his noblest knight face)

...and outdoor exuberant play!

I'd say it's been an excellent day!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and the strength of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10-11