CATCH OF THE DAY - TARANTULA

As much as I would have thought snakes and tarantulas would be where I'd draw the line, the truth is, I'm not nearly as worried about the creepy crawly things around our new home as I thought I would be. For many years as we prayed about our next move, we always considered we may end up in a foreign country where things like heat and wildlife would be part of the deal. Being right here in California still with so many creature comforts, including air conditioning and FedEx, not to mention familiarity, friends, the beach, etc...I have to say our rural move has been more than a blessing, wildlife included.

That said, there is still a learning curve when it comes to the critters around here and what I've noticed is that the more we learn, the less we fear. Knowledge is powerful. Wisdom affects how we view the world around us. So, it's our job to understand our habitat and those we share it with in order to respect God's creatures and also protect ourselves and our children.

Our most recent catch of the day was a bit easier to not fear because our new neighbors were over at our house when we found it and they have lots of experience with TARANTULAS! They even let them walk up their arms when they find them (which apparently isn't too often). But, eeek. I'm still not a fan of these hairy, crawly creatures and knowing they don't come around often is just fine by me. However, we did get to inspect this one and even take a couple pics before releasing him....over there!

Later that evening, the kids came in with a book we have about spiders and it turns out these guys aren't nearly as intimidating as their appearance and reputation...especially compared to much smaller spiders we had right in our house back in town. We have so much more to learn and thankfully science is all around us in our new environment, covered with the fingerprints of God.

WIKIPEDIA TARANTULA

"In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."

Psalm 104:24

CRAFTING WITH MRS. REYES

When Mrs. Reyes comes over to play, guaranteed it's going to be FUN!

...and MESSY!

(leaf craft)

One word...FLUBBER.

Mrs. Reyes, one of my most cherished and dear sister-friends, is truly unique and special. She was Aida's 1st and 2nd grade teacher back in our early co-op homeschooling days. Always the teacher, Mrs. Reyes loves to come craft with the kids!

(making sand candles at the beach house)

She loves exploring nature!

She loves children!

And mostly she loves the Lord!

(We laughed and laughed as it got dark before our sand candles hardened and some even were

swooped away by the rising tide. What an adventure to go searching in the DARK for lost candles with Mrs. Reyes!)

Mrs. Reyes, our whole family loves you so very much!

Thanks for the many fun (and gluey) memories! We hope there are many more!!

"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"
Matthew 19:14

PAINTING CLASS

We tend to go with the flow for homeschooling (and creativity is always flowing around here), but every now and then enrichment opportunities come along and this week the older girls got to attend a painting class with our wonderful neighbors.

As the class began, Elka whispered to me that this was her first official "class" ...ever. And, it dawned on me how very much we've changed over the years in our homeschooling approach. In the early days with our 2 oldest we chose the co-op road and I'm so glad we did, because otherwise I don't know that we would have experimented with homeschooling at all! But to think of such weekly classes being part of our rhythm (read: off beat drum) at this point in our homeschooling journey feels completely foreign.

Off beat works best for us.

Yet, it was a treat for the girls to join into a sweet community event this week here in our new place in this world.

Their paintings remind us of the experience and Elka is asking me to get out my oil paints for her now. She will love oils!

And I love these girls.

"He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work."
Exodus 35:35

CATCH OF THE DAY - KINGSNAKE

I'll admit, I wasn't thrilled about this catch of the day at first...but after doing our homework,

I see that this kingsnake who has made his home in our yard is actually our friend, even protector.

He stays.

It was a rough lesson this past week to see a large snake prey upon our beloved bird's nest up in our tree. We grieved as a family while he enjoyed a meal. It was like National Geographic right in our own backyard! It's taken me some time to digest the whole thing because really, it was traumatic, especially for sweet Nova. All of the children were distraught! I was nauseous. Brodie, of course, remained calm and even found a lesson for us all through the distressing situation. We all felt for the mama and daddy birds as they tried their best to peck at the snake that took from them. And we, mama and daddy to our little ones had to explain the circle of life and even find and teach respect for this creature (and his Creator) in our garden.

We prayed and thanked the Lord for the compassion we saw in our children for the vulnerable little birds. We asked Him to use that compassion to fuel their love for His people, also in need. We thanked God for how He cares for even the birds and asked that He would comfort them and help them build a new nest and have more baby birds soon. He cares and so do we.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31

After that episode, we nudged the snake over to the field by our house, only to find him back again yesterday. So, we did some research. (Insert science lesson here.) What to do with this determined snake who obviously likes our garden???

As it turns out, this kingsnake is, in fact, our friend. He will eat rattlesnakes and other snakes. He will also eat rodents and he is not venomous himself. The kingsnake is on our team. So, we will respect him and we will not touch him. We will not kill him or even try to remove him because we see that he will help protect our property ultimately. So, this catch of the day stays....and another country lesson tucks under our belts. We need not be afraid and we're growing day by day.

WIKIPEDIA CALIFORNIA KINGSNAKE

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens

and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'"

Genesis 1:26

"SCHOOL" TABLE

I can't take ANY credit for this grand idea. However, I like it! Yesterday, I walked outdoors to find the children like this:

Apparently this is the perfect "school" table, I've been informed. Well, OK!

Since we moved, we haven't totally found our stride for how or where our schoolwork will take place. I'm totally fine with that as our relaxed approach welcomes variety and freedom, not to mention a million life and heart lessons along the way as we have transitioned into our new world. However, it is also nice to have a spot (or a few) where the children can gather for more official group lessons and seatwork. I especially enjoy having them all together sometimes with older ones helping little ones, though for obvious reasons there is also a lot of individual learning going on (up in trees, on the floor, perched on a rock...wherever).

That said, when I came out to find that all of the kids had packed their backpacks up with things to learn and do all on their own accord yesterday, my heart was happy to see them not only settling into our new home, but desiring to learn all on their own.

Isn't that just the natural flow of childhood? Curious, naturally inclined to learn little people...

Yes, that's who and what they are and all the better when it's happening in nature! I love it!

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

Proverbs 18:15

TIMES TABLE FLOWERS

When it comes to math, one of the most important concepts to grasp for practical life application is multiplication.
I still remember learning them the standard way in 3rd grade. I remember the manila folder, the tests, drills, quizzes.
Having multiple learners with a creative bent, I was really excited when I stumbled upon these Times Table Flowers online.

 

They're a perfect way for us to practice our multiplication while adding a bit of art in the mix.

Thanks to the laminator, they are hardy and usable for drills.

We are careful to keep the corners slightly rounded since they can be sharp.

I love how these flowers leave plenty of room for interpretation and individuality.

The metal ring seems to be the best option for easy keeping.

 

I'm thinking these will become a new staple over the years.

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12

BRODIE'S BOOKS

There once was a little boy who didn't like to spell. Anything that involved non-graph paper and pencil made him squirm...

except for drawing that is. He much preferred art supplies, outdoor activities, or reading. But writing was just not his "thing"...yet.

 

 

It turns out this boy was an artist, the type that expresses differently than average folk, and his artistry was anything but...average. In fact, the little boy had a gift, a gift of creativity bestowed upon him from heaven.

Surely, God's intentions were to use the boy's art to tell His type of stories.

 

And so it goes, the boy was given another gift from home...the gift of TIME, he was given. Time produces wonderful, surprising things like maturity, development, and seasoning. The boy was also given books, good books of the most inspiring kind. He'd read his Bible and his novels. He'd also play his piano hours on end, creating, composing. For, he was allowed to BE.

 

 

The boy loved to create and one day he discovered something new. He had, over time, realized he'd learned to spell.

So he spelled and spelled and spelled some more until he had written a chapter. One chapter gushed into two and before he knew what he'd done, the boy had written a book. It wasn't just any book. It was a book that glorified the Lord, a masterfully written allegory in similar fashion to the ones he'd been reading, the one's he'd been inspired by. It was beautiful.

 

 

One book turned into two. And just like that, we see that this boy who didn't like to spell now suddenly did. TIME had been a friend and the Creator the boy had grown to know was Director of the storyline...the one that He writes so well when we offer ourselves to Him. So the boy wrote and played and wrote some more and who knows how the rest of the story goes. But, right here in the middle it resembles natural overflow of the most creative kind and it's a blessing that warms the boy's mother's heart.

 

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights

with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
James 1:17

THE HURRIED LADYBUG - A LESSON IN PATIENCE...AND WRITING

It's that time of year again when the house smells like cinnamon and little hands make cookies.

 

 

 

All in favor?

 

 

(the masterminds behind the scenes)

 

It's a time to make and bake and we've been doing plenty of both,
embracing the season in spite of being packed up in boxes, ready to move...or not?

 

One of my favorite little blessings this week came in the form of a language arts lesson turned gift as Olia began writing a story.

 

This is how we homeschool...

 

Yesterday morning I stumbled upon the start of a story about a ladybug. Without my knowing, it was half written by Olia the day before and there it was on the table all on her own accord. She just wanted to write it...so she did! It hadn't been an assignment. It wasn't my agenda. But, when I saw what could easily go unfinished or slip through the cracks, I knew it was worth capitalizing upon. So, before Olia woke and before the sun had come up, I corrected her spelling and added a few who/which words here and there. I constructed paragraph format and a few tidbits about story writing that I thought would interest her and make her story all the better. I was excited to teach her when she woke up!

 

As we began to engage about her story after breakfast, full writing mode emerged along with
the idea that Olia's adorable story would be a perfect Christmas gift for Bea who loves ladybugs!

(our favorite little ladybug)

We have a ladybug printable the kids enjoy coloring, so I made some copies and also looked up ladybugs on the children's National Geographic website (insert science lesson here). The little ones colored, Olia too, and we discussed the letter L among other things. As we finished up the ladybug story, Olia and I came up with a creative way to package Bea's special book.

 

 

We traced, cut, and went digging for the laminator in the abyss of boxes in the garage
that have been packed since mid-November. After 20 insistent minutes, we found it! Hooray!
And the stack of other "laminate please" items all filed in line on the counter...right next to Olia's story.

 

 

We discussed through the writing how it's nice to include a moral to a story, a life lesson worth learning and patience became the focus. By the end of her writing, Olia had renamed her story and even went looking for a Bible verse to finish it off. This led to Daddy stepping in to have a talk with her about the concordance in the back of her pink Bible. She looked up the word "patience", found the verse she wanted, and copied it on the last page.

 

 

She dedicated the book to Bea on the back,

 

 

and wrapped it in a box.

 

 

This is officially the first wrapped gift of the season and of course that is very exciting! I know that Bea will love her gift.
It was a multifaceted experience for us to write it, flowing organically from something Olia was naturally inclined to do.
T's were crossed and i's were dotted...but it happened in our own uniquely motivated way.

 

This is how we homeschool. It works wonderfully for us and is such a privilege! The freedom and creativity that exudes from the children and the accountability we feel toward God incline our hearts to honor Him with our lessons and life, both going hand in hand. I could go on about the many character lessons we learned throughout this day as well, those being some of my favorites.
But for now, I'll tuck those in my heart and document here the story of Olia writing The Hurried Ladybug for her sister.

 

 

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience with joy."
Colossians 1:11

"BACK TO SCHOOL"

Each year we embrace and enjoy the "back to school" feeling in the air, cherishing moments like this:

 

 

We buy new supplies, set up our desks, and set out with lists and (flexible) plans.

 

 

We enter a season that ebbs and flows with the rhythm of learning tangible.

 

 

But, the reality each year remains the same...

 

We're always learning and "school" doesn't begin in September...or end in June.

Life is our classroom and we're always "doing school"...a phrase we attempt to avoid.

 

 

Nevertheless, "back to school" is upon us with intentionality toward our concrete learning. 

We have new little learners joining the ranks and they are very eager about their "school".

 

 

It's interesting to see them each at their own pace, an advantage to be able to group them together as well. With differences in development (not to mention language acquisition), it works out quite nicely to have multiple learners on the same page.

 

Literally.

 

 

So there's lots of this going on around here:

 

 

And this:

 

 

This:

 

 

 

 

 

As little ones join in and older ones hone in on how the Lord is leading their lives, it's a beautiful transformative process to observe the act of learning. And it's happening ALL the time! It's such an honor to pray each day and eat meals together, to take the time to listen to hearts and gather in circles to read the Bible. As the girls are growing up, they are mastering the arts of homemaking and caring for little souls, something that brings me great joy to witness!! After all, we're raising little women.

 

 

 (Elka loves her one-handed egg cracking.)

 

 Our boys spend time with their daddy, learning about spiritual leadership, work ethic,

chivalry and responsibility, among other things. We're preparing them to be men.

 

 

"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.  Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned."

Titus 2:1-8

 

So, we read the Word and take inventory of where our children's hearts are headed. We think about what we are preparing them for through their years of education. It's so much more than simply academics, though we praise God for the ability to be the ones to teach them those things too. Yes, the matters of the heart and the skills of adulthood that we get to impart to our children throughout the days are a dear blessing and advantage of homeschooling. What an amazing gift to have the TIME!

 

So, "back to school" we are, though we never really left, never really will.

 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Deuteronomy 6:5-7