Another Adventure Begins

We begin again! Although learning never really stopped at our house, we've officially begun another year- this time with a third grader and a first grader.  The girls say that Phoebe begins a year of learning to sit still and not destroy things!  We've already fallen in love with Shakespeare and Longfellow and have spent countless hours in the Middle Ages, learning about illuminated manuscripts and Beowulf! We're learning about the solar system and the girls are very excited to spend time staying up late investigating the night sky! We've released thirteen butterflies so far- swallowtails and monarchs (five left to go). We harvested nine pumpkins so far and canned peaches.  We've begun to listen to The Hobbit and have already had a book report and narration.  French at dinnertime is amusing.  It's a gift to learn with them and we are thrilled to begin again, together! 

 

August's Golden Glow

Our August is flying by with most of our time spent outside, swimming, playing, gardening.  We've learned a lot about growing things with a forest and deer behind your home.  (Almost all of our sunflowers were eaten). We've eaten so much zucchini and beans!  We've said goodbye to our Rooster who has become too rowdy for our small flock and we're beginning to order books for our next school year.  As the crickets begin their daily song and the green trees begin to crisp, we are thankful for summer's joys. 

 

High Summer Blooms

It's high summer and the garden is blooming. I've been thinking on Luke 12:27 in the midst of all the world upheaval.  "Consider the lilies and how they grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you. Not even Solomon in all of his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the filed, which is here today, and tomorrow is gone, how much more will he clothe you- you of little faith."  Perhaps the Lord sends us these beautiful blooms to daily remind us that He cares for us, as He does the flowers of the field, even in the middle of uncertain and unsettled days.  When you start looking for beauty, for hidden glory, for joy in the struggle, you will certainly find it because we serve a God who cares for these details!  

Phoebe Hope is One!

 And just like that, in one magical blink, our baby girl has been with us for one full year.  And what a year it has been!  We can't imagine our life or family without her and always thank God for the precious gift that she is. Phoebe is so full of personality at One!  She loves to imitate mouth sounds- kissing, shushing, animal sounds, raspberries and Indian warpath! Phoebe is a talker. Her words include: kitty, cat, Mama, Bapa, Emmie, Lena, Night Night, Dolly, All Done, Thank You, Bye, Hi, Kiss, Book, Uh Oh, love love, Aye Aye, Bear, Buck Buck, Whoo Whoo, Moo, Bottle, More, Bird etc...   We think her favorite foods are potatoes, sausage, noodles and strawberries. She loves stroller rides, swinging in the swing, banging on the piano, playing peek a boo in the tent and being with sisters. She is a darling girlie and we are so thankful and blessed.

Summer is here!

Our summer days have a rhythm now- morning "blessing hour" where we bless each other by tidying up our home and tending to things around the yard and animals. Then we move onto music practice, reading and math review. After that we tend to gravitate to the outdoors, to pool time or mud kitchen, naps for baby girl and weeding the gardens for Mama. Our days are full and overflowing but rich with goodness and beauty. We went strawberry picking on a big girls and Mama date and made jam.  We made a house from a box, explored a pond and swam with cousins and friends.