Butter Making Fun!

Here ya have it! We began making our butter by shaking the cream. Sorry, no butter churn on hand. It grew to be tiresome (less than a minute of shaking by each of the girls) so we cheated at used the Kitchen Aid. It didn't come out perfect, but it still tasted really yummy. Next time we'll try boiling some carrots to make some yellow color like they did in this week's read-a-loud,
Little House in the Big Woods.

Our first Five In A Row book

I included pics of our dinner, but smilebox isn't allowing me to sign in right now. boo.

Outdoor Fun

Just sharing some reading fun...

Please stay tuned for some photos of butter making. We went to the store, but the gentleman forgot to place the cream in our bag...or I forgot a bag. Oops. Have to return to the store after church tomorrow. :(
Today we went to Borders after gymnastics. Watching the girls tumble, twist, and balance today was hysterical. That said, we were choosing a birthday gift at Borders when Biggest Sister requested a book. It was Harold and the Purple Crayon. What mom can say "No." to such a great book??? It also just happens to be one of the books on our reading list this year. Instead of reading it to her, I had her read it to me. I adore listening to her read. The following exchange was truly one of the very best parts of the day:

A:: "Mom, why do you think these pictures are real?"
M: "I don't know. What do you think?"
A: "Well, I think that an ordinary crayon couldn't do this. This must be some sort of a magic crayon."
M: "I think maybe you're right."
A: I know there isn't really magic crayons, but it sure would be fun to have one.
M: I couldn't agree more. What would you make?
A: Everything amazing and incredible. Think of the stories I could tell you about!

:)

Chapter Book Fun

Okay. So we started a new chapter book today, Little House in the Big Woods. We were just into the early part of chapter two where Laura begins to churn butter. Sweet girl piped up, "Mom, why don't we find out how to make butter today and make some tomorrow?" How happy am I to be living within seconds of finding a million and one ways to make fresh butter?!?! So my plan is to get some cream from the store tonight so we can try our hand at it tomorrow after the cardiac appointments. Perhaps this weekend we'll find time to drive up to the dairy for some raw milk. Then we can make our own chemical-free cream and from that, the butter. Yum! Stay tuned in for pictures of this fun, and surprisingly easy process. It's faster than making cheese! We'll have to make some fresh mozzarella again soon and take pics of the kids having fun with that! Isn't learning the best!?!

Nature Study Tuesdays

One aspect of our homeschool life includes a weekly Nature Study. This year we'll be joining friends (last I heard, 30-40 children we're signed up to participate) and heading into nearby park trails, caves, wildlife reserves, etc. to explore God's beautiful world.

If you'll visit the Handbook of Nature Study site, you'll gain better insight into what we'll be doing. The site is listed as Handbook of Nature Study under "My Blog List"

We'll be participating in the Outdoor Hour: weekly challenges (they are listed on the Handbook site in the lower, right-hand column)... As you'll see from the notes, it's all parent-directed learning, but nothing is forced on the child. For example, the children aren't required to keep a nature journal, but one will be offered to them for use as they please.

I think it's going to be great fun and we're all looking forward to it. Rain or shine, we're heading out on a hands-on experience,to see what God has to "show and tell" us about this amazing world He's created.

We'll be participating in the short "lesson", allowing children time to explore as they wish, and then rounding them up for a picnic lunch....please stay tuned as I'll be posting more of our weekly discoveries.

And........we're off!!!

Alright. School is starting. Well, "school" is always in session around here... Alas, it's "officially" time to put into practice a few tidbits from the hundreds of hours spent reading, researching, dialoging, and a million other things I have done during the 4-year process of accepting God's calling to homeschool. Yes, this has been a gradual process for me. I didn't run toward homeschooling with open arms. God knew He had to start workin' on my heart early...but I'm here. Right where He knew I'd be. Praise Him! Anyway, I have prayerfully poured over homeschooling styles, techniques, philosophies, curriculum and what I know to be true is this: God doesn't very often call the equipped, but He faithfully promises to equip the called. Can you hear my big, "Halleluja!" and "Amen!" from where you're sitting?

Yes, I do have an idea of what life around here might look like. I say, "I" but rest assured Eric's been brought into numerous chats on what we'd like this to "look like" for our family. We have our plans: we seek to raise our children in an atmosphere that is steeped with God...that everyday offers an opportunity to learn and experience more and more of Him together. We don't want life to look like "traditional school at home" as this doesn't seem to be where God's leading for a plethora of reasons. We love the idea of using classical literature instead of textbooks as much as possible. There are many, many more plans and ideas we have for what lies ahead. How these things unfold in the day-to-day fabric of our lives, is the ultimate discovery. Let it be said, we have no hard and fast rules for this adventure...except for one. God is the final authority. It's His plan for our family...not ours.

So as we set out on this path He's set before us, there is a steady stream of random thoughts running through my mind. One thought stands out. Namely, this has very little to do with me at all. At least not in the greater picture. This is such a difficult concept to grapple with while living in the culture we do. Our culture declares daily,"Make sure you have time to do the things you want to do!" Does laundry count? No, seriously!?!

I have to admit I struggle with being selfish every single moment of my day. Remember, I didn't want to homeschool when God first "mentioned" the idea? This is definitely something I can't do on my own. It's a darn good thing I have His faithful promise to help. I just need to take one step and then another...all while keeping my eye on the prize. :)


In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

God's Creativity...

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1

Nature is one of the finest displays of God's ingenuity and creativity. The opportunities to learn about who He is and about His world, literally fall from the sky and leap from the ground. Yesterday, as we were getting into our pool, we discovered some "friends" who's time on this planet had come to an end in our chilly waters. Instead of flinging them into the yard to decompose, we decided to let the kids get an up-close look at them. It was fun to hear all the comments about "furry bubble bees" and how they thought yellow fur was so cool. Sweet girl asked if we could let the cicada dry out so we could use it for our nature journals today. So that's just what we did.

This afternoon we inspected the cicada bug, drew him and then headed indoors to see what we could find on this giant, flyin' insect. Here's a fun fact we found in our hunt for what they ate, where they sleep, and who makes all that racket:

In many cultures, the Cicada insect is regarded as a symbol of long life, happiness and eternal youth due to its intrinsic properties of being the longest living insect with a life span of up to 18 years! Cicada insects are also regarded as a symbol of good fortune because of their ability to sing throughout the day and night.

I never saw myself as one eager to inspect a giant, dead bug...until today. God never passes up an opportunity to teach us more about Him. This bug is beautiful... truly an awesome work of artistic design and engineering. So I'll end today in giving the Father hugest praise. I stand, once again, in awe of brilliant majesty so uniquely displayed in the intricate detailing of a cicada bug.

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6

Nothin' like a good friend...

Tonight I spent time with a dear friend whom I hadn't seen it awhile. As soon as we made plans, I was eagerly anticipating our visit. It's not that we had anything in particular to share, but I was simply looking forward to spending time together. I'm always telling my hubby as I'm leaving for her house, "I'll try to be home earlier than last time." It never seems to happen. Tonight I made it home just before 2am. Nothin' like a good friend...

On my way home tonight I began to think about what it is that makes hangin' out so great. It's not like we do anything extraordinary. All to the contrary actually. Tonight we put the kids to bed, grabbed an icee, and drove around lookin' at homes in nearby neighborhoods while we conversed about anything that came to mind. So what is it that makes it so fun? I boiled it down to one specific thing... Around her, I am forever able to kick off my shoes awhile and just be me. Wherever I'm at in that moment, that's what she's gettin'...and she'd have it no other way.

So as I'm driving home, all these thoughts begin to swirl around in my mind. As the radio sings in the background, I think, "That's exactly how it is with my God! He eagerly anticipates spending time with me. He can't get enough of me! Even at my worst, He is eager to spend time together." I'm always taken back a bit by such thoughts. The Creator of the Universe, who breathes all life into being; eagerly awaits any moment we spend together. His invitation is always "come as you are." He's delighted when I plan to kick off my shoes and stay a good, long while in His presence...

If that doesn't just get one excited to crack open His Word... I mean, the One who was, is, and is to come, speaks directly to me through the pages of the Bible. He has infinite wisdom and understanding to pour out over me - if only I'd sit awhile longer...if only I'd be bold in my asking, trusting in His faithfulness... He'd do anything for me; He's done EVERYTHING for me in providing His beloved Son as atonement for my sin.... the very thought takes my breath away.

Thank you, dearest Father, for blessing me with friends and family who add so much richness and beauty to my life. Thank you for not only wanting to spend time with me, but giving the ultimate sacrifice to do so. May I be ever excited to spend time with You as I am to spend time with the dear friends you have blessed me with. God, my Redeemer, who calls me His friend. Blessed be Your name.

Check out all the fun we're havin'!!!

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