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The littlest one (age 7) carefully constructed this picture of our solar system today.  She has shown a distinct interest in astronomy as of late, so I am going to do my best to fuel the spark.

I love the detail she put into this (and I snapped this photo when it was still half-finished): the orbital paths of the planets, the shading, even a comet passing by.  My children never cease to amaze me!

Spring 2014

Spring has sprung!

Apparently, a defunct rain barrel makes a great pirate's ship. ;)

Enjoying springtime at our favorite park.

The three reasons I do what I do :)

Winter

One Word

In the past few days I have noticed a trend in the blogosphere:  choosing a word for the year.  I have seen such inspired things as Quiet, Love, Joy, etc.  And the inspired ways those words were brought to the authors.  And so I sit here and wonder what my word for a whole year would be.

Did I mention that I find it very hard to focus and follow through on things?  Perhaps that should be my word: Focus.  Or maybe: Diligence.

And then I think of what my husband would choose for me: Organized.  

What other voices in my life might choose: Peace, Respect, Honor...

But what does that One Voice speak into my existence?  What does He say about this year, about me?

Favored.  Renewed.  Beloved.  Redeemed.  Healed.  Strengthened.  Graced. 

And in this moment I realize that I don't have one word to define my life this year.  I have THE Word.

One Word.  

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1

Boys in the Coop

Well our first foray into homesteading, having ducks for eggs, is ending in failure.  Apparently, you can pick four ducks and have them all be male when they mature!  What are the chances?

Although they are handsome, they do not lay eggs.

Male ducks are only good for the roasting pan.  But what do you do when you have become attached to your dinner?!

I think we will try again in spring with new ducklings.  

This whole endeavor is not a total failure.  We have learned a lot about ducks!  And we proved to ourselves that we can become homesteaders.  Our kids love being duck owners, and I must confess, so do I.

A New Year

New Year's Goals:

Write one blog post a month {this shouldn't be too hard}

Take lots more pictures {I can't believe I took so little last year -- especially since I have a great camera to use!}

Read three books a month: one for me, one for homeschooling and one for homesteading {Last year I didn't read as much as I should have.}

Do one fun thing for homeschooling each month. {It doesn't have to be anything major, just something fun.}

Stay organized! {This will be an on-going battle!}

Try one new homesteading/ homemaking thing a month {This month will be kefir!}

And since no one reads my blog anymore, because I am such an infrequent poster, this list is really just for me. :)

Happy New Year!

Day One!

Today we embark on year three of homeschooling!  As you can see I am now teaching three different grades {we only keep track of the grades because our state mandates this}!  

We are super excited as you can see from the faces in the photo. :)

And we got a little silly...

We're having fun on day one!