I Smell Summer!

It's that time of year!  When the weather is warm and sunny, it gets harder and harder to get the books out, and we reach the end of co-op!  We had our art show and awards brunch this week, and Grandma and Grandpa J and Aunties and cousins were able to come.  The kids felt SUPER special to have so much family there, and we all had a great time together.  The kids did really well with their art this year, and I'm grateful for the great art teachers who went above and beyond what I would've done on my own. :)

Ammon LOVED making this picture with chalks of a cityscape at night.  He got really into it and I think we'll have to do it again at home.  He's really sparked an interest in art this year.

Aria got the "Indoor Voice Award," which completely baffles me.  To me she has two volumes, LOUD, and asleep.  I'm glad she used her manners and quiet voice in preschool this year.  Here she is with her cousin, Gavin....and of course, Grandpa J.

Shayla did some great work on this cherry blossom art, and she's going to use it as an "inspiration" for repainting/decorating her bedroom.  I love it!

Liam and Aria made "wild things" to hang on their class mural, I didn't grab a picture of those, but here's my own wild thing, Liam, with dad, and his award from preschool.  He got the Independent Thinker award, and that sounds about right to me.  He definitely knows what he wants and goes after it. :)

I live for days like this, spending time together as family, enjoying the day, and recognizing the greatness of my kids.  Homeschooling has been such a blessing in my life, and keeps my days full of life and adventure. Here's to another year of learning together....after a nice, long summer!

This is Water

Last week I watched a little video about two fish swimming in the fishbowl, and an older, bigger fish comes along and asks, "How's the water boys?"  They waited until the big fish had swam away, looked at each other, and asked, "What the heck is water?!"  The video went on for another eight minutes and literally changed my perception of life, what it really is, and how I maneuver myself in it.  Water, or what we are surrounded by, which isn't always our choosing...are we aware of it? Do we enjoy it, are we grateful for it?  When I'm stuck in traffic or waiting in line, or cleaning my kitchen for the umpteenth time, where does my mind wander?  What's my automatic attitude in situations like this?  Can I find the beauty in scrubbing spaghetti sauce off the carpet?  The peace in line at the grocery store with five energetic children?  This is what's been on my mind and I'm trying to be more conscious of my attitude in situations where I kind of go on autopilot-slightly-annoyed mode.

That aside, a lot has happened in more than a year ago.  Baby Rylan is here and nine months old.  He's a lump of love, and my Mama's boy.  No one can make him laugh like his brothers and sisters. 

We live in a new town now, in a bigger home that we love, our yard is big and partly tamed, and I feel like we're thriving.  We've summoned our urban farmer spirit in us and Josh and I feel really great about the progress we've made in becoming more self-reliant.  Of course we have a long way to go, but we'll get it someday.  I never imagined I'd be "that girl" that loves feeding chickens, learning about herbs, and going to Mother Earth Fair.  Next thing you know I'll be making my own granola and homeschooling... wait a minute... I AM that girl!  And I love it. :)