The Fairy Mum

SchoolHouse :: January Projects

2012-01-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

We are off to a great start in the new year. The very first week, which we didn't officially count, was used to catch up and get back in the rhythm. The "real" first week back we had company five of the five days, during which we attempted to get some work done, but Disneyland ate up the entirety of one of them. So last week we really had to hit the ground running and get down to it. Kids are just like adults - Monday mornings are hard, and getting back to longer days feels nearly painful after so many weeks of advent and vacation and guests. It helped that we had some fun projects to occupy hands while we were doing our many different read alouds.

In history, we have said goodbye to Rome and the Barbarians, and entered into the Middle Ages. Welcome Vikings! I remember learning very little about them in school - largely that they were big, smelly and bad; that they were a seafaring and pillaging lot; that they sailed across the sea and discovered Iceland. So it is an educational joy to me to read chapters after chapters about them to the kids - to discover connections between the Vikings and the English, the Vikings and Normandy, the Vikings and the Eastern Coast of Canada. Our main history spine book has an activity book to go along with it, and while much of it (coloring pages and such) are of little interest, sometimes a project, like building a real viking ship! jumps out and everyone wants to participate. These paper viking ships were colored, cut and built while I was reading chapters about viking adventures. Even Sage had to join in the fun, though she was busy playing when the time for the great photo came about (ah, the joys of being five and in Kindergarten!)

Another part of this time period in history is learning about the roles of the monks and monasteries in preserving education, the written word, and the Word. As a special project, both kids chose their favorite Psalm to turn into an Illuminated Manuscript. These totally reveal each one's personality:

Finally, we finished reading a literature/geography story, Tree in the Trail, and I asked the kids to create, on their own, a timeline of the Tree through the history of the story. First off, I love books that are truly able to do two things at once - be literature (a great story, well written) and be geography (full of details about the time and place) and even to add history into it. Second, I love watching the process as the kids do something "creative." Sterling agonizes over creative ventures, and it was only with some patient (and not, honestly) counsel that he was able to pull himself together and create a scene by scene diagram of the book, all created using playmobil (that buffalo from his set at Christmas came in mighty handy). Siena, on the other hand, had a harder time narrowing down all the possible options into one. Finally, she grabbed some ribbon paper and began a through scroll through the time of the tree, with carefully draw pictures and statements:

Snapshot :: Birdhouses

2012-01-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas, we had a painting party and celebrated the end of our school unit on birds by decorating these little bird houses. Not knowing what to do with them (oh, the painting is SO very fun, but the storing displaying of so very many fun things is more than this mum knows what to do with), I jumped at Sterling's suggestion that we actually use them as, ahem, birdhouses. Brilliant. I knew I was doing something right in homeschooling these kids. So they filled them up with birdseed and put them on the most obvious place: the picnic table. You know, where people eat. And since we haven't eaten there in awhile, the bird, um, well, you know how birds are, that'll just get washed off someday when the weather is lovely and we want to eat outside again. As we live on a canyon, we are always seeing and hearing from a variety of lovely birds, but with these seed spewing houses in the picture, we are inundated with birds. At one point, nearly 15 mourning doves were on and around this area. Add to them spotted towhees, western scrub jays, finches, mocking birds and lots of others, and we've got ourselves the equivalent of a relatively care free aviary. It's pretty cute, too!

We'll Celebrate Anything. ANYthing.

2012-01-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

National Popcorn Day. Need I say more?

Christmas, The Sequel

2012-01-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Guess who came to help us continue the Christmas celebration? Nonna and Poppy arrived for the a few days, and the celebrations began almost immediately! Since the tree and most of our decorations were already down and put away, I was happy to pull out my mini-tree and some small ornaments, and keep the mantel alive with felted trees and candles. Nonna is probably the best present wrapper I know, and the gifts were far more decorative than the decor! And none of that really mattered to the kids, who were just so happy to have Nonna and Poppy arrive. (though I won't lie or gloss over the reality that the gifts were huge hits - not only because getting presents after the fact is exciting, but what was inside made each of us smile, and kept the kids playing, reading and shooting darts for any down time they had).

After present openings, the kids each took the opportunity to grab a grandparent and settle in for some one on one time. Though I was an only child, I do have vague memories of what it felt like to jostle for attention when all the cousins were around, so despite the fact that it requires some finagling, I appreciate their delight in getting someones complete attention. Nonna bought Siena a beginning guitar book, and together they started strumming away. Sterling went straight for trying to beat Poppy in Monopoly Deal (I'm happy to report that Poppy smoked 'em). Sage flitted back and forth and around, all dressed up in her Christmas finest.

On Friday, Nonna joined the kids and I for our monthly nature walk. What fun to be out and about with good friends and a wonderful mother-in-law. Our hike took us high above a local lagoon, with the kids finding "crystals!" everywhere they looked. Can you tell the weather was amazing? We are so blessed here! After the hike and lunch, we headed over to their hotel and the kids spent the afternoon swimming in the pool, until the threat of turning into an actual prune prompted them to hit the hotel game room. One of the benefits of not having video games in the house is that they are always a home run when out and about. But I was pleased to see that what really got Sterling's attention didn't require a monitor - playing his first game of pool with Nonna and Poppy won the day.

Friday night, Sterling had an early birthday dinner just with Nonna and Poppy, at a local place that serves great steak. He was in heaven (and Siena, though a bit jealous at missing out on a dinner out, was relieved to be able to avoid a place that served, yuck, meat. You can see where we are about with the vegetarian issue these days). Saturday morning the kids got one last swimming in, and then we had lunch out together at Soup Plantation. A buffet is probably the easiest place in the world to make nearly everyone happy at meal time. Being with loved grandparents? Well, I'll bet the kids would have eaten anything, anywhere. Almost.

You Could Be a Star!

2012-01-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

Of course, it makes it really easy to be a superstar in the Hansen house if you are TM. Friend to the parents, like an uncle to the kids, Trev just fits with us, and we love it when he has time to come down from Canada to "live" with us for even a few days.

This time, Trevor came to do some filming. As a documentary filmmaker and photographer, he travels around the world, discovering the stories he then shines forth for us. Anyway, all that is to say that he brought his big bag of camera gear, and did some filming of Sterling. Where will it go? We don't rightly know, but Trevor is intrigued to see what can happen when a southern California boy raises money and then shares that with another boy in another country. We are too (intrigued).

Filming takes time and energy, and is a blast to watch happen, at least most of the time (the rest is a lot of filming of things which might prove to be interesting. But might not. With our family, I fear there was an abundance of not!). Sterling got to be himself, doing lots of things he loves to do - like playing nerf dart gun wars. Better yet, everyone loves to follow along and watch the footage, right after it was taken. Can you say pied piper and his followers?

It's not all fun and games, of course. There's the putting on of the microphone (complete with some tickling as the wire goes under the shirt). The carrying of gear. The hiking into the canyon, or playing baseball. Hard work, all. Can you see the look of admiration on Sterling's face? So good to have someone to look up to!

Can't be only about filming, since there are dart gun wars to have, and bonfires to build. We headed over to Moonlight Beach, took some long hoarded pallet wood to the fire pits, and carefully built a lovely blaze. All around us, people were lighting their dried out Christmas trees - a blaze of glory to be sure, but I'm glad we had a treat for the birds instead.

In the midst, you've got to have helpers. Sage follows Trevor around like he is the really swell guy that he is. They've always had a special friendship - and while we all like it when he's around, she likes it most. It is a bit difficult when you are not the star of the show, though you are most willing to toss yourself in front of the camera at will. Again and again. Oh, the editing that must be done! But, if you are patient, you might get to help carry the gear. And as Trevor, Chris and Sterling went off to film something, Sage walked past me, carrying the unnecessary tri-pod, and proudly proclaiming, "Trevor gave me to do this because he trusts me." Oh, he does, my sweet pea. At least with the non-mechanical parts of the equipment! (notice the christmas jammies she is wearing. in the middle of the day. most days of the week).

It has been a fun and long weekend. I like being "official" photographer, and watching it all unfold from behind my snapshot lens. It is causing me to reflect on why we record images like this at all - whether in stills or motion - what we are discovering about those we record, and ourselves as we record them. Lots to share on this, maybe as days come.

Now, not everyone thinks being in front of the camera is fun and good. I spent years trying to avoid getting my photo taken, being convinced I wasn't "photogenic." Thankfully, Chris has taught me to relax and enjoy the process, so it isn't a big deal any more. Siena, on the other hand, is not remotely worried about how she looks, but she is very aware that she is being looked at. That this blog reveals her world to the world. She made no bones about not wanting to be filmed for this project (we aren't going to touch what she thought about being on the blog, as I'm not ready to tackle that yet). At first it was a diatribe, and then, after lots of discussion, it was a forceful request that she not be filmed. And, to his credit, Trevor would have complied (never mind we'd look like a family of four instead of five...). But after a few days of filming, she relaxed and realized it wasn't all bad. In fact, it's fun! So, you probably won't find her making record herself, or talking on camera, but, well, gee, you will see her. And she won't mind. But I love this shot, taken in the midst of the boys going off to ~~battle~~ film. She is sitting with her math work, peacefully doing the job set before her. Beautiful. So glad that I didn't miss this moment, in my heart, or on my camera.

Epiphany 2012 :: Follow the Star

2012-01-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ah, the last of the Christmas season holidays came and nearly went yesterday, and in the excitement of company in town ("Trevor's here! Trevor's here" - I'm assuming that even readers across the country could hear the chanted enthusiasm when our favorite "uncle" arrived) and a long play date, I very nearly forgot to celebrate it! It would have been a shame, because I love Epiphany - January 6th - the day we celebrate the "wise men" or magi who followed the star until the found the Christ Child to worship and adore. This year it was the simplest possible celebration. I had made a few stars and crowns to put on the mantel, and baked up our annual favorite, Kings Cake. This sweet bread loaf (made with three gifts inside - not gold, frankincense or myrrh, but with cranberries, almonds and orange zest) is shaped into a crown, one little nob for each person present. Inside one of the buns is a pewter heart, and whoever gets that magical piece (and doesn't break a tooth) is king for the evening. Tonight we had not only our special Plus One at the table, but a play date gone wonderfully long. And what a surprise that Sterling's buddy found the heart! He's a good sport, posing for this photo happy mum.

As I was thinking about it afterwards, lamenting all the "celebrations" I didn't manage to pull off this day (making kite paper window stars, folding little star votive holders - oh the things I can find to match a celebration!), I was struck by the reasons why I didn't have time... I was busy keeping school on track, and having a good conversation with the other adults, and, hopefully, loving on the kids and their friends as they played. Each thing we do each day supports or squeezes out something else. It's all a matter of priorities, and, happily, the right things won out today. The Wise Men saw and heard and learned many things. Having hearts eager for knowledge and wisdom, searching for something or someone to worship, they were prepared to leave all to follow a star, away from their scheduled plans, until they found a baby. They came to a full stop, and worshipped him. There was time after that for all the plans. Or maybe those plans didn't seem so important in light of what they'd experienced, and life took a new turn. Who's to say? For me, I'm trying to stay sensitive to following the star of the most important, rather than the tyranny of my to-do list, or my well laid plans.

The After Christmas Tree

2012-01-05T14:12:00.000-08:00

making some sticky bird seed ornaments

Not long into our creating of advent and holiday traditions, we read a sweet story called "The After Christmas Tree." In it, the family takes their tree down after the holidays, pulls it outside, and decorates it for the animals. Naturally, this became a tradition we had to co-opt. So, once the new year comes, we undecorate the tree, move it outside, and redecorate it for the birds. Once the tree is out, we made bird seed ornaments out of birdseed, flour and water. Even Sterling, so often "icked" out by the gooey stuff, got his hands dirty, and before long there were stars and christmas tree shaped ornaments galore.

Are we decorating or eating? hmmm?

Then we got down to business with the tree. Ornaments were propped into the branches, and loads of popcorn was popped and ceremoniously ~~eaten~~, I mean thrown all over the tree. In an "over the top" year, we might even string some cranberries for them, but we were in the mood for simple and done this year. Despite Sterling's appearance here, the birds really did have every opportunity to chow down.

This is such a simple tradition - and brings the kids way more joy than even our winter birds could have from it. It also helps get the tree out of the house peaceably (as we have those who would like to keep the tree until it is nothing but dead branches and ornaments). The kids spent the rest of the day rushing out to see if the birds (now hopelessly scared off) had eaten anything.

New Years Eve 2011

2011-12-31T14:52:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve 2011, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Okay, so ever since Texas, when we partied the New Year in at a street party downtown, I've wanted to do something fun with the kids. We've had some good moments - a favorite being the ringing in of 2009 at legoland (6 pm or midnight, kid standard time). But I just haven't gotten my act together... and this is just the reason that God has placed us in community with one another (no, not really to celebrate the new year in style, but to support one another's weaknesses with our strengths). My good friend Mrs. G organized a kids New Years Eve party for just a few families (she isn't crazy, you know, for all her fun ideas, so it was kept pretty small), and we happily attended. Each family decorated a 2012 number, crazy hats were worn, delicious food was eaten, silly - and I mean silly - jokes were told, trains were played, balloons were popped, and a great many kazoos seemed to ring as the clock struck midnight... in Newfoundland. See? She's a smart mum! We tooted and laughed and drank sparkling cider at 8 pm, pretended it wasn't past anyones bedtime for as long as we parents could chat without a child's fuss, and then hugged wildly like we wouldn't see each other for a whole year. It was great fun, and really, the perfect way to end 2011, and begin 2012. I have prayed since we left Bowen in 2006 for a community to really belong to. Friends, well, more than that, spiritual sisters and families. And this year, in ways big and small, near and far, God has abundantly blessed me, and mine. I couldn't possibly list all the ways and people He has brought into my life. This night, and these gorgeous women, are but one expression of that. Happy New Year. Happy, happy year.

Month-at-a-Glance :: December 2011

2011-12-31T14:43:00.000-08:00

Month-at-a-Glance :: December 2011, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

oh, the year has drawn to a close and on this last day of 2011, we can look back at a month filled, just crammed even, with good things. The celebrations, the quiet moments together, the guests (having and being), the parties and the good times. We have been blessed beyond measure this year, and some of it looks like days on the calendar above. I'm grateful for all of it. Happy New Year's Eve, 2011! 2012 - watch out! We've got you covered!

Some (among many) Favorites

2011-12-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

Some (among many) Favorites, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Now, I post this with some trepidation and a reminder that the above says "some" quite clearly. These faces were the best of many as the kids delighted their way through the day, tearing off paper and discovering, time and again, how thoughtful, kind, and generous their family members are. Even when it was totally unexpected, it was, generally, "just what I've been wanting." Let the playing begin!

Christmas 2011 :: Merry and Bright

2011-12-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 :: the day, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

from the moment they woke up (waiting, as they were, with extreme patience and very, very loud whispers of excitement), it was a day totally merry and bright. Footsteps leaping downstairs. Gasps of delight that the stockings were actually filled. Giggles and proclamations as the aforementioned stockings were totally emptied and thoroughly enjoyed. A brief pause to have eggs and toast before diving right back into the thick of a blessed Christmas tree. Grandpa Mark arriving with yet more surprises and treats, and the fun begins all over again. Presents... presents... a break again for our annual Christmas morning treat of smoothies and cinnamon buns. Wrapping paper flying, bows tucked carefully away for next year (we take the "reuse" part of the three r's seriously here, as the kids announce with their "I remember this paper/bow/bag from last year!"), scissors at the ready to free the poor imprisoned toys from their plastic chains. Another break just to enjoy the goodies so far discovered. Gifts from Gramma, from Grandpa, from mom and dad... gifts that we didn't expect and those we hoped for. A bigger break, when they thought it was over, for a leisurely fondue lunch (this was very, very fun, even if only the parents really enjoyed the cheeses). And then more surprised emerging from upstairs, yet one more "just what I wanted!" and "Wow! I can't believe I got that!" before everyone scattered to nap/play/pogo/puzzle/read and delight yet more. Leftover snacks for dinner, and a quiet family time reading the Word and pondering it in our hearts, like Mary. Thinking on the greatest gift we receive, each and every morning, mercy and grace. Ready for bed but still buzzing with excitement. Wearing our Christmas pajamas to bed, flushed with thankfulness and overcome with gifts. Sleep, blessed sleep, resting in the One who provides all.

Merry, merry Christmas.

Christmas 2011 :: the stockings

2011-12-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 :: the stockings, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It should be no surprise that something "placed by the chimney with care" should be such a vital and popular part of Christmas, but somehow, each year, it does just that. I'm amazed at the joy that each tiny item (pulled, one at a time by some, and all at once by others) brings. It's always a scramble, I tell you, for Father Christmas to find enough that we'd actually want to keep to fill those little stockings, but somehow, we managed, I mean, HE manages, and all the trouble seems vastly worth the effort. Even Daddy got excited with his bag of nuts this year (better than the coal he got last year). The giggles and delight as we rush downstairs, tear the ribbon down, and begin distributing stockings is so fun, and then the announcements as each thing is discovered. When else but by the stockings on Christmas can you hear, with all honesty and earnestness, "a toothbrush! just what I've been waiting for!" and "travel toothpaste! I love this!" and "what is it? it's great!" for those few things they didn't think to ask for or want, but somehow found there ways into the toe none-the-less. Even with the bigger two kids knowing the reality of Father Christmas's identity, the delight soars and that first hour of Christmas is probably my favorite.

Annual Gingerbread House Destruction

2011-12-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Annual Gingerbread House Destruction, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Is it that they enjoy building the house, tasting the treats as they go, or is it more the fun of utter destruction and the plundering of every possible edible part afterwards? I surely don't know, but as we move into the period of history long past, of barbarians and vikings, I think my kids are taking it quite seriously. This year we made the alpen house early on, and on Christmas Eve we took it to the beach with us so that the pillaging would benefit the local wildlife, my kids included. They tore at the walls, picked off every bit of soft candy, and munched away. A bit was carried off by marauding gulls, and the rest found its way into the trash. With a flick of our blankets, we left even the crumbs behind. I'm not so sure the vikings would have approved of such clean measures!

Advent 2011 :: day 24 :: Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 24 :: Christmas Eve, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It's here! The truly Eve - the evening before the great birth, with dark nights, twinkling lights, and one surprise present. The kids weren't expecting new pajamas this year, and, well, I confess that I'm pretty smitten with the matchy-matchy outfits from baby doll to big boy. After they'd all bundled up in plaid and giggled their way to bed and tried hopelessly to fall asleep (Mama, I think I'll be up all night!)... Chris and I snuck all the gifts downstairs and under the tree, into the stockings (wearing my invisible Father Christmas hat), and all about. Candles lit, sparkling lights, Christmas carols softly in the background, it is one of my favorite moments of the year, just sitting on the sofa amidst the reminder of the gracious giver of all good things. Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

Advent 2011 :: day 24 :: the Eve

2011-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 24 :: the Eve, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It's here! It's here! The day before Christmas, and all through the house, the children are stirring, and running about! The kids are beyond excited, and as the sun was shining all Merry and Bright like, we headed to In-n-Out and the beach for a Christmas Eve lunch. It was the perfect day, cool but sunny, quiet at the beach. I brought the gingerbread house for its annual demolition party, and after all that excitement, everyone laid down for a rest while I sat in my chair and peacefully made a few more Christmas trees for my mantle (which, needless to say, it doesn't particularly need, but it brings great joy). Seriously, a perfect beginning to this holiday weekend.

Advent 2011 :: day 23 :: Walk to Christmas Trees

2011-12-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 23 :: Walk to Christmas Trees, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

another annual favorite - walking to the Four Seasons (oops, now Park Hyatt) resort to nibble hot chestnuts and view their stunning Christmas tree collection. The sugar mountain in the entrance is as much a favorite with Chris as with the kids, though I myself can't get over the main Christmas tree. Nor can I really believe that this is our fourth year attending, and that we have moved from driving to walking to biking and now to scootering our way there and back again. I'm very thankful for these local attractions, and these simple ways to enjoy the holiday spirit of anticipation.

Advent 2011 :: preparing to give

2011-12-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: preparing to give, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

When the kids were little and my time less pressed upon, handmade gifts were the order of the day. Each year during the Christmas season we would read holiday passages from Little House on the Prairie, and marvel that Laura and Mary could be so content with a single orange, a copper penny, a cup to share between them. So began a tradition of (my) making one significant present for each of them, and often for those we loved as well. The kids happily jumped into the mix with their perler bead designs, hand drawn pictures, simple ornaments, cookies. As they've gotten older, and my homeschooling responsibilities have grown (theirs too), time is more at a premium. Their own time is so busy, and their abilities so caught between the unformed and the expert, that finding appropriate gifts for them to make has become quite a challenge. I made nearly no homemade gifts myself this year (one scarf, the kids pajamas, and I think, sigh, that was it), but found several sweet projects that the kids jumped on with gusto.

Sage made everyone little post-it note pads. She chose the colored paper herself, glued things down and helped tie ribbons. She was tickled pink with herself. Sterling, never one to belabor handiness if he could instead buy a nice chocolate bar, worked hard on making bookmarks for the family. And Siena hand-sewed the grandmas some eye-glass cases. I loved watching (and sometimes helping) them express their love in this tangible way. Purchased gifts are wonderful and lovely, and, honestly, sometimes seem to take as much effort to find and put together as the homemade, but there is very little that resonates with me as the time and attention that working with our hands has. I hand addressed our Christmas cards this year, wanting to really focus on each one, thinking and praying for the recipient. Making gifts is like that - moment by moment, anticipating the person receiving and using the gift, loving on them through the process. It was heartening to watch the kiddos engage in that process for themselves this year!

Advent 2011 :: day 21/22 :: Father Christmas Letters

2011-12-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 21/22 :: Father Christmas Letters, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Dear Father Christmas... and so begins the yearly letter to Father Christmas, to be written, placed in the mailbox, and then to go to bed with expectations of what might come. Father Christmas always writes back, and in the morning the kids can't wait to find out what has happened that year at the North Pole. FC also hides a "doing" gift somewhere in the house (this year's clue was something about being in a spot "they haven't been thinking about this week" - ie., the school room!). The kid dash about and see what FC and his Polar Bear have brought this year... (and this year it was a mandala kit, a favorite coloring book, and Monopoly Deal).

This was a bittersweet year for the big kids. Without a doubt, they are on to the gig. While Sage blithely wonders how FC gets around, and if he knows what kind of doll it is she wants, Sterling and Siena know exactly what's going on. And yet, once Siena in particular had gotten over the disappointment in discovering that FC seems a staggeringly great deal like a fairy mum, their enthusiasm is nearly what Sage's is, and they gamely write their letters and giggle their way through the response. I suspect that being "in on it" is nearly as fun. I know I think it is.

Advent 2011 :: Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: Winter Solstice, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

By coincidence, good friends invited us over for a soup potluck tonight. As the longest night of the year, it seemed perfect to be spending it tucked together with warm soup, fresh bread, and lovely conversations. The kids were at the fancy kids table, certainly enjoying the freedom as much as the adults were at our table.

The night is long ahead of us - the letters to Father Christmas were written earlier in the day, and carefully placed in their traditional mailbox (more on that tomorrow), and after a late night, the kids are drifting into the start of this winter season with fond memories and eager expectations.

Best part about Presents? The boxes...

2011-12-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

beautiful fort builder, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Remember when the kids were tiny and they cared more about the box the gift came in than the gift itself? Well, seems that even big kids don't outgrow that tendency... we received two very large packages with wonderful boxes, and since the gifts are still just a hope in their minds, Sterling spent the afternoon building a fort for when he's playing dart wars. I'm loving that he has moved into an age where little of my help is needed - directions to finding the ever-useful duct tape, admonitions to use the kitchen scissors with care, and a reminder that wee sisters aren't always easy, but should often be welcome, and he did this entirely on his own.

Now he's just waiting for the next dart war (and a few Christmas gifts)!

Advent 2011 :: day 20

2011-12-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 20, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

As the days roll by this advent month, I sometimes find it challenging to keep the day's activities engaging, so it is always a treat to have a double-header, so to speak. Today we celebrated Siena's best friend's birthday with a play date and mint chocolate ice cream, and then came home to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. Chris jokes that I will adopt any holiday to suit my traditions purpose, which is only very nearly true. We love to read the stories of Jewish holidays, and since latkes and challah bread are always family favorites, we love to celebrate the beginning of the Festival of Lights (especially Sterling, who doesn't always think every activity is the best, but could single-handedly eat that entire loaf of bread!)

Advent 2011 :: day 18

2011-12-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 18, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Ah, a nice quiet day as the season begins to draw closer to the Christ child's birth. Sundays are traditionally our day of rest, one to sleep in a bit, have special breakfast (usually crepes or dutch babies), play quietly in pajamas all day, have church together and maybe even a nap, or a long, long book read. Today we opened up a borrowed Christmas puzzle and spent time chatting as we fitted edges and pieces together (and now you know, if you hadn't already guessed, that pictures and posts don't always happen in the right order... but it all makes sense in the end). I love working - discrete problems, discernable ends, and the triumph of finding that difficult piece. Space for the mind to putter through things while the eyes are sorting, time for the quiet conversations that reveal what's going on inside.

Advent 2011 :: day 15 :: Disney!

2011-12-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 15 :: Disney!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

(picture courtesy Ro! -thanks friend!)

So, after the outrageous amount of fun last night, watching the boat parade AND having a surprise sleepover, the kids were downright shocked to discover, this morning after breakfast out with Grandpa Mark, that they were meeting up with friends at Disneyland, again! Chris gamely took the kids for a second D-land adventure today, while I spend the day with a dear friend, playing cards, eating Indian food, and talking.
Look at those faces! What more could I say! Magical.

Advent 2011 :: day 14 :: Balboa Boat Parade

2011-12-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 14 :: Balboa Boat Parade, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! This is one of MY favorite days of the advent season - an even we look forward to each year. Grandpa Mark is a gracious host as we invade his waterfront home to spend the evening together as a family and enjoy the Balboa Boat Parade. We spent the afternoon with Great Grandma, then joined Grandpa Mark and Aunt Lynsey for dinner at an old family favorite (mi casa), and then followed the traffic back onto the island to get ready for the lights.

Grandpa Mark made some lights of his own, with his award winning house decorations! We took our ice cream sundaes out onto the dock and watched beautiful boat after bright boat float past. (can you see the delight on Sage's face? not because of the boats, but because she's with her best buddy, eating her favorite thing). The Island is a special place to me - my retreat and a place to get away. I'm reminded every time we visit how much I love island life - even a touristy island like this breeds a sense of familiarity and community. Everyone waves hello to their neighbor and even the boats were all yelling their seasons greetings back and forth with the dock-dwellers.

After the parade passed us by, we hopped onto the Duffy and went to another spot to watch the entire thing again, from our floating seats. Then we followed the final boat around the harbor and took in all the house lights, and when we finally returned to Grandpa's house it was to the surprise of finding out that we were spending the night! Chris always wonders why I keep so many secrets from the kids... chances of situations changing and causing disappointment aside, it's for the look of sheer delight on everyone's face when the unexpected happens. Expect more surprises tomorrow. This mum's got a few more celebrations up her sleeve!

Best Friends

2011-12-13T14:40:00.001-08:00

Best Friends, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Such sweet, lovely girls.

Advent 2011 :: day 13 :: Santa Lucia Day

2011-12-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 13 :: Santa Lucia Day, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Some advent days are hit or miss - nothing happening? Let's sing carols! or read a book! or make hot cocoa! And others are staples of our advent season, days which I suspect (and hope) we'll be celebrating long after the kids are "too old" and (I hope even more) when they have kids of their own.

Santa Lucia is one of those days. Today scandinavians and many others throughout the world celebrate Saint Lucy, who brought light to those around her. Her story isn't pretty (not many of the early martyrs are), but the take away, and the Swedish traditions surrounding it, are full of light - light in the midst of this dark(er) season, the arrival of the light of Christ that we spend these weeks anticipating, the light that we shine as we love and care for one another.

Traditionally, the eldest daughter dresses in a white gown, with a red sash, wearing a crown of (lit) candles on her head. In Sweden, she would rise early in the morning, make breakfast, and then invite the family to breakfast. Here in our "let's not get up before we need to" family, we celebrate in the evening with a breakfast feast of dutch babies and whipping cream. The candles are all lit, and Siena would glide through the house inviting each of us to feast.

But alas, the oldest child is growing up, and the only white gown we have is not. With a maturity far beyond her years, and a sweetness that shone more than any candle light, Siena helped Sage to dress up as Santa Lucia, carefully outfitting her with dress and ribbon and crown, and slowly taught her to walk through the house saying, "Santa Lucia invites you to breakfast!" This was a huge thing for Siena to give up - one of the few things that as second child but first girl that she will forever hold the rights to. It isn't easy to share, but she did with grace and sweetness, and lots of encouragement to Sage, who never dreamed she'd get to be Lucy one time.

Shine on, little ones.

Advent 2011 :: day 12

2011-12-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 12, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

A low key day is in order, don't you think? I try to balance the exciting (Christmas Tree!) with the exhaustingly fun (Disneyland!) with some relative calm. Yesterday they set up the nativity, decorated the Christmas Tree, and then we went to see a Christmas concert at our friends' church. Not a really late night, but enough that today, with the winter rains pounding down, it was perfect to sit back, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and peppermint whipping cream, open this years ornaments from Nonna, and read Christmas stories together.

Advent 2011 :: day 11

2011-12-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 10, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Time to pick out the Christmas tree! Every year we ponder buying a fake tree, and every year the kids clamor for the real deal. This year was a cinch... at least to start. This sweet tree was the first one we saw (while daddy waited in the 40 person deep line), and we love it. Unfortunately, it didn't love our tree stand. Nor do we (note to self: new tree stand in the post-holiday sales in order). The kids each opened up their special boxes of ornaments, with all the annual oohings and rememberings that go on as they unpack their personal ornaments. The tree is small, so it didn't take long to fill her up - with lots of help from Dad on the heavy ones, lots of "remember to put the soft ones on the bottom" for when our little bubba comes to visit, and much admiration of the entire process. Imagine our surprise when the tree tried to take a header half an hour later - good catch, Sterling, who saved the day by only keeping the majority of the tree up. We lost a few ornaments, but with some fancy work by Chris, we salvaged the tree, roped it to the windows, and it is as good as new.

Sage, growing so fast, but still little enough to be lifted high by daddy, remains our tree star angel!

Nature Walk Mum

2011-12-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

P1040319.JPG, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

I love this shot - on our monthly nature walk, the kids, one by one, managed to unload their binoculars onto me. Like a slow drip, I didn't really catch on, until suddenly I was inundated with black lenses around my neck. I love our group - flexible and go-get-'em moms, active kids, a great leader, and the wide outdoors. Fun for learning, fun for friendship. And a bit of a workout, too.

Bella Luna

2011-12-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

Bella Luna, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Nothing to do with Advent, isn't it a relief? Just a not-so normal morning on Saturday, when California was able to watch a full lunar eclipse. I woke the kids at 6 to head to the beach to watch this eclipsed beauty set into the sea. It had nearly reached totality (when the moon is completely in the earth's shadow) just as we arrived, and with the sun rising behind us, we got a wonderful few moments to glimpse it before their attention turned to giggling with their friends. As we've just finished studying the moon in our astronomy course, I took delight in once again killing so many birds with one early morning stone. Afterwards we snuck into the grocery store with only stockinged feet (we didn't plan to stop anywhere, just drive to the beach and back home), bought up some delicious bagels, and headed home to wake up in style.

Advent 2011 :: Day 10

2011-12-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: Day 11, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

St. Francis Day - today we bring out the nativity sets in honor of Saint Francis, who created the first live creche scenes in Italy so long ago. We've got a few favorite books to read, and hot cocoa to drink, and then the kids take turns setting up the various nativity sets we have. This was the first year, with such big kids, that they were able to set it up together without the haggling over who gets to place baby Jesus in the manger (among other concerns). How grown up they are becoming... makes me wonder, sometimes, when they will outgrow these annual activities (please say never!).

SchoolHouse :: Nature Time

2011-12-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

P1040199.JPG, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

When all goes well, the stars collide, and some free moments intersect with good intentions, we meet with fellow homeschoolers at a local park, pick a beautiful tree, and spend some time drawing, painting and observing the tree (also a LOT of time running, jumping, climbing and playing at the park). I love this image of these four big girls, off on their own, sketching their favorite climbing tree.

Advent 2011 :: day 6 :: St Nicolas Day

2011-12-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 6 :: St Nicolas Day, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Number one day of the advent season (or so they say today) - saint Nicolas day. Today we celebrate the King of Kings, who inspired a man in far off Turkey to acts of secret generosity. Nicolas was the Bishop of Myra, in what is now Turkey, and his acts are legendary. If you say "saint nicolas" like you are either very tipsy or perhaps french, it sounds an awful lot like "santa clause." The kids are still delighted (still - it amazes and delights me) to awaken to find their shoes filled with clementines and chocolate coins. But that delight pales in comparison to the fun of making a batch of our traditional speculaas cookies. The girls help me whip up the dough, and after it has chilled, they roll and cut out cookies until there isn't a scrap left (if there were, I assure you it will be snitched and eaten on the spot). I was cheered beyond measure when they requested waiting until they could all work together - "I look forward to all of us doing this together all year mom." Then we package them up, and under cover of dark, deliver them secretly to neighbors and friends. Choosing who each year is a source of lively conversation and compromise (I've got limits based on mileage and number of cookies we've made), and this year they were happy to deliver to eight houses. Sage had been properly indoctrinated into the "don't get caught - you've got to run fast" idea, so she and I watched from our darkened car as the big kids ran, rang the door, set down the cookies and ran off. The giggles and excitement and the constant wondering of "did they see?" and "do you think they know it is us?" keeps them occupied between houses. And the anticipation of doing it again next year fills us up, all year long. I think of Nicolas, so many years ago, filled up with the joy of secretly meeting the needs of so many, and though "cookies" hardly fills a real "need," the heart behind them certainly does.

Advent 2011 :: day 6 :: Disneyland Surprise

2011-12-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 6 :: Disneyland Surprise, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Now, this is the kind of advent envelope they like to open! Today was one of the BIG events of the season - a totally unplanned, unexpected trip to the magical kingdom. We were supposed to meet with our education specialist, but she graciously allowed the kids to bow out and be surprised by going to Disneyland instead of school! Everyone loves the holidays on Main Street - especially the fireworks late at night (I just love Sage's rapt look). And if you can toss in a few roller coaster rides while you are at it, you've got the making for a fantastic day!
(and in case you are wondering, this fairy mum stayed home, and sewed the beginnings of some surprise flannel PJs for the kids Christmas Eve presents... and then had a fondue party with my book club buddies!)

Advent 2011 :: day 5

2011-12-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: day 5, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Time for something new this year! Today we made bird seed ornaments for our fine feathered friends. This way we get to 1) have a playdate with friends, 2) fulfill an advent activity (it isn't easy coming up with 24 fun things to do each year!), and 3) count it all as school time! We have just finished up our study of birds in zoology, and before we move on, we made these very, very simple ornaments (bird seed, a toss of flour, a sprinkle of water, and an hour at a low temperature in the oven to harden). The kids loved making them, and playing while they baked, and the birds in our yard will be able to enjoy the holiday with full bellies!

Advent 2011 :: Day 2

2011-12-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: Day 2, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Not every day can be magical, but most of them can still be delicious! Setting expectations a bit low in the beginning means that nearly all the things I plan can be enjoyed, even when they aren't "disneyland!" (though that's coming, and it's sure to bring good cheer). This morning, the start of a busy day, we had eggnog waffles and hot apple cider. We all love breakfast, especially fun ones.

Advent 2011 :: Day 1

2011-12-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

Advent 2011 :: Day 1, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It all begins today! We open our envelopes, plan our activities, think of who we are waiting for, and then delight in watching Sage, ever the youngest, move the star from day to day on her personal calendar. This year she knows her numbers and how the calendar moves... she really is a "super" kids (the cape proves it!)

Month-at-a-Glance :: November 2011

2011-11-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

P1040197.JPG, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

A quick peek at our month - RUN! seems to stand out, as well as so many special occasions - birthdays, trots, advent, rain, visits... a full and wonderful life.

Filling Up the Advent Calendar

2011-11-29T14:36:00.001-08:00

IMG_2324_2.JPG, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Ah, it's the most wonderful time of the year...and most mums I know are scrambling to figure out exactly how they are going to help make it so!

So, here are some of my many ideas for advent activities, culled from many books, blogs, websites, mums, and my imagination. There are so many good lists out there - so many fun ideas (one of my favorite consists of getting 24 holiday books, wrapping them, and opening one per day) out there, but these are the ones we tend to come back to year after year. Some, you'll notice, are quite specific to who, what and where we are. Some are made to take advantage of some groupon love. I'd love to hear what YOU add to yours in the comments - the more ideas the merrier!

(here they are, in no particular order):
decorate the mantel/house
address and mail the cards
buy and decorate the tree
St. Nicolas cookie baking and delivery
Santa Lucia Breakfast feast
St. Francis Day - set up nativity
hannukah - make latkes and read stories
make gingerbread houses
host a cookie exchange
wrap presents together
Christmas eve jammies and carols
Drive around to see the christmas lights
Go to the Four Seasons and view their trees
open this years special ornament
eat a special christmas treat/candy
Balboa Boat Parade
make bird feeders/ornaments
make thank you notes ahead of time
string popcorn
begin a holiday puzzle
special dinner out
peppermint ice cream at Baskin Robbins
Jamba Juice date night
special story time together
game night
letter to father christmas
winter solstice - gift from Father Christmas
shaving cream santa face contest
paper chain
make paper snowflakes
watch special movie (muppet christmas carol, Elf, charlie brown christmas, grinch...)
special foods - eggnog pancakes/waffles, hot cider, cookies and more
open advent box from Gramma
make thumbprint snowmen gift tags

Oh, there are so many, and so many more ideas to come. I hope you are inspired, and I hope I get nearly half what I want to done! My goal this year is to participate with joy, and to be thankful for each little thing that comes our way.

SchoolHouse :: Astronomy Lapbook Completed

2011-11-29T14:22:00.001-08:00

SchoolHouse :: Astronomy Lapbook Completed, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

I love this time of year - December arrives and we begin to wind down half a years' worth of school work. Today we finished the first half of astronomy - and the kids are rightly proud of their completed lapbooks. These file folder creations, filled with little booklets, images and narrations, tell the most pertinent information we learned in the past 13 weeks of study. Even Sage, still so new to the practice of writing and listening and re-telling, completed hers.

We will be slowly finishing up quite a few projects and papers in the next few weeks, all the while easing our readings from the history of the world to the history of our baby king. It will feel so good to take a few weeks off, to celebrate and play, and then, I know, it'll feel just as good to dive back in with renewed enthusiasm... for there are another 12 weeks of astronomy to learn!

Advent Arrives

2011-11-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Advent Arrives, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It is Sunday and the yearly wait begins. I gave up planning ahead for the wreath last year, when I finally realized that I simply wasn't going to be prepared, and part of the joy of our advent wreath is making it together, somewhat on the spot. Siena and I put this together, our snowy, rosemary evergreen candle wreath throughout the day, adding bits here and there. This year we are reading something new - a story called Jotham's Journey - as our advent devotional. With a cup of tea in the evening and the candle-light flickering, it is good to come together and wait expectantly for the Babe to arrive.

Black Friday... early morning

2011-11-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Black Friday... early morning, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Seriously. Can you believe this is me? At 3:03 in the morning? I've never done a black friday sale, at least not that I remember, at least not since kids. And the idea that people were waiting in line for hours, that the stores felt compelled to be "smart" and open at midnight... well, it all leaves me a bit cold. But when I couldn't fall back asleep at 2 this morning, I lay there wondering what all the fuss was about. I snuck out of the house and drove to the local outlets. I'd been given some fun money for buying the kids and I some converse sneakers, so that's where I headed first, among the CROWDS of people. At 2 in the morning! The parking lot was overflowing, the lines in front of some stores were legion, and really, I had the best time ever people watching. Crazy, crazy times. I won't likely ever do it again (the sales were so-so and I like my sleep), but I'm glad I took the chance to have a moment in the madhouse.

Sheer Joy

2011-11-26T14:13:00.000-08:00

Sheer Joy, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Saturday Joy. We were invited to a birthday girls' "rodeo" - and if good company and friends were not enough, Siena discovered the bucking bronco of the pogo stick. Over two hundred bounces later she let others have their chance (though they didn't stand any next to her record)... and we've got a new favorite in the making. I see something long, skinny and bouncy under the Christmas Tree!

So Much to Be Thankful For

2011-11-24T14:10:00.000-08:00

So Much to Be Thankful For, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Where to even begin? There is so much to be thankful for. Today we spent with family, at a luxurious thanksgiving buffet, where I could be as relaxed as the next person and simply enjoy all the wonders set before us. The food was magnificent, the service just as good, and the company was sweet. Lest you think that the kids went out with Grandpa alone, we other adults (Aunt L, Chris and I) were always on the periphery of the photos, too busy enjoying the food to get ourselves into the image. (and lest you think we ate only dessert, I assure you that dessert was merely the first moment when I wasn't rolling my eyes in delight at all the dishes... though, I must say, the 27 - twenty-seven! - dessert options kept us all quite, quite busy).

But my favorite photo? the one in the lower right - the three kids, well satisfied with food, playing a paper game of tic-tac-toe, with such love and affection for one another...

So much to be thankful for.

For Health and Food
For Love and Friends
For Everything Thy Goodness Sends
Father in Heaven, we Thank Thee.
(Emerson)

Turkey Trot 2011

2011-11-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

Turkey Trot 2011, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

The family that runs together... gets wonderfully hot and sweaty before the big Thanksgiving Feast! For the second year in a row, this has to be the best day to celebrate our thanksgiving morning. This year another homeschooling running club hosted, and even this fairy mum got to run along. Everyone did their best - Siena even tied for her division. It was cold and misty and just lovely. I had forgotten how much I enjoy running and being a part of such things... normally I am "Mrs Hansen Puncher Lady" at our running club. It's a post that I cherish, but it was a treat to be on the other side of the hole punch! We are continually grateful that my friend began our running club and gets us all up and active each week, and more so on special holidays!

Thanksgiving Mantel

2011-11-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Mantel, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

A quick peek at our Thanksgiving Mantel. This was particularly fun to put together because I found so many things to add this year - the frames were from a class Chris took many years ago, and have been in storage with outdated photos in them. I pulled them out and printed up different statements of thanksgiving and gratitude. What a wonderful thing to keep in the front of our celebrations! The rest were things made here and there, and each makes me smile. I am so thankful for our mantel and the story it tells of our lives!

SchoolHouse :: Our House

2011-11-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

SchoolHouse :: OurHouse (where school and life collide), a photo by islandj on Flickr.

This is indeed where school and life collide. In the SchoolHouse this year we are studying the Middle East. This past month we've been focused on my favorite place on earth - Israel. What better way to end a unit than to dive right in. We dug out the old photo albums and shared photos of where the mum and dad visited all those places we had been reading about. I found some fantastic cookbooks, and we pieced together a delicious meal, filled with foods from throughout Israel - challah bread, tabbouleh, felafel, hummus, chicken and rice, fattoush, pita, carrot salad... and on and on. Some foods are more regional than others, but since Israel is truly a melting pot of various cultures, it was easy to find the favorite and best and prepare away. I used more parsley in one evening than I think I've used in my whole marriage - and I see a trend coming on.

This week is Thanksgiving week. We will be treated to a sumptuous meal out that day, so this was something of my own Thanksgiving feast... and truly it fits. I am every day thankful that I get to participate in my children's learning, thankful for friends who share the journey, thankful for how what we learn challenges and changes who we are, and especially thankful that at the end of a long day of the SchoolHouse, it is still Our House - and it is filled with friends and food and faith.

SchoolHouse :: Settling into the Routine

2011-11-22T13:58:00.001-08:00

SchoolHouse :: Settling into the Routine, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

As I was passing back and forth yesterday between the kindergartener and the "big kids," I stopped to be thankful that things are going so well. We surely have days when all is going somewhere in a handbasket, but more often than not, it looks something like this - Sage, phonics games strewn across the table, gleefully racing Sterling (doing something entirely different, but still - a race!) to complete her tasks, while the big kids work somewhat independently in the school room, in this case, both working on their on-line reading program. After this quiet work, we'll all join on the couch to read from our history or science or geography texts, and then we'll return to the table for a bit more "seat work," before we split up again and I start the walk between each one, making sure each understands the math, or how to form the cursive letter, or praying that patience and practice will help make easier, if not perfect.

Our mornings of school are long and filled with interesting and challenging things, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Nerf War II :: November edition

2011-11-22T13:55:00.001-08:00

Nerf War II :: November edition, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Our summertime nerf war was such a success that we finally pulled off another one. Sterling gets such a charge out of organizing and executing these afternoons - and from the sound, so does everyone else!

(the mums, as usual, hid in the living room and drank tea, talked about apps and curriculum, and generally did our best to assume the wild noises we were hearing were all happiness and joy. they were).

And afterwards, an impromptu game of dodge ball in the back yard. Boyhood isn't much better than this!

One of my Favorite Things

2011-11-22T13:53:00.001-08:00

One of my Favorite Things, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Raindrops on roses are nice, whiskers on kittens are rather ho-hum, but this? One of my favorite things of the year. Just larger than a deck of cards, these paints have given all the Hansen girls a great deal of pleasure this half of 2011. I brought it on the cruise to do some nature sketching, and discovered there wasn't much as quietly entertaining during a two hour meal as the ability to paint on the placemat. We have taken it on nature walks, and to the beach, and each time, I'm smitten with the ability to mix colors and create memories with the stroke of a brush. Don't you wish you had one?

Thankful for Apple Pie Cookies

2011-11-22T13:50:00.001-08:00

Thankful for Apple Pie Cookies, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

There is an on-going joke in our plus-one family (for those who haven't read the blog for years, the "plus one" refers to those dear ones who have lived with us as part of the family at different times in our lives) . . . anything related to pie is considered an instant hit. It would take a long time, and at least one video example, to make that funny to the rest of the world, but suffice it to say, you say "pie" to the Hansens, and we'll giggle and say "yes please!"

Even better if the pie is unexpected - an egg pie, or a tomato pie, or, as in this case, a cookie shaped like a mini-pie. I don't really have the time I'd like these days to be baking up complicated recipes with many steps, but when I saw these (and since I was already making a pie crust for said tomato pie), I had to give it a try.

And viola, a true hand-pie, filled with nothing but apples and cinnamon, and the perfect after dinner treat during this thankful season. (we've got our "seeds of gratitude" tree begun on the table, and you can see me with one of the four things I'm most grateful for in the window).

Book Club :: November :: SciFi

2011-11-22T13:46:00.001-08:00

Book Club :: November :: SciFi, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

November book club, and this time we are departing from our normal Classics, and reading the first of CS Lewis' space trilogy, Out of the Silent Planet. We had everything from brand new editions to the copy our husband read in high school. There was also an audio listening (so, so thankful for all that is out there in world wide land). For a change, we met at someone's house, and between the yummy treats and the chance to start with a vanilla chai tea and progress to egg nog laden decaf, it was simply the loveliest evening we've had.

As for the book, we did actually discuss it this month. Seems the ladies were evenly split between enjoying it and not, which corresponded directly with an appreciation (or not) of science fiction in general. Though we can often read books without caring much for the time and place of the author, we all benefitted from some background on Lewis and the time and reason he wrote. I confess :: I didn't enjoy it at all (It took me an unreasonably long time to complete such a slight piece), but after our discussion, I could appreciate it and had much to ponder. Such is the beauty of the book club - wide exposure and much to think on.

Next month, we digress to Dickens again for a quick Christmas read: The Cricket on the Hearth (and maybe even a little Christmas party?!).

Baseball Consequences!

2011-11-15T13:57:00.001-08:00

Baseball Consequences!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Okay, you know its been a quiet week when a story about Sterling going down the drain is big news!

The kids have developed a wonderful game of baseball for out in the cul-de-sac. Using bases my sweet aunt sent us a few years back, they hit and run and whoop it up. The only downside? There is a drain just off first, and another off third, and whiffle balls are practically factory packaged with the desire to investigate. So, we buy the balls, we play with them, and eventually, they all end up down the drain. Ce la vie. Until it's not the ball that ends up down the drain, but the bat, tossed aside after a spectacular hit, and last seen chasing after the whiffle balls it has hit so few times. That needed fetching.

I was really proud of Sterling. He has an inherent dislike of icky things - something of a family joke - and for him to take the initiative to climb down the hole and bring back a slightly, er, damp bat... well, that's a big deal for him. Having a friend there to ooh and aah at the entire fiasco? Even better. And now I know how to remove and replace a drain lid (with a LOT of help from the man).

The game promptly continued, with many reminders of "don't throw the bat near the drain!"

Rainy Day Weekend

2011-11-15T13:52:00.001-08:00

Rainy Day Autumn, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It was the loveliest of wet weekends. We had rain for hours and hours on end - capped on either side by the kind of pre- and post- rainy skies that only the beach at southern California can produce. Friday afternoon the girls and I went to the beach, where they dug holes and built castles for two (chilly) hours, while I read on the warm sand. The sun was setting throughout our time, casting hues of blue and gray through the cloudy sky and onto the sea. Saturday, we spent the day oscillating between chaos outside, the kids soaking wet and riding bikes, or playing baseball, or scootering, and then rushing inside for warm showers and hot tea, mingled with cleaning the garage out and finding what things are ready to be passed on to others. (it's that time of year again - before the holidays descend with the inevitable barrage of new things - time to go through, to reduce and to give). Then on Sunday, the rain cleared away, and again we sat on the beach at dusk, watching the light play games on the gentle waves while the kids dug and built and climbed. Perfect in every way.

Creative Mum :: Finished!

2011-11-08T13:46:00.001-08:00

flowers in the snow, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

I have finally finished my 'flowers in the snow' crochet blanket - my summer project. So much of it was completed at my FIL's house on the island that I really think of it as my island blanket. It is small and cozy, oh so soft, and I am constantly smitten with the bright colors and varying patterns.

If it weren't for the price, I'd be whipping up (in that slow, takes a few months kind of whipping that takes place during the school year) another one poste haste... but for now, we'll keep it on the couch and use it for snuggling in as we read our chapter books and begin the season that has candle light once again. We won't see any snow, but the flowers will be a cheery bit during the (slightly) darker winter months. A spot of tea, a candle, and a book... just cover me with the flowers and the moment is complete!

Relaxing with Nonna

2011-11-08T13:38:00.001-08:00

Relaxing with Nonna, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Nonna came for a whirlwind visit this weekend, arriving in a gust of wind and rain on Friday afternoon, and departing in flurry of raindrops on Sunday morning. The kids (big and small) were thrilled to have her, and kept her busy with stories, crafts, coloring, baseball talk, hiking and talk small and not-so.

It's such a treat for each of the kids to have special time alone with Nonna. Born, I think, of having had an only child, Nonna prefers to focus on one child at a time. The timer is set (I'm hoping we outgrow the timer), and for their special moments they reign. In a family where there is always some jostling for attention and focus, this single-minded moment is a gift and one that is eagerly awaited throughout the day. Time with Nonna makes everyone happy!

Hiking in the Rain!

2011-11-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hiking in the Rain!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Some people like to sing in the rain, us? We like to HIKE in the rain! Today was our monthly docent led nature walk - the first time we'd be heading out from the nature center and looking for birds out in nature. Oops. Apparently someone forgot to tell nature to cooperate, and instead of sunny weather with birds twittering, we had a veritable downpour. It was FANTASTIC! There were no birds to be seen, but the as the rain poured down, our intrepid little group hiked away through the Calaveras Hills. It was muddy and drippy and even with a borrowed rain jacket (is there a surprise that the Hansens arrived totally unprepared for wet?) I had water dripping down my front, my back, and soaking my pants. The kids were dripping and slipping and sliding in the mud, laughing as we hiked along. Admittedly, the youngest members of our contingent gave up shortly after this "starting gate" picture was taken - they made it along the paved walk, and then turned back - where sweet WG invited them to her house around the corner, where they waited for us with fun of their own. We made it about an hour in the wet before conceding some defeat. It was magical and wonderful. The kids kept talking about our days on drizzly Bowen and planning for their gutter boat races later one. The rain is predicted to last throughout the weekend, and I'm sure there will be loads of wet clothes to wash and dry, and races to be won and lost, and puddles to be splashed in. Weather is wonderful!

Chef Sterling

2011-11-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Chef Sterling, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Finally, at age 10, Sterling is starting to take some responsibility for his meals. He's easy at breakfast, because, given the choice, he'd be happy with granola every day (when cereal isn't an option, which is isn't, but for running club morning). So really, by Poppy's terms, he's already preparing 1/3 of all his meals.

But he has never expressed any real interest in helping prepare dinners, and lunches are a wash. He's the easiest kid for lunches, as he simply picks something he likes and eats it, day in and out until he gets sick of it, usually months later. He will eat a peanut butter and honey (not jelly) sandwich for months, and then suddenly want only cheesy toast for weeks, and then he'll want... well, you get the idea. It isn't hard, but the girls hardly want to keep pace.

Enter the Peanuts Cookbook. He is addicted to reading the Peanuts comic strips during his breakfast and down time, so it should come as no surprise to anyone that he is taken with "cooking" from this cheery little cookbook.

First up (and now his daily lunch): "swiss cheese sandwich." He carefully read the instructions, gathered his ingredients (cheddar for swiss, no pickles please), and grated the cheese, added the mayo and black olives, and painstakingly spread it on his sandwich. It's a hit! Best of all, he is so sweetly responsible to clean up after himself, for which this mum will happily make him nearly anything he wants for dinner. Nearly.

Harvest Tradition :: The Haul

2011-11-01T14:11:00.001-07:00

Harvest Tradition :: The Haul, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Are words really needed? Perhaps this will help - this is a PARTIAL listing taken from a tally Sterling made after carefully sorting each and every piece of candy he collected):
Kit-kats 45
Reese's pieces 20
twix 14
snickers 11
reese's cups 19
butterfingers 16
oh, we are set on sweets for the years to come!

My Trick-or-Treaters

2011-11-01T14:01:00.001-07:00

My Trick-or-Treaters - they are all treat!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Thanks to Grandpa Mark, my kiddos are decked out each year in a costume of their choice. I'm ever so grateful, each year, that I don't have to make them myself (I have a friend who makes the most intricate costumes - total stunners - and I tip my hat to her, and go back to making banners and muffins, happily avoiding all reference to fabric and sewing as the big day arrives).

Sage wanted to be a butterfly, and I think we found the perfect turquoise (the favorite color of five) outfit for her sweet self. Sterling was a Roman Centurion, in honor of our studies of ancient Rome this fall. And Siena was a Japanese princess, with the cutest parasol and little bun.

SchoolHouse :: month-at-a-glance :: October

2011-11-01T13:33:00.001-07:00

SchoolHouse :: October, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

A pretty quiet month - a fun field trip, the monthly trip to Disneyland, and run! run! run!

Trick or Treat 2011

2011-10-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat 2011, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

What a blast! I got to go on the first street of trick or treating with the kids this year (before I headed home to hold down our fort - where I was rewarded with a very quiet night at home. We had a total of one group come by - they got quite a bit of candy, which was given only on the condition that I did NOT, after all, have to smell their feet). We spent the first bit with our good friends, all lovely maidens/princesses/butterflies, protected by their Roman centurion. Some of the houses were tame (it was quite early when they started), but one or two really went all out with the scary theme. I love the photo above where the girls are visibly leaning away from that frightful man. Siena as the brave one, marching boldly past the offending creatures, or through their dangling outfits, and finding the candy on the other side more than compensated for the creep factor.

After I left, the kids went on with dad for another two hours, and came home with quiet a haul, with nicely accompanied their sugar and tired induced stumbling about. Straight to bed, they were sent, while I peeked through the bags. I wish I could believe that they won't know if I sneak a few twix or kit-kat, but knowing them, they've got it figured out to the piece... tomorrow, when it all gets laid out and fondled, I'll have to extract a mommy tax before allowing them free reign... Trick and Treat!

Harvest Hustle

2011-10-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Harvest Hustle, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Hallowe'en fell on running club day this year, so the kids were delighted to dress up with their friends and run, run, run!

Harvest Tradition :: Carving Pumpkins

2011-10-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Harvest Tradition :: Carving Pumpkins, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

What faces! (you decide whether I mean the kids or their pumpkins...)

The kids look forward to carving their pumpkins every year. My mom blesses us with a carving kit just in time - the kids spend all of October wondering what kind Gramma found and if it would include a scoop - and away they go. This year it was a Mickey Mouse theme, and each one went at it with their typical personality showing. Siena followed the directions, used the silhouette template, and carved a stunning likeness of the mouse himself. Sage used the punches to easily make eyes and a nose, and then drew a perfectly Sage smiley face, which she cut out herself with startling concentration and care. Sterling determined to do the entire thing himself, with no guide, though when he finally put his hand into the pumpkin to clean it out, my sensitive boy had to call in the mom clean up squad. But he carved each bit alone. The candles were ready and the pumpkins all lit up on the walkway to welcome the trick-or-treaters. All six of them.

Falling, not asleep, but in Love with Narnia

2011-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Falling, not asleep, but in Love with Narnia, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Ah, we have waited for this moment. Sage has long loved books-on-tape (and I do mean tape - we have an ancient little cassette player she walks around with), but they have all been of the Sesame Street and Disney short story variety. Perfect for a pre-schooler, but rapidly becoming old news. But try introducing anything longer, and she balks. Old favorites have a lot of cache.

Today, she finally relented, and we put on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She promised to listen to one chapter, and I promised if she didn't like it, I'd put it away. Sterling was just this age when he received the Narnia collection on audio book for Christmas, and he fell right in love. His sister was the same. Our CD player can only be listened to when hooked up to the big speakers, but that didn't dissuade her from falling in love with aslan and listening her way through half the book, resting happily at the base of the speaker (honest, grandparents, it's not too loud). Narnia is filled with revelations and surprises, and she can't wait to hear the next chapter, and the next, and the next...

Harvest Tradition :: The Bounce House Party

2011-10-28T23:55:00.000-07:00

Harvest Tradition :: The Bounce House Party, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

How they love it. A local church (one we can walk to) hosts an annual harvest party with the largest collection of bouncies I've ever seen. Sage persists in calling it "the bounce house church" despite our assurances that they don't bounce every week. This year we teamed up with some friends, met at the church, and the kids scattered in predictable little groupings. Siena loved the climbing wall (no small feat in a kimono); Sage loved the candy; and Sterling was thrilled to tear around with the boys and play lazer tag. Afterwards everyone came back here for white-bean chili soup and what may possibly have been the loudest, sugar-induced (did I try to suggest that the kids had any room for chili after the candy?) game of darts and tag that has ever rocked our house (and it's rocked pretty loud before). The night was late and every had a blast - memories that will remain long after the candy has been eaten and the sugar high deflated.

Trick or Treat Memory Wall

2011-10-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat Memory Wall, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

A few weeks ago, I was "researching" banner ideas, and saw the neatest idea for printing photos onto fabric and creating a banner show-casing the yearly Hallowe'en costume. Well, that seemed a bit labor intensive to me, so I tucked it inside my mind, where it percolated and eventually came out as this: a memory wall. I used an old piece of black mat board (for matting pictures) that I've been wondering how best to use, and printed up a mini-banner of "trick or treat." Thanks to the digital world, I found all the photos from 2005-2010, and printed them at Costco. For under $4, I had the makings of a wonderful board full of hallowe'en memories. I put it together while the kids were sleeping last night, and was so delighted by all the oohs and ahhs from my wee folk this morning. Sage in particular couldn't get over how much she had grown. A little note marking each year, and photos of the kids with their carved pumpkins completes it. In a flash of foresight (something I usually don't have), I tossed more orange paper into an envelope, so next year, all the photos and what I'll need to add this years will all be ready and waiting. When we get to this years photos, I'll move them into my costco file, and next time there is a sale, they'll be ready to print (so I won't have to find them next year). Organization is a hobgoblin to put together, but once done, it's an angel. All the photos are just tacked on lightly, so they will come off easily, and hopefully I'll find some new idea for how to use it throughout the year...

Annual October Treat

2011-10-25T14:08:00.001-07:00

Annual Treat, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Each October, Chris has been attending a conference of his old DC friends which is held in LA (don't even try to make sense of that). While he is gone, we all carry on - maybe eating breakfast for dinner, watching an extra show for fun (phineas and ferb, this year), and generally missing him. And each year, he brings back a few treats - the conference gifts the attendees CDs, DVDs, books (from other attendees), and fetes them with luncheons and dinners and a continuous beverage station. As a special treat (the kids usually aren't too keen on the media gifts), Chris brings home a coke, something they only get this once a year.

This year, I got one too. Honestly, not sure which of us was the most excited to taste it today. I know it is nothing but chemicals and corn syrup, but, oh, there's a reason its been around 125 years.

Needless to say, the cokes were enjoyed right after a high protein lunch, and right before they were all dropped off at PE class. We might be generous, but we aren't stupid. (as an aside, I drank mine right before they left, making sure that it was still early enough in the day that I wouldn't be up tonight, and that no one was around to chat with, as coke will, without a doubt, and as will anything that has caffeine in quantity - say, coffee, black tea, mocha - totally send me into a blathering fit of being unable to control the bevy of words that will pitch out of my mouth and be said before I can even fathom what came over me to think that anyone is even remotely interested... oh, wait. Did I just type all that?)

Best Friends!

2011-10-25T14:03:00.001-07:00

Best Friends!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

need I say any more? taken after our nature/tree study yesterday, when the girls decided to really explore the trees in earnest.

Pinterest!

2011-10-25T14:02:00.001-07:00

Pinterest! , a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Blogger, may I share my new best friend? Don't be jealous. I will never be able to replace this spot, where all my dreams, thoughts, wishes and, most importantly, memories go. But some of my dreams, some of my wishes... they aren't realized. They are just things to admire. Enjoy. Plan with. Be inspired by... and these? They belong in full color on the bulletin board of my life. Enter: Pinterest. A colorful bulletin board (a whole host of them) filled with the things I don't want to forget. Recipes I want to try (guilt free chocolate brownie batter pancakes, anyone?), crafts (yarn ball ornaments?) I want to make, banners to remember, gifts (doodle class? yes please!) I want to remember to buy... it's all here. Any board I want to create, I can. Make a pin, and then anytime I want to go there and actually do it, I can click on it and go straight to the details. I know, it's just a glorified "bookmark." But that's something like saying that a cioccolata caldo (italian hot chocolate - rich and thick, nearly like pudding - best eaten and sipped with a spoon and a view of the alps in the distance) is merely a hot beverage. Yes, but.

blogger, i'm not going anywhere, but if i'm missing for a day, you might try me over at pinterest!

(I know this is a foolish post, but I love being reminded, years from now, of the things that seemed so novel and world-changing at the given moment. and i really, really, like my "boards")

Nature Walks Once Again

2011-10-25T13:55:00.001-07:00

Nature Walks Once Again, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Whew. It seems like it has been months since our last proper nature outing... and it has. When our spring walks gave way to summer beach days, we left the sketch pads behind and focused on keeping the sand out of our lunches. But somehow, getting back into the swing of things this fall - and adding a kindergartener into our daily schedule - well, we haven't picked back up where we left off. I, for one, have really missed the weekly impetus for sketching something specific in nature.

Time to change that! This is my year, not to whine and moan and wish, but to see something that is missing, or not quite right, pray, and make that change. So today we sent out the invitation and a few families joined us at a local park to play and sketch a tree. This park (Holiday Park, in Carlsbad) is fantastic, as it hosts a wide variety of unusual trees, both native and non, and we have a handy guide sheet that identifies most of them.

Not, as it turns out, the tree I chose to sketch. Oops. After some serious googling, I think it might be a Carrotwood tree, definitely non-native, but having appealing orange berries, which pop open to disperse their seeds, leaving behind a butterfly shaped seed pod. Love it - perfect for the nature table in autumn.

The girls all sat and sketched, with varying amounts of patience and detail. I relished the chance to take that deep breath and focus. Observe. Create. It was a lovely time with friends, and hopefully we'll make it a more regular thing. There are a lot of neat trees yet to observe!

SchoolHouse :: Art and Nature

2011-10-25T13:49:00.001-07:00

SchoolHouse :: Art and Nature, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

This year we increased our co-schooling to a full morning filled with geography, astronomy, zoology and writing... but had to forgo art, as time is limited. So it was especially fun to find a specific project to do together this week. The kids loved having an extra play date, and who can resist blowing paint with a straw! Really, any art that involves a straw and q-tips is a hit, and the kids loved creating their fall trees, complete with lots of autumnal color (we don't get much where we are, but just enough so they have an idea. I think a trip to VT should be in order soon). Proper art instruction? not so much, but watching them plan and create their own interpretations on a project is fascinating. And having their pieces of art on display in the school room? We all love it.

Hallowe'en Mantel

2011-10-25T13:46:00.001-07:00

Hallowe'en Mantel, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Because the bewitching hour is almost upon us, I had to share our current mantel. I'm not the biggest Hallowe'en fan, but I do love me some black and orange. The kids so look forward to pulling out the holiday box and finding these treasures - the little bears (that Gramma sent one year), the little witch girl container (that Gramma sent another year), and then to recreate the candles (using ribbon that, um, Gramma sent us!), to add little touches each year, like the spidery mantel scarf (guess what!? Gramma sent it!)... each year it is like creating a puzzle that expands and changes. We were a little banner happy this year, but somehow, I think it works. Up for only a two weeks, it's a quick mantel, but full of personality... now, to make it through all the sugar highs of the weeks to come...

Book Club :: David Copperfield, 3 ways

2011-10-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

Book Club :: David Copperfield, 2 ways, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It's Book Club time again, and I think it was the hands down favorite of the year + we've been reading together. David Copperfield was delightful in nearly every way - with patient heroines, a lovable protagonist, and the slimiest villains around. So many things to talk about, quote after quote of favorites, moment after moment of aha's!

And I love how it was "read" these past few months - library paperback, my iPad Kindle app, and (for two friends) via their iPod audio book. Toss in some salted caramel bark, a white mocha, and sweet, dear friends, and it doesn't get much better.

Grateful for... creative and generous friends

2011-10-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Grateful for... creative and generous friends, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

I'm so thankful that I am not creative in a vacuum. So many of the ideas I have are either found on the internet, or derived from times with friends. Today, a good friend of mine came over and shared her considerable collection of autumnal paper crafts. With her patient guidance, even the girls got to punch leaves and acorns (acorns! swoon), and create little cards of beauty. These are meant to be placecards at Thanksgiving, but we'll see how we will best bless with them. Just the chance to sit together, talk together, munch pumpkin muffins and drink tea together, was a treat. Add in some acorns and paper, and it was the perfect weekend afternoon. Thanks SS!

SchoolHouse :: Field Trip :: Cabrillo National Monument

2011-10-18T14:42:00.001-07:00

SchoolHouse :: Field Trip :: Cabrillo National Monument, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Truly, we live in a wonderful place, filled with sites and adventures we still need to take advantage of. I was thrilled when my friend decided to organize a California History field trip, and let us tag along (we'll hit CA history when Sage is old enough to appreciate it just enough to justify my teaching it to all three at once). Cabrillo National Monument is down on Point Loma, in San Diego, and the lighthouses alone were enough reason for me to want to check it out.

We were impressed. The Park Ranger (Ranger Rick, no less) was engaging and informative, and kept the kids on their tows, teaching them valuable information about Juan Cabrillo (a spaniard back in the day - way back - who first landed here in San Diego). And I mean Valuable Information, such as how men went to the bathroom on a spanish galleon (there is a reason its called a poop deck, you know. Actually, there is not, at least not one related to, um, poop. "Poop deck" comes from the french for, um, something I can remember which is unrelated to bathrooms. On an old sailing ship like this, there were actually holes at the front end of the ship, and it was referred to as the "garden." And now I've really said too much on it), not to mention that spices like pepper cost, by the cupfull, as much as a car would cost today (in relative terms), and he even got Siena dressed up like a poor soldier. After the lecture, the kids went on a Junior Park Ranger scavenger hunt, finding information from a variety of places around the park - the monument to Cabrillo himself, the old Light House, about whales, and generally running about together with gorgeous views and good conversation. I'm blessed to know mums who make a field trip a good time, and today was no exception. We'll be back when the weather is fine to drink in the beauty of both the old and the new light house, to go tidepooling, and to see what else can inspire us!

SchoolHouse :: Frugal Science

2011-10-18T14:33:00.001-07:00

SchoolHouse :: Frugal Science, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Seriously, how often do we (frugal) homeschooling mums shy away from doing an experiment or demonstration because we don't want to waste the time, energy or materials for a five minute moment? Enter, Volcanic Mac-N-Cheese. For Astronomy this week, the demonstration was about volcanoes. Cold butter - solid rock - was heated up until it liquified. Then it spewed (or was poured calmly to avoid massive fat-induced stains all around) out of the center of the planet and dripped down around the flour land mass, creating rivers of molten rock/butter. Then, over the next while, it hardened back up, showing how lava flows become solid rock once again.

Then, because who wants to waste even a quarter cup of butter, the flour and butter were cooked into a roux, milk and cheese were added to make a cheesy white sauce, and then spirals of pasta were injected to create dinner. A yummy project, if I do say so myself (and in these quantities, I'm happy to say it fed two astronomically interested families). Now, my original choice was to turn the butter and flour into something like a cookie... but frugal is, as frugal does, and dinner made was far more appealing than even that.

Like Mum, Like Daughter :: She Knits!

2011-10-18T14:26:00.001-07:00

Like Mum, Like Daughter :: She Knits!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Love, love, LOVE this too! Siena has been asking to knit and crochet for five years, and while we've attempted crochet a few times over the years, the thought of teaching her to manage two needles, a ball of yarn, and both our tempers at the same time has kept me rather hesitant to get started. But for her 9th birthday, I decided that I had grown up enough to have the patience required to help teach her, and her received a set of hand-made needles and a ball of yarn as part of her present. Yesterday she begged me to teach her, NOW, and it being a Sabbath day, and me having no good reason not to, we sat down together. (It being a Sabbath day, you can imagine how handily the prayers went up as we began). I cast on 20 stitches, and the proceeded to knit a row, chanting the age old knitters chant: "In through the front door, loop around the back, peek through the window, and off pops Jack!" Who Jack is, and what on earth he has to do with knitting has always been a mystery, but I was shocked to see the chant do it's magic. Siena picked up the needles, figured out how to hold them (and the yarn) - which is by far the hardest part, IMHO - and quietly chanting away, knit. And knit some more. And finished a row. Once she learned how to turn and begin again, she was off and running. Even after a break, she picked it up, muttering "in through..." and there she had it. In under 15 minutes, the girl can knit! I was greeted early this morning with another completed row (all on her own), and since then, she has managed to keep 20 stitches on her needles, and only had a few minor mishaps (those stitches will try to jump off with Jack when they can), all of which were easy to fix. Her attitude has been sunny, and I can't wait til she it ready to knit up something specific - she'll be pleased as punch!

The Happiest Draw-ers on Earth!

2011-10-18T14:18:00.001-07:00

Animation Studios at D-land, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

It's that time of month again, when Chris takes the kids to Disneyland for the day, and Mum gets to spent time being a fairy at home (Sage gets the most marvelous look of near disgust on her face when I'm called the fairy mum - fairy? my mum? she seems to say - so I just hide that part of me until they are all gone, and then I sprout wings and a pixie nose). Today they went after school was finished, so that they could stay well into the night watching the Fantasmic! show and the fireworks display they love.

On days like today - because it is a holiday of sorts (happy Canadian Thanksgiving, Sage!), the park was jammed with people, and they only went on one ride. But there was plenty of time to watch some shows, and to go to the Animation Studios over in California Adventure. Watching a life animation artist at work, my four copied along, and drew these amazing images of Goofy and Donald Duck! I couldn't believe how good they were when we got home... such fun!

Jenni, Jen, J turning... older

2011-10-18T14:12:00.001-07:00

Jenni, Jen, J turning... older, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Not that much older, but... a wee bit. These are two of my dear friends here in Carlsbad - gifts from heaven, you might say. And that we are all Jennifer's by name - it's just got to be. (Thank goodness we each go by different nick-names).

For our joint fall birthdays (we were all born in 1972), we celebrated with a night out on the quiet little town. Dinner at a Thai Restaurant, a hot coffee from our favorite coffee haunt, and a walk on the beach to see the "bioluminescent red tide" (seriously, do we wonder that we shorten it to "red tide" in daily talk?) that is lighting up the waves these nights.

It was such fun to get out and celebrate ourselves and our friendship, and one more year of blessed life!

Like Mum, Like Daughter

2011-10-18T14:07:00.001-07:00

Like Mum, Like Daughter, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Love, love, LOVE this. I put up a simple, printable AUTUMN banner on the mantel this weekend, and then Siena wanted a miniature one for her doll, Maggie (she wants so badly to have a whole house of her own to decorate as she pleases, and the corner of her bedroom - aka Maggie's house - suffices for now). So I printed up a smaller one... and then Sage wanted in on the action. Before I could print up an even smaller version, Siena encouraged her to make it on her own, which she promptly did. What a sweet, sweet version it is! And I love that, as Lizzie has no "house" of her own, it is posted on her hi-chair. The circles on either end of "autumn" are leaf drawings. Could she be prouder of her handi-work? Could I?!

Month-at-a-Glance

2011-10-18T14:02:00.001-07:00

Month-at-a-Glance, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Thought it would be fun to keep a record of our monthly school calendar. We've been working hard at keeping our schedule pretty open, and not overwhelming ourselves with activities. Of course, some things happen every week whether they are labeled or not - running club each Monday, PE each Tuesday - but often, we have a quiet week in which to flourish and grow. At least that's the theory!

Island Time :: When Peace Evades

2011-10-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Island Time :: When Peace Evades, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Would you believe I've written this twice already, and each time, flickr deletes it as I send it. I'm wondering if I should give up on it (is there a message in the mysterious vanishing of my thoughts?), but I've been so struck by what I wanted to share this weekend that I'll give it one more shot. If you are reading this, then you know that either flickr is working now, or I got smart and hit save first...

I'm on the island again, lapping up the sound of the sea and the birds, the chattering of people walking on the seawall past the house, the gentle rocking of the waters as I sit, hidden in the docked Duffy boat, with not a reason in the world to avoid the heady naplike stupor that I fall into. I came, hideous head cold dulling my breathing and thinking, to enjoy some peace and quiet. To think and pray and relax. To indulge in "me-time." To be refreshed.

But it has been hard won peace, this visit. I arrived with many intentions, a kind of frantic mental list of possible to-dos. If I thought I might want to do it, it arrived, packed in its own bag, ready to be utilized. Not knowing for sure what I wanted this weekend to be about, I covered all my bases: did I wan to read? Sure, I brought a book. Well, I brought 4, just in case I didn't like the one I was reading (and, I'm embarrassed to say, I brought 2 David Copperfields - one digital and one paper, just in case, you know, I felt like holding a proper book. Which, to my shock, I didn't). Did I want to be artistic? In went a nature walk bag filled with art supplies (how many sketchpads did I think I could use?). Did I want to be social? A box filled with notecards, half written, laying in wait. Creative? I have my blanket to finish... and in case I did, 3 (THREE!!) other projects to consider.

Bases covered, I felt overwhelmed. So many good things to choose from. Too many. The packing was fraught with unmade decisions. Not sure? I tossed it in. Arriving, I was a pack mule bringing in enough to keep the normal person busy for weeks. I had two nights. There were only two things which I knew I wanted to accomplish, if so focused a word can be used on a vacation: first, to spend time in prayer and journalling, working through some things that have come to mind and heart, of late. Second, I wanted to run around the island and be outside as much as I could.

It was a valiant attempt, but in the bustle of packing everything else in the house, I managed to leave my sneakers. Probably just as well, since this head cold won't let me run easily, but it was a disappointment. And as I pondered the pile of other things I had to manage, I grabbed my journal and jotted these thoughts down:

"I struggle with what Chris calls 'theme' or dramatic desire.' It isn't know knowing what I want to feel like (it isn't a psychological desire - I want to be happy - but a tangible one - to be happy, I am going to run 5 miles tonight...which, by the by, isn't really likely to make me happy). I'm pretty good at knowing how I want to feel (this weekend, I want to be relaxed, refreshed). But identifying those things I want to do which will bring me what I want, I stink at this. Instead of choosing, I bring it all, and then feel the incredible pressure to do something with it. Whereas I could simply say, "this is a reading weekend," I just freak out and bring reading and creating and ... it gets out of control. Narrowing the field needn't be seen as a negative (but what if I want to...) it can be a source of great freedom (and actually help me get what I really want). It needn't engender thoughts of regrets, but rather focus wholly on what can be done. This will take self-control, discernment and some serious personal habit training. Pick a theme - delight in it, and the rest can wait their turn!"

Once I realized that my lack of peace this weekend came from my own lack of discernment and choice, I set down a few things I knew I wanted to do :: walk the island, loiter in the shops (something I never do with kids), read, finish my blanket, watch a movie, sleep in the duffy. With these guides in place, I've been able to rest in the things I want to do, and hide away all the evidence of my silliness in packing. And you know what? Ahhh.... it's been a wonderful time.

(PS - written later - setting specific goals, with success clearly defined by time and stakes, can really improve living how you want to live. For me, this means praying through all the options and making choices, and then being quite concrete in what it'll take to achieve them... Chris calls this the "dramatic desire" that a character has in a book - it's what makes the whole thing make sense).

Celebrations :: Rosh Hashanah

2011-09-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Celebrations :: Rosh Hashanah, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Time for another celebration "just because we can!" Last night marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The kids and I have been studying ancient Rome and Israel this fall, and reading both academically and fictionally about the feasts and cultures. It seemed like the perfect reason to pull together some fun foods and stories and dress it up a bit! Challah, latkes and kosher pickles... entirely non-traditional, but easy for us to make together and enjoy. The challah in particular was so good, I suspect that we might just need to start having a proper Sabbath preparation baking of it on a regular basis... but it was the honey cake, eaten at breakfast (really, who wants to give their kids honey cake and send them to bed?) which stole the day... and was the perfect sweet way to begin another year!

Because, well, it's all about words!

2011-09-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Because, well, it's all about words!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

A good friend just finished writing a (remarkably not very) rough draft of her first novel. As one who is in love with words myself, I am in awe of those who, while parenting and working part time (full time, any time), can manage to have the self-discipline to carve out the time it takes to write (or create in the bigger sense generally) (note to self: work on self-discipline). Chris has been acting as a story mentor to this friend, and so he was on the front line of reading this first run. I'm hoping that when his comments are integrated, I'll get a go at the second run. Meanwhile, I saw this idea for a banner, and being the banner mum (banners are rather fairy-ish, don't you think?), I couldn't resist. When my own self-discipline kicks in, and my own first draft (of whatever it might be) comes about, you can bet I'll be making one of these myself. Until then, I'm excited to wrap this up and send it up this dear one and give her all the kudos she deserves!

SchoolHouse :: Kindergarten

2011-09-28T14:09:00.000-07:00

SchoolHouse :: Kindergarten, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Because these days pass by so quickly, and so chock-filled; because this week we are meeting with our charter school to demonstrate that we are, indeed, doing the work we are supposed to be doing; because I am enjoying these moments of returning to first things with Sage; because I will NOT be saving every single precious paper she creates, but still don't want to forget these mini-mother's heart-masterpieces... I present, Kindergarten, the first month.

Sage is doing very well. It is ridiculously difficult to squeeze her time into our already full school day, but we are managing it. Her initial enthusiasm (try "mom, can I do math" every five minutes until bedtime) has naturally evened out, and she has moments wherein she delights in school, and moments when I think that perhaps we are in over our heads. She loves to do what the big kids are doing, so the more I make it seem "like Bubba and Sissy," the better. We are reading through the Caldecott Winners (children's picture books chosen each year for their illustrations), and with each one, we attempt a small project. From studying the seasons, to creating a family tree, Sage likes doing something with what we've read, and it's a great way to show her that books have the power to move us, both emotionally, and to action. She is practicing her letters all day long (she L.O.V.E.S to write, anything and everything). My favorite is, upon learning that the letter b is like a bomb - drop the bomb (straight line down) and then it explodes (bump up and around), that she insists on drawing the explosion on the bump of the b. That'll be easy to explain to the teacher!

Much of what she has to do seems so simple at this age. Copying words. Underlining phonetic sounds, cutting and pasting. It is not her favorite work, but creating the foundations of effortless mind work is often like that. We walk through the repetition, wondering why we have to say or do it over and over, and then one day, can no longer even figure out how we get to the answer, for it just comes. I'm excited for that day!

SchoolHouse :: Astronomy :: The Sun

2011-09-27T14:23:00.001-07:00

SchoolHouse :: Astronomy :: The Sun, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Yes, actually, I think I can come up with a way to include food into every subject possible. Just give me time...

This week for Astronomy we've been studying the sun and it's powerful light, heat and waves of color. Quite an amazing topic, and using a magnifying glass to harness that heat and melt some chocolate? Really, should school be this tasty? "Mrs Hansen, it smells like s'mores!" Yup, we know how to do school the delicious way. Seems like there could be a really fun blog/curriculum in this :: The Delicious School.

Meanwhile, we munch on treats and lick our fingers, marveling that just a magnifying glass can melt the chocolate in record time (not to mention start a leaf on fire, but that is best not tried at home, unless your mum just can't help herself), and filling out our lapbooks so even the Littles can look back and remember all the we are learning that isn't coming in directly through our stomachs!

SchoolHouse :: Studying Turkey the Delicious Way

2011-09-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

SchoolHouse :: Studying Turkey the Delicious Way, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Okay, how on earth are we supposed to study when these amazing treats are baking in the oven? This was the universal question today as we were attempting to discuss Turkish culture and do our mapwork of Turkey while waiting for these, simits (a Turkish streetfood) to come out of the oven! Somewhat like a bagel, these sesame coated bread rings are just amazing - tasting every bit as good as they look.

We are totally loving our study of geography this year (we are focusing on six countries in the Holy Land), and making traditional treats for our weekly snack time just makes it that much better. Do you think we'll ever forget Turkey now? (and can you imagine the kids surprise when we eat homemade turkish delight next week?!). I love tying in different aspects of our schooling together. Baking (home economics, right?), culture, geography, hospitality... all of it comes together in a wonderful way (on a good day, at least), and makes us all so hungry for more!

Tomorrow is Fall

2011-09-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

P1030754.JPG, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Sage has been memorizing a poem as part of her Kindergarten language arts curriculum. The author is unknown.
September
A road like brown ribbon,
A sky that is blue,
A forest of green with the sky peeping through.
Asters deep purple
A grasshopper's call,
Today it is summer; tomorrow is fall.

You can NOT imagine the excitement Sage felt today when we read the poem for the umpteenth time, and I told her that TODAY it IS summer, and Tomorrow would actually be FALL! She danced around the house all day, chanting "today it is summer, tomorrow is fall." Even better, for this ceremonial mum, at one point she stopped, and delightedly reminded me that the mantel would have to be changed for fall. True enough - and so it has been.

Now, our autumn equinox mantel leaves a little to be desired, in that, well, there isn't much autumn about here. We searched high and low for acorns (my favorite) and found scant few. But with some beautiful towels, candles, and the ever present sea grass, it looks okay. Hopefully by Thanksgiving we'll have it looking properly seasonal!

SchoolHouse :: Zoology :: Bird Study

2011-09-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

SchoolHouse :: Zoology :: Bird Study, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

One of our co-schooling subjects is zoology - specifically, this term, the studying of birds. We have done this once before (using the same text, even), but I found that the material was above the kids interest and comprehension levels, so we decided to have a go again this year. What a difference two years makes! The kids are engaged and we are so enjoying learning all about birds. My friend (the one making astronomy so fun - do you see a pattern to my abilities in science?) is leading our learning time, and this week, not only shared with the kids a stuffed Red-Tailed Hawk (which they just loved to see up close - we have them flying in our canyon year round, and to see one up close and really examine it!), but they created a suet nest as well. We will ignore the nastiness of lard in my kitchen and focus instead on how fun it is to do things with our hands, with our friends, and then to see the birds (well, bird) come and feed out our window.

Another focus of our time, in keeping with our Charlotte Mason philosophy of observation as the front-line to genuine learning, is to draw the birds we are studying. No easy task, for anyone not naturally gifted as an artist, the kids are taking to it beautifully. We have a step-by-step drawing book, and we simply follow along, recreating shapes we know and somehow discovering them turned into the birds we know, at the end. (FYI - the drawings are by: Sage, Siena, Mommy and Sterling). In taking the time to draw the specific features (however distorted our attempts are) and then coloring them in has causes us to see the specific parts of the birds, making identifying the bird in nature easier. At least a little bit!

September School Projects

2011-09-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

September School Projects, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

I can't believe we are starting our fourth week of school, already! With school in session, there isn't much "going on" around here that isn't school related.

Our first week, we started with our delightfully Roman meal, and then got down to the business of re-establishing our routines and school time habits. That Friday, we had our first field trip, to a local lagoon. There, a really fantastic naturalist volunteered to give us a series of lectures about the local bird life. The kids enjoyed it, especially when he had them don a rather florid patchwork apron and attempt to crush an egg with their bare hands. Eggs are pretty amazing creations! The kids left engaged and wanting more, which in my book marks the most successful kind of learning opportunity.

With our co-schooling group, we've been learning about astronomy. The first week the kids learned how to memorize the planets in order, and then we drilled them to get the "planets" (various sized balls) into the correct order (from our exercise ball sun). I was shocked by how readily the littles (we've got three bigs, three littles, and one toddler now) joined in and could, for the moment at least, put the planets in order. This week we went outside and planted cones in the street at ratio appropriate intervals, trying to grasp a sense of the immense distance between the sun and her planets. Making the sun the size of a penny, we stretched nearly five houses down the street, and poor Pluto, he wasn't even as big as the head of a pin! (And just try explaining that to a 5 year old!). (PS - before you all go nuts about how creative our astronomy is - it's all my friend Jenni, not me!)

And in Ancient Roman history, I've been trying to do the extra effort and include a few fun projects. This week made sun mosaics (do you like the cross-over between astronomy, history and art?! I do!), and had a traditional roman snack of honey toast (made suspiciously like french toast with out the egg, and with honey instead of syrup). It really means a lot to Siena, especially, when we do special projects and even more when we cook, so while there is always the part of me wishing we could keep it simpler, or cleaner, or at least not have all those mosaic pieces to sweep up, I'm glad we have the chance to bring it all to life like this.

Running Club Rules!

2011-09-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Running Club Rules!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Oh, the highlight of our year! The one club that we simply can't say no to! Running Club has started again, and the kids are all so happy!

We are blessed, beyond what I can say, by this community of friends. For Jenni who organizes and makes it happen week after week, for the kids who come and run their hearts out, for the parents who make the effort, early on a Monday morning, and for my sweet little runners, who inspire me to keep up my own exercising.

For our family records, it works like this: running club happens every Monday morning at 8:30, at a local soccer field. I get up and use the elliptical trainer before anyone else is up. The day is made more special by the eating of cereal for breakfast (this is the one morning for that, due to time constraints). Then we arrive at 8, so that my two Jennifer friends (we are "J, Jenni, Jen") and I do some strength training before the mass of families arrive. The kids (and mums) run for thirty minutes. Every lap they get a punch on a little foot shaped lap card (I'm the puncher, hence the early morning solo workout). Four laps is roughly a mile. When the finish twenty laps (anywhere from 2-3 weeks for most kids), they get a little foot charm for their necklace.

It's really spectacular - the kids learn to pace themselves; to be both better and worse than their peers; to set goals and work hard to meet them; to get cheered on by others who love them; and they get their energy out!

And a word about having other adults in their lives to cheer them on :: I think this one aspect of homeschooling - having adults in their lives that are not obligated to love them, but do anyway - that makes so much difference in my kids lives. Every week, there are mums asking after them (to them, not through me), checking in on how this or that is going, urging them to not give up, cheering when they pass them on the field. The best example this year? Last year, Sage didn't really enjoy running club (she'll be the first to tell you that walking, running, and hiking are all overrated). She would run an obligatory 3 laps if I pushed the point. She might run a few more for a race, but not with any enthusiasm. She only looked forward to running club this year because her friends are there, and she hoped to get to play with them. Then, the first week of club, my good friend Wendi ran past with her stroller, and struck up a conversation with Sage. Sage promptly ran 7 laps alongside her, and then eagerly asked to make sure Mrs. Garland would be back again next week. All week, she kept asking me, "Will Mrs. Garland be there again? Will my special friend be there?" Sure enough, she was, and Sage went on to run 9 laps this week, with so much enthusiasm I can't hardly believe it. If "Mrs. Garland" didn't have her own brood to manage, I think I'd hire her to come on hikes with us, as I think Sage would suddenly become a magic hiker! This, the community caring, is what I love about my life, and love about our running club!

Chris :: Bitchin' in the Kitchen

2011-09-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Chris :: Bitchin' in the Kitchen, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Now, here is a rare sight :: Chris in the kitchen! Last week, he took the girls to a farmer's market and was so blown away by this "Bitchin'" (as in CA slang for really great) Almond sauce/dip, that he actually bought a tub. And today he spent the afternoon concocting as close a match as we could pull off. It was delicious - with crackers, veggies, in a sandwich... I'm rather delighted, as it gives us something new to munch, and, unlike my experimenting girls, he cleans up after himself! (AND he tolerated all the blog-photography with great panache. It helped that Sage was principle photographer).

Baseball Mania

2011-09-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Baseball Mania, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Subtitle :: The Boy, He LOVES Baseball

Sterling and Grandpa Mark hit another Angels homegame today - against the dreaded enemy, the Yankees. I'm afraid the hometeam, despite a lot of "root, root, rooting," lost at the end. Apparently it was an exciting game (I was happily spending the day visiting friends, and then lulling myself to sleep on the dock at Mark's house), and Sterling came home with a new t-shirt and a signed baseball (from a Yankee, boo hiss, though I thank him for his courtesy to my son!). When I came downstairs tonight to clean up, this was what I found on the coffee table, laid out as if begging for a blog update photo, and so here it is!

On a side note, it being 9-11, there was an appropriate memorial opening to the afternoon game, and Sterling saw his first visual shots of that fated day. Though we have discussed that day, and its ramifications, with all the kids before, we have chosen not to pepper their spongy minds with images. After watching the graphic reminders on the Jumbo-tron, Sterling remarked, "I saw just enough to know I don't want to see any more." We had a long talk, on the drive home, about the power of images versus the power of words; why we read a book before we see a movie; why we choose carefully what we put before our eyes. It was a somber discussion, and showed me how much this little man of mine is growing up.

Celebrations :: me!

2011-09-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

Celebrations :: me!, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

We do a lot of celebrating around here, and I confess that celebrating my own birthday is just as much fun to me as celebrating for the others! As the kids get older, I'm fascinated by how they assimilate habits and traditions. There was no banner for me (perhaps I need to make myself one?), but the girls organized a lovely breakfast (you might note the crumpled paper on the upper right photo - it contains the notes from Siena's secret meeting with me to discuss what I "really" like for breakfast. Secret, because Sage wanted it to be a surprise, but Siena knew I had, shall we say, opinions), and throughout the school day I spontaneously sang to myself, while being inundated with Facebook greetings. For dinner, my father- and sister-in-law came down and we attempted to eat an entire menu full of PF Chang items, only to come home and delight in a Cheesecake Factory "cake." All in all, a lovely day. Thus begins my fortieth year, one in which I plan to do "big" things in keeping with the auspicious occasion of finally getting older. Gee, I don't feel older. Certainly not what I expected when I was 15 and thought 25 was pretty nearly as complete an adult as could be. Maybe when I'm fifty...

Blessed Success

2011-09-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

I commented in my first day post that it was a great success, and that was in part to planning, but in greater part to prayer. I don't normally go so deep here, but I wanted to share why I think our first day was a success. On Sunday in church (we home-church), we went around and shared our hopes and fears, and prayed through our concerns. Our homeschool life is rich and wonderful, but it is also hard and full of "iron sharpening iron" moments. I'm told that this blog often presents our life like it is perfect and easy. It most certainly isn't. I butt heads with the kids every day, and they are whiny and selfish and, wait, so am I. We struggle with our attitudes, we fight with each other, and we have had days when we wonder what on earth we are doing. But we persevere. We love each other. I spend HOURS planning and preparing, thinking about each child and what their needs are, and how I, with my own needs, can meet them best. And prayer, together with Dad, is the single best weapon we have in our arsenal against the difficult days.

So in church we spent a great deal of time, sharing with one another. Confessing our fears, our weaknesses, and then praying for one another, and for our year together. Each of our fears are unique. For Sage, she is scared of math, and that the only thing she will actually like is opening her school cone. When we talked with her more about it, her basic fear is the age old one: something new. Never done before. Ah, a fear we can all relate to.

For Siena, she is concerned that her free time is going away, and that she might hold a grudge against me for making her do school. She is also worried about being lazy, and that causing strife between us.

For Sterling, he remembers well that the first few weeks back are always a bit rough, as we get used to the new routines. He has a strong desire to play, and knows that he can get frustrated and short-tempered when school isn't easy.

For me, I am looking at the ages of the big kids, and realizing that our days will, necessarily, be longer this year, and, like the kids, I value my free time! I also know that there is a transition time as we leave behind the structure free days of summer and enter into our school schedule. Mostly, I don't want to bicker with the kids.

Just sharing these decreased the power that fear and negative thoughts has over us. But then, praying about them, praying for one another, confessing our weaknesses and asking God's strength in their place, we grew bold. We grew closer together. We knew what we were up against, and we knew that the solution was already in place.

So our days will not be perfect this year, but they will be covered in prayer. We will fall short - all of us - but we will confess and forgive and hold each other up. As parent and teacher, I will reflect on these concerns (they are on a sheet of paper tacked above my desk in the closet), and when laziness, or strife, or fear comes up, I will remember that this is an old enemy, and that we have already begun this battle. Homeschooling is tough, wonderful, exhausting and rewarding work. We do incredible things, picture-worthy, blog-worthy things. And we do many which we'd all rather forget about. We love each other, and with His strength and love in us, we will have a year to remember for all the truest of reasons.

For the Record :: Back to School Mantel

2011-08-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

P1030637.JPG, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Just a quick photo for my records - the 2011 back to school mantel. I made a paper banner (paper?! who thought, and now that I have, what a great and easy idea!) which we can reuse each year, and my school blocks are out again. The school cones are anticipated for weeks (oh, who am I kidding? Months. They begin thinking about them around March). And it wouldn't be "me" if it didn't have the pencil bouquet. 2011, welcome back to school!

First Day Celebration - a Roman Meal

2011-08-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

First Day Celebration - a Roman Meal, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

Toga! Toga!

In history, we are continuing our study of Ancient Rome, slowly making our way forward in the annals of history. And we are so grateful that we are doing it along side of our dearest friends. One day a week we "co-school" with each other, sharing geography, writing and astronomy lessons. And when the chance to do something crazy and fun (you know, those somethings that look like they'd be a great idea, if only it weren't so much work?), it is ever, completely, so much easier to gear up for when you are doing it with a friend.

So for the first day of school we celebrated with a "genuine" (ahem) Roman meal. Lots of Mediterranean food, eating on cushions on the floor, and yes, a toga (which proves something about me, I'm just not sure what yet), and it was a frolicking success.

There's lots to be said about "starting as you mean to go." I mean to do this more often than I do, and my first thought, when we entertained the idea of having the first day of school be filled with, gasp, fun, was that we couldn't possibly, as we needed to start as we meant to go - good habits, good routines, ready and at 'em and all that. But on reflection, this is why we homeschool. To make it come alive. To live in community with others. To see learning as relevant and engaging and, yes, fun.

With a start like this, hopefully we'll be able to continue it!

The School Room on the First Day

2011-08-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

The School Room on the First Day, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

A week or two before school starts, I shut the door and keep the kids out. I hole up inside, cleaning (which we did at the end of the school year, but, somehow, summer makes quite a mess of our space) and organizing and restructuring our space. I try to change enough to give it a fresh feeling, but not so much that it doesn't feel like a familiar and loved space.

There are a few new things this year - Sage inherited Siena's old flower to-do chart (upper left photo), we've had to retire our old white board in favor of a smaller one, with the calendar more prominently located. We also inherited Chris's old laptop, so there is a permanent computer station in the corner now.

This is one of my favorite spaces in our house, which is good, because we will spend a LOT of time here this year. Already, we are off to a great start!

First Day of School, 2011-12

2011-08-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

First Day of School, 2011-12, a photo by islandj on Flickr.

So much to look forward to, this much anticipated day. And I'm so glad it is that! Each of us looks forward to school getting back in session, to varying degrees.

Starting Kindergarten, Sage couldn't stand herself, and spent the last week counting down and eagerly awaiting her first real day of school. Admittedly, the school cone was a big, big draw (she's gotten one before, but not as a "real" school girl). She was smiles from the crack of the day until I had to gently tell her that, while she might want to do more work, mommy was, well, done for the day.

Siena is entering her fourth grade year. She will be the first to tell you that she isn't that excited about school starting, but she is thrilled to see what is in her school cone. She'll come around to enjoying our days, as she always does. I remind her every year what her preschool teacher said about her, back when she was just tagging along, bringing big brother to preschool, "that girl has school written all over her." It's true. When she's in the groove, she is easy and delightful to teach!

Sterling begins fifth grade today, and wow. He is so grown from our first days of teaching kindergarten to him at home. He is so much like me in some ways, and was the most eager to get back into some kind of routine. Pulling out his math books and history notebook bring him such joy - not to mention the fun of getting his own white board, pen and eraser.

As for me? I've spent the last week sequestered in the school room, making little changes, planning the morning breakfast, setting up the "office" space for my computer in the closet (I seem to have a thing for closet desks - good thing I like to stand when I type), and surfing way too much on the web looking for little fun printables (like our back to school banner idea and the "I'm a kindergarten" sign).

The day began smoothly, thanks to all this advance planning, and, most importantly, prayer. I think that'll have to be another post... but our day was lovely and I was thankful.