We had another good week. It really shows how being organized can help avoid many bumps. I keep reminding myself to maintain balance and peace as much as possible. The pollen is really getting to be a bit much. It's draining our energy and making us feel miserable, but it is so lovely outside that we can't keep ourselves inside.
On the Homefront --
We are getting the garden underway. I am doing a salsa garden this year. We will also have some melons and pumpkins. The kids are excited to see if our raspberry bushes produce this year. They look very healthy. We lost most of our strawberry crop last year. I do not know if I put the straw on too thick or if the unusual amount of snow we got had something to do with it. It's a big disappointment, as the children love to eat them right off the plant. I'm doing more and more container gardening in the hopes of cutting down on weeding. Old tires and buckets from the basement are being filled with good garden dirt and a plant or two.
In the Schoolroom --
The most exciting part of school this week was getting to go to our museum's homeschool art class. The kids toured the portrait gallery and then made self-portraits. The teacher did a lovely job of explaining how to make a face. Tom Sawyer loved that there were nine boys in the class this time.
Little Red Riding Hood really worked hard on hers. She was not able to find the right color for her hair but it came out great anyway.
Tom Sawyer was way too busy talking to the other boys to be bothered with his mother's picture taking. He was trying to make a caricature of himself, so he made the eyes red and a crazy hand/fist.
Goldilocks really concentrated on her project this time. It was nice to see her putting real effort into her work.
In the Way of Parenting --
With our schedule being so hectic due to Tomatis and so many other appointments this month, my Tom Sawyer's rigid ways are driving me a bit crazy. I am working hard on keeping my patience in check and remembering that being flexible is a huge challenge for this child. I have taken to having a few minutes in the morning cuddling with him and praying for our day together. We mostly pray in silence (Quaker style), and our days go so much better when I start the day this way.
Blessings, Dawn
You are so right about the pollen! Its just everywhere this year and so thick. But with a huge pollen bloom comes an abundance of bees and wonderful pollenation.
ReplyDeleteA salsa garden? That sounds delightful. I like that idea. May just use the "theme" idea to get my gals more interested.
Lovely art work! Its my favorite thing to do with the kids.
You've encouraged me to brave the pollen & start getting our garden ready. Hope you have another good week.
ReplyDeleteJanet W
Ohhh I hope to be more organised soon. I think that is 80% of my problem. Any tips are very welcome of what you do.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to the progression of your garden. I hope you take pictures along the way as it grows on WWU. [0= And those pictures are GREAT. They must be very pleased.
I am so curious...did you or Tom Sawyer come up with the silent prayer idea. It sounds like it is a perfect way to start the day.
Blessings and ((HUGS)) my SSiC
In Him<><
-Mary
Wonderful portraits!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing that class must be for y'all.
I'm doing my plants in containers this year, too. That way if we get to move, I can take my garden with me :)
The pollen is driving me batty too with swollen eyes and eczema on top of the sneezing, but I LOVE to be outside.