Today is May 1. Unbelievable! My life is so rich and so full that the days turn into weeks with a blink of an eye. April has been a growing month for us -- not only in the return of green and gardening, but in the depth of our souls as God has brought us through another trial leaning on Him and undergirding us in a way that is miraculous.
Our past month has involved a lot of slowing down. As our extracurricular activities draw to a close, we're allowed more leisure and work time around our home and little farm. There was a renewing of friendships between siblings as the sun brought more hours out of doors and rainy days allowed for hours of talking and playing and listening to audiobooks together - contemplating the important things in life (such as: "Can animals
really talk to people if you listen hard enough??"). Above is a picture of Isabelle and Isaac deep into listening and occasional questions while listening to Dr. Doolittle.
I noticed a strong return to pastimes of old during afternoons of freedom. Isaac is our resident collector, organizer, and money counter. I allowed him to clean out Dad's car (always an adventure) and to package up all the loose change. His reward: he gets to keep the money and add it to his soon-to-be-realized bank account which will be opened upon his completing his "Happiness is a Choice" daily chart which is emphasizing a willingness and joyfulness found in obedience through work.
Isabelle is fully reading. I mean REALLY reading. In two week's time, she has read three substantial books. Here I found her delightfully cozy on the porch swing, wrapped in blanket, completely immersed in "Wind in the Willows". She didn't even look up when I took her picture. Her latest ambition after reading oodles of books on Helen Keller is to learn sign language. She is fascinated and inspired by Helen's courage and determination in spite of obstacles. I
love when my children have heroes. This has been a great lead in to discussions on character and stick-to-it-ness. Isabelle and I are enjoying giving secret messages to each other by spelling out words using the sign language alphabet :-)
The month has been either beautifully sunny or windy beyond measure. It is a late spring and a cold one. My cold weather crops were planted a month ago but the tender plants will have to wait a bit longer until we are steadily in the 70's. In the meantime, the garden remains a vast empty slate that is wonderful to imagine. Ten yards of bark have been placed throughout the yard and garden. All that awaits is warmth and sunshine!
Our additions of the goats has been a good one. Isabelle is learning responsibility, the boys are realizing daily how very invaluable they are to do the "strong jobs" such as hauling buckets of water for their sister. Needing to be home twice a day to bottle feed them has kept us grounded and more purposeful. Animals are almost always a God-designed tool for calming us down. I knew this when we talked originally about getting them and I'm so thankful that we've been able to have this experience. They are definitely people lovers and cry for Isabelle at her usual "goat time" in the afternoon if she is late.
May brings more finishing up. The end of our homeschooling year occurs officially in a couple of weeks. Josiah completes Chemistry and Science Club for him (we start all over with Isaac next year). It will be the ending of several things for Josiah -- these are bittersweet days for him. Please keep him in your prayers as he endeavors to accomplish so very much at such a young age. He is so driven and ambitious and feels a definite call to finish well and finish soon. Joe and I often ask him what he's in a hurry for ... but he has a plan in mind and is anxious to fulfill it. He is four credits from completing his high school diploma and has plans to complete those classes this summer. Driver's Education is on the list of things to do along with participation in a Shakespeare play, violin and piano recitals, continued participation in Men's Bible study with our sweet church, weekly recreation nights with teens and young people from Columbia Bible Church, planting the garden, potentially beginning our remodel, camping with friends in Yellowstone (hoping to see ever so many baby animals!), and Josiah completing his second year of college via testing. It should be a fun month ahead!
Today is May 1. Unbelievable! My life is so rich and so full that the days turn into weeks with a blink of an eye. April has been a growing month for us -- not only in the return of green and gardening, but in the depth of our souls as God has brought us through another trial leaning on Him and undergirding us in a way that is miraculous. 
Our past month has involved a lot of slowing down. As our extracurricular activities draw to a close, we're allowed more leisure and work time around our home and little farm. There was a renewing of friendships between siblings as the sun brought more hours out of doors and rainy days allowed for hours of talking and playing and listening to audiobooks together - contemplating the important things in life (such as: "Can animals really talk to people if you listen hard enough??"). Above is a picture of Isabelle and Isaac deep into listening and occasional questions while listening to Dr. Doolittle.
I noticed a strong return to pastimes of old during afternoons of freedom. Isaac is our resident collector, organizer, and money counter. I allowed him to clean out Dad's car (always an adventure) and to package up all the loose change. His reward: he gets to keep the money and add it to his soon-to-be-realized bank account which will be opened upon his completing his "Happiness is a Choice" daily chart which is emphasizing a willingness and joyfulness found in obedience through work.
Isabelle is fully reading. I mean REALLY reading. In two week's time, she has read three substantial books. Here I found her delightfully cozy on the porch swing, wrapped in blanket, completely immersed in "Wind in the Willows". She didn't even look up when I took her picture. Her latest ambition after reading oodles of books on Helen Keller is to learn sign language. She is fascinated and inspired by Helen's courage and determination in spite of obstacles. I love when my children have heroes. This has been a great lead in to discussions on character and stick-to-it-ness. Isabelle and I are enjoying giving secret messages to each other by spelling out words using the sign language alphabet :-)
The month has been either beautifully sunny or windy beyond measure. It is a late spring and a cold one. My cold weather crops were planted a month ago but the tender plants will have to wait a bit longer until we are steadily in the 70's. In the meantime, the garden remains a vast empty slate that is wonderful to imagine. Ten yards of bark have been placed throughout the yard and garden. All that awaits is warmth and sunshine!
Our additions of the goats has been a good one. Isabelle is learning responsibility, the boys are realizing daily how very invaluable they are to do the "strong jobs" such as hauling buckets of water for their sister. Needing to be home twice a day to bottle feed them has kept us grounded and more purposeful. Animals are almost always a God-designed tool for calming us down. I knew this when we talked originally about getting them and I'm so thankful that we've been able to have this experience. They are definitely people lovers and cry for Isabelle at her usual "goat time" in the afternoon if she is late.
May brings more finishing up. The end of our homeschooling year occurs officially in a couple of weeks. Josiah completes Chemistry and Science Club for him (we start all over with Isaac next year). It will be the ending of several things for Josiah -- these are bittersweet days for him. Please keep him in your prayers as he endeavors to accomplish so very much at such a young age. He is so driven and ambitious and feels a definite call to finish well and finish soon. Joe and I often ask him what he's in a hurry for ... but he has a plan in mind and is anxious to fulfill it. He is four credits from completing his high school diploma and has plans to complete those classes this summer. Driver's Education is on the list of things to do along with participation in a Shakespeare play, violin and piano recitals, continued participation in Men's Bible study with our sweet church, weekly recreation nights with teens and young people from Columbia Bible Church, planting the garden, potentially beginning our remodel, camping with friends in Yellowstone (hoping to see ever so many baby animals!), and Josiah completing his second year of college via testing. It should be a fun month ahead!
3 comments:
♥.Thanks for sharing!
Blessings~ Trisha
Kristi, I am so glad you are back!!
I enjoy keeping up with your family.
I miss you all, can't believe it has been a year. Sending all a hug and love from Aunt Jenny.
I love your photos and thoughts they evoke.
Happy Mother's Day!
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