Adventures On Beck's Bounty

Moving ... Again ...

2011-06-06T09:18:00.001-05:00

We're moving again ... blog wise, that is ...

We moved to the new farm and are busy with LIVING LIFE on the farm ... so, rather than posting here, we will be posting about our adventures and so much more on our Two By Two Farm blog ...

... school, Cherubs, life, farm, gardens, critters, adventures ...

Please join us there from now on.

Busy ... Busy ... Busy

2011-05-18T06:01:00.000-05:00

It's been a while ... a long while ... a BUSY while.

We fenced ... we packed ... we hauled ... we moved ... and then began the process of getting settled. We're not "settled" completely (yes, there are still piles in a few places) because we've been busy mowing and trimming and taming the beautiful land here, and have been enjoying the springtime.

We have planned two vegetable gardens this year. The first is close to the house and is 20x62. We planted it this weekend -- yellow squash, zucchini, a few green beans, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuces, spinach, eggplant, and a few herbs. The second garden is down the driveway a bit and is quite a bit larger at 130 x 70. It will have more squash (yellow, zucchini, butternut, spaghetti, scallop, and a few others), more green beans, lots of sweet corn, two types of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Cherub 3 also found pumpkin seeds and wanted to give them a try ... small pumpkins and then a package of mammoth pumpkins that claims it'll produce a 200+ pound fruit. (I am not exactly sure what we're going to DO with a 200+ pound pumpkin though ... ha !)

In the middle of it all, the boys have been busy with Scouts (meetings, outings, planning), and the girls have been busy horse'n around (lessons, riding working our horses, and Cherub 2's volunteering at an equestrian therapy center). The bigger boys had a great time camping (Spring Camporee), Cherub 6 has been training (boxing) and has had a few matches, and the girls attended a great Trail Clinic and their first Horse Show (4H).

Needless to say, we've been in a bit of a whirlwind.

So -- what's up next ?

There's lots left to do around here, outside. We're hoping to add chickens to the farm (peeps !) in the next few weeks, and some guineas (oh my - there are wayyyy too many ticks here !!), and also perhaps a few beef cows (maybe this year, or maybe next) .... and who knows what else. So, the next big "farm" project here is building structures ... a chicken house, and a small shelter for our horses .... and putting up more fences. Do you have any "around the home place" projects this summer ?

And inside, we have decided that this year we are going to be working on school through the summer, although on a more flexible schedule to allow for plenty of summer fun. We're starting Monday morning, bright and early. We have some things we need to finish up, and some lessons that we didn't have time for earlier in the year that we want to work on ... and some of the Cherubs have skills that could use a bit more polishing and/or a bit more effort. Does your family keep a traditional school schedule with summers off, or do you work on your own schedule ? What are your family's plans academically this summer, or are summers "just for fun" ?

We have a busy day ahead of us ....

::::::::::: stay tuned :::::::::::

CM Blog Carnival

2011-05-18T05:34:00.000-05:00

" ... pull up a chair with a cup of tea and enjoy the latest edition of the Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival, Habit Training! If not today, make sure to bookmark the page; it's been posted here. If you like me, weren't able to get your submission in this time around, but would still like to follow along, please join in by leaving comments on the various posts! And in case you're wondering, the reading suggestions for this latest edition were as follows:

Habit Training

Volume 1, pgs. 96-164
Parent's Review article, "Early Tendencies in the Child: How to Check Them or Develop".

'Sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; a character, reap a destiny.'

In two weeks from today we'll be looking at Narration. So, if you'd like to join in with a blog post of your own, please do!! and feel free to submit your post anytime between now and 5pm May 30th, at this link.

The suggested readings (optional) for the upcoming carnival:

Narration

CM Series: Vol.1 pg.231 & Vol.3, pg179-181
PR Articles: We Narrate and then We Know and Some Notes on Narration

Busy ....

2011-04-02T06:54:00.000-05:00

Well, we've taken a bit of a detour from school in the traditional sense this week and last. We've put away the books and have been working on LIFE SKILLS ... fencing, pasture preparations, mowing, budgeting, packing ... running the "house" and keeping things like meals and laundry going while work is happening at the other house ... because we're in the middle of moving to our new farm.

Actually, we finally finished the fencing (needed to replace the fence on the whole pasture) which was a HUGEEEEE project ... and now that the pasture is nearly complete, we'll start moving household contents.

Check out our Farm Journal for our progress and our adventures ....

Two By Two Farm

Once we're moved, lock stock and barrel (and equine), we'll break out the books and lesson plans again and work on wrapping up our "formal" 2010-2011 school year ... which is usually anything BUT formal ... but you probably know what I mean ...

By then, it'll be time for summer fun, and planning next year's academic adventures, which will NOT include moving. :o)

CM Blog Carnival

2011-02-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

CM Blog Carnival

has been posted.

Enjoy.

Reminder: The Great Backyard Bird Count

2011-02-17T06:13:00.000-05:00

The annual Great Backyard Bird Count

is this weekend. Be sure to get your list printed,

and spend some time this weekend

counting feathered friends.

Then submit your data -- and prepare to be amazed.

Big Changes

2011-02-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

We have been looking at property for soooo longggg .... we found perfect land but imperfect homes ... just the right home but the land wasn't right .... would we try to build or find something already built .... ready-to-go or in need of renovations. The list went on and on ....

And then, we found IT ... the perfect farm ... 30 gorgeous acres and a lovely log home ... there's plenty of room for our family ... and lots of room for our animals, and their friends (it seems every animal we have comes with a friend - ha !) ... room for Dumma (my mother) to build her home in a few years after she retires ... and even room for the Cherubs to build their homes someday should they choose to.

The property has lovely land for pasture for our horses, and plenty of room for riding too. For now we are going to give our chickens to a dear friend, and once we build a new chicken house, we'll order a batch of new peeps. We're hoping to add some peacocks to our flock then, and also some guinea hens too. And there's mention of trying to raise our own beef -- but this is still in the research phase.

Gardens .... fruit trees .... oh the plans we have.

The farm is very private (almost 1/2 mil of driveway alone), yet it's less than 3 miles from the center of a cute little town ... and 20 minutes from a much bigger town (it might even be a city ?). It's located on the "other side" of the mountain that has been such a road block in seeing many dear friends ... so we're looking forward to seeing them more often too. And it's only a 7 minute drive from a gorgeous lake where the boat and jetskis can be used A LOT -- and that lake has an adorable marina where we can store the "water toys".

We're very excited. Did I mention that ? VERY excited.

So, between now and moving day, we're going to be doing a lot of downsizing and a lot of de-cluttering .... getting ready to pack up and move. And we're hoping to keep things organized ...

We're also focusing a lot of intense attention on our school work, in hopes that we can take a break for moving without setting ourselves behind too much, and without having to work through the bulk of the summer (but that's a possibility we're open to if it's necessary).

And until then, we're going to try to contain our excitement ... nahhhh ... we're getting more and more excited every day, as things fall into place.

We are naming our farm TWO BY TWO FARM ... and will be journaling our "adventures" on a new blog by the same name.

Enjoy.

December Highlights

2011-01-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

Cherub 6 -- Aspiring boxer.

Surprise visit from the Watson Men.

December 13th snow.

Christmas Eve horseback riding.

Dumma and the Polar Bears (Bella & Maggie) ...

waiting for Santa Claus ...

And the best gift of all, on Christmas morning ...

... eight beautiful inches of fluffy white

Christmas snow ...

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas,

and a Happy New Year too.

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T05:18:00.001-05:00

Taking A Break

2010-12-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

... because real-life is hectic just now ...

A Thanksgiving Prayer

2010-11-25T06:07:00.000-05:00

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank Thee for this place in which we dwell; for the love that unites us; for the peace accorded us this day; for the hope which we expect the morrow; for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth, and our friendly helpers in this foreign isle.

Let peace abound in our small company. Purge out of every heart the lurking grudge. Give us grace and strength to forbear and to persevere. Offenders ourselves, give us the grace to accept and to forgive offenders. Forgetful ourselves, help us to bear cheerfully the forgetfulness of others.

Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind. Spare to us our friends; soften to us our enemies. Bless us, if it may be, in all our innocent endeavors. If it may not, give us the strength to encounter that which is to come, that we be brave in peril, constant in tribulation, temperate in wrath, and in all changes of fortune, and down to the gates of death, loyal and loving one to another.

As the clay to the potter, as the windmill to the wind, as children of their sires, we beseech of Thee this help and mercy for Christ's sake. Amen.

By:  Robert Louis Stevenson

One Thousand Gifts: Multitude Monday

2010-11-23T05:19:00.000-05:00

681. Gracious and knowledgeable paramedics.

682. The University hospital.

683. A wonderful med-student-resident in the ER.

684. Modern medical technology showing the damage.

685. Less damage than “last time”.

686. Swallowing improving to about 75% of normal.

687. Speech clearing slowly but surely.

688. Eyes beginning to work together.

689. Cherubs flying solo … working together.

690. Dear friend L.E. sitting in the hospital, wrapping us in prayer and love.

691. Thoughtful loving friends bringing meals and fun to the Cherubs.

692. Tipping to the right side – but able to walk again.

693. Leaves blowing in the wind.

694. Gentle rains …

695. God’s protection … the clots didn’t do massive damage …

696. A flood of tears one morning … a cell number … a new beginning.

697. Waking with a purpose … a direction …

698. The courage to go there … butterflies in our tummies, not knowing … but trusting in Him.

699. A gentle prod from a dear friend to go on … to speak … to take that last HUGE step …

700. Healing tears … washing away bitterness and guilt … a flood.

701. Hugs from dearly missed friends …

702. Love given in spite of ourselves … and renewed.

703. Eggs from the barn … warm toast with jam …

704. Raking and blowing leaves with Cherubs – hard work keeps stress in check.

705. Dust on his walker – he’s not needing to use it as much as before as his walking improves.

706. Lighted candles at dinnertime.

707. Freezer full of farm-raised beef.

708. Daddy hugs … courageous Cherubs … hope.

709. Movie night … as a family.

710. A wonderful family doctor, who knows us, and truly cares.

711. A new plan … for studying His Word … and a renewed commitment … as a family.

712. Courage to trust that He will guide us … courage that’s been lacking lately …

713. He continued to call to us, even as we went our own ways for a while … His love for us never left … never …

714. Autumn breezes.

715. Sled hill freshly mowed; anticipation of fun winter days coming.

To learn more, or to participate in One Thousand Gifts: Multitude Monday, visit Ann Voskamp's Holy Experience.

Update On DadToCherubs

2010-11-16T07:33:00.000-05:00

Well, he's making progress.

His swallowing is improving bit by bit, and his walking is a bit better day by day (although he still uses the walker a bit, esp outside and away from home). His speech is definitely clearer, but it's still a bit slurred and becomes more slurred as he gets tired. And thanks to a great doctors appt yesterday, I think he got the first decent night's sleep he's had since the strokes on 11/4.

Now we just need physical therapy to start. We've given up on getting speech therapy and occupational therapy in addition to PT (all ordered to be done "at home" by the hospital when he was discharged) -- apparently he "lost" those when he physically went to the doctors because his meds weren't working well and because his clotting factor was reallllllyyyyy high. All I can figure is that our insurance company feels it can take better care of him from afar than his family doctor --- and that's why they want to manage his care ?!?! Ugggggg.

THANKS FOR PRAYING !! DadToCherubs is on the mend. Our God is AWESOME.

Update on DadToCherubs

2010-11-10T09:35:00.000-05:00

Good morning.

I just wanted to let you know that DadToCherubs was discharged to home from UT on Tuesday, after having strokes on Thursday night.

He is learning to walk again with the help of a walker, and is working through some speech-vision-hearing and a few other motor issues including continued swallowing-issues. But all in all, it could have been sooo much worse.

Home nursing and home physical therapy should begin in a day or so … and of course DadToCherubs’s determination to get better will help, at least as long as he doesn’t push too hard. HA !

I have to say that it was truly wonderful to sit at the dining room table last night for dinner together, again … being one of those token-few families that eats together at the table every night. After all of the excitement, the discharge process at the hospital, the drive home from UT, the longgggg walk into the house from the car ... and just the “homecoming” … well, it was exhausting for DadToCherubs … he slept most of the night through (and is still asleep at 930am).

The children are thrilled to be able to see him with their own eyes … it’s quite a scary process, a sick parent, to go through for a child … esp because our 3 older children well-remember last time. They all pitched in and worked together as a team this past week while Kevin was in the hospital … we are both so proud of them !!

Thank you so much, everyone, for your thoughts, prayers, kind words, and help.

Thank you L.E. and family for being there for us … again.

Thank you for the delicious meals, B family, E family, and M family.

Thank you J.B. for standing beside DadToCherubs yesterday, just in case, as he walked that longggg path he chose into the house … that “safe” feeling meant so much to us.

Thank you McK family for taking the girls to 4H … and to the B family for offering to take the boys to Scouts.

Thank you R.G. for being out back-up plan for horses, and for A.B. for coming to assist Cherub 2 with horse-chores.

We have quite a challenge before us as DadToCherubs makes progress and begins to heal …. But we know that God has this all under control.

He has truly blessed us beyond measure … and we stand in Awe …

Please continue to pray … for healing, for recovery, for strength, for PATIENCE, for guidance …

We’ll keep you posted.

Urgent Prayers Please

2010-11-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

DadToCherubs has had another stroke (Thursday night).

Right now, he is stable at the University Hospital on their neuro/stroke floor … with confirmed small strokes in cerebellum, and a multiple TIAs suspected in brain stem. Overall he’s doing pretty well, considering … we’re just watching and waiting to see what issues resolve, and which we have to work on … and he’s on monitors while we wait/hope/pray that he’s not going to have a bigger stroke before the heparin can thin his blood / any potential clots elsewhere.

It has been roughly 5 years since his last strokes, and the docs had hoped it was all under control. However ....

Please pray for him ... for the docs and nurses and therapists who are treating him ...

Artist Study

2010-11-04T05:56:00.000-05:00

Autumn Leaves

Artist: John Everett Millais

1856

Today ....

2010-11-02T14:28:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

2010-10-26T08:04:00.000-05:00

Today, be sure to hop over

and enjoy the newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival.

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-10-25T03:52:00.000-05:00

681. Girls + friends + sleepover = Lots of Giggles and Smiles.

682. Dear friend coming to check on our injured horse.

683. Successful last horse show of the season for SVHC.

683. Volunteering for 4H Fundraising.

684. Rain.

685. Bareback pads for comfy riding.

686. Herd order sorted out – peace prevailing.

687. Soft eyes, two ears up – happy horses.

688. Friend’s recommendation for Dr. S (vet) as our vet is away.

689. Dr. K.S.’s visit for Applejack’s eye – lots of meds, and a hopeful prognosis.

690. Dumma’s surprise weekend visit.

691. Watching my mom smile while hanging out with Button.

692. Hearing my mom say “Yes, MY little pony.” She loves her Button.

693. Cherub 2 napping on Applejack’s back – a beautiful bond has begun.

694. Smiling Cherubs while learning to work with our horses.

695. Fall cleaning completed ahead of schedule.

696. Polar Bear Play Time (our 2 Great Pyrs playing together)

697. We are “in the swing” of our school routine now.

698. Fun camping trip with Scouts for DadToCherubs and the boys.

699. Protection of L.E. (dirt bike accident, hospital, minimal injuries, home resting).

700. Freezer stocked with farm-raised beef.

701. Basket filled with fresh apples.

702. Orchard Grass Hay – loving the soft scent !!

703. Homemade bread baking – is there anything that smells better ?

704. Coffee in the morning.

705. The fall colors are b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.

706. Acorns, chestnuts, pecans --- pockets full of fall.

707. Local fields and haying time.

708. Nearing the end of lawnmowing season.

709. Enzamatic Therapy’s Beef Liver Extract.

710. Our new Homeschool Group.

711. It’s almost Election Day.

712. Aloe plant on the window sill.

713. Sweet, silly cats … laughing Cherubs who love them dearly.

714. The honor of praying for our vet (Dr. M) who is in Africa, serving Our Lord.

715. Applejack’s eye seems to be improving, bringing great comfort to Cherub 2.

For more information about the Gratitude Community, visit Ann Voskamp's A Holy Experience.

A Bit Of Creativity

2010-10-21T06:40:00.000-05:00

... or perhaps an over-abundance of it ....

is that even possible ?!?!

Wilson, the Hand Puppet

Great job Cherub 2 ....

and, errrrr, Wilson.

URGENT: Calling All Prayer Warriors

2010-10-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

This is an urgent, very special request
for friends of family friends ...
who are in need of prayer ... are crying out.
Please read The Matthews Story ...
and pray for little Ezra, for his precious family,
for the doctors and professionals involved in his care,
and most of all for his health as he fights for his life.

Nature Study Via Feline

2010-10-19T15:57:00.002-05:00

Our resident Bad Boys, Sylvie and Sandy (6 month old red tabby kittens) captured a "friend" today ... and they enjoyed playing with him so much that he died. Yuck.

NOTICE: When we found the Bad Boys and their "friend", he had long since expired - so we weren't able to "save" him. And he received a proper burial after this photo was snapped, much to the dismay of our Bad Boys.

Now really ....
what good homeschool Mom can pass up

an Educational Moment like this ?

Well, probably many. But not me !!
At least not this time.

Their "friend" was a Mole. We knew they existed, and have seen their tunnels near the woods, but because they live underground we had never actually seen a mole. We find Voles all the time which are mouse-sized or smaller, care of the 6 felines who live here, but never before a Mole.

So -- upon further study, we discovered that he was an Eastern Mole.

He was approximately 5" long, and according to our nature guide they can range from 4 1/2" - 6 1/2" in length in our area (and even bigger elsewhere !). They are solitary creatures who live almost all of their lives under ground.

Look at those fantastic front feet, specifically designed to dig up to 18 feet in a single day (WOW !) ... and to move more than 32x their body weight in soil at a time. WOW !!

I know .... ewwwwwwwwwww .... gross. But I couldn't resist .... I might never see one ever again (as I am inclined to live above ground) .... and thought perhaps other's hadn't seen one before either.

Carpe Diem.

Sunny's Shower

2010-10-17T10:02:00.000-05:00

Horse'n Around

2010-10-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

On Saturday we FINALLY had almost a whole

day at home. And the bareback pads we'd

ordered arrived ....

No one had been riding since

Applejack and Button arrived.

We'd been giving all 4 horses a chance

to settle ... to sort our their herd order ...

and have been "bonding"

with Applejack and Button.

So yesterday afternoon, Cherub 2

and Cherub 5

got our the bridles and the new

bareback pads ....

and took their first rides

on the new horses.

Cherub 5 rode Button.

And Cherub 2 rode Applejack first,

and then took a few spins on

Button.

Cinnamon and Sunny watched ...

and got lots of pets and love.

Everyone had a great time.

(photos taken with my phone, because

I totally forget to bring my camera

out to the pasture. Ugggg.)

CM Blog Carnival

2010-10-12T19:10:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

was posted.

Enjoy.

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-10-05T05:45:00.000-05:00

To learn more about, or to join, the Gratitude Community, visit here.

646. Crockpot of beef stew.

647. Homemade bread; Cherub 3 is quite a talented baker.

648. Tractor in the field – and Cherub 6’ smile. He loves tractors !

649. Freshly mowed pastures.

650. Freshly mowed golden fields around town, speckled with round bales.

651. Math lessons without errors.

652. Cozy sweaters on chilly mornings.

653. Stalls of fresh shavings – pine fresh.

654. Chicken soup IS good for the soul. And good for dinner too.

655. Giggles with Cherubs.

656. Reading Dr. Seuss …again. Those stories never lose their “magic”.

657. Great weekend for camping – crisp, cool, but not cold. And no rain.

658. Three boys (and DadToCherubs) who had a grand time at the Camporee.

659. Texting helps my memory. HA !

660. Deep conversations with our teens; their perspectives, their dreams.

661. Herbal teas to soothe Cherub’s fall allergies.

662. Cluck cluck of chickens roaming about.

663. Laundry is eternal – but is, for now, caught up again.

664. Exchanging flip flops for boots, shorts for jeans, t-shirts for sweaters.

665. Apologia’s Astronomy with our 3 younger Cherubs.

666. Autumn’s wildflowers – ironweed, goldenrod. How lovely.

667. Hauling a horse trailer to Crossville to pick up horses; no issues.

668. Picking up Applejack and Button, to bring them home.

669. Standing by, watching, as Cinnamon and Applejack sort things out.

670. Watching as Cherub 2 enters the field, and Applejack comes to her side.

671. Brushing “our” new horses – bonding time.

672. Morning winnies from Sunny in the barn – Good Morning, she says.

673. Peppermint tea before bedtime

674. We’re never too old for bedtime stories. Right now we’re reading Misty of Chincoteague (Marguerite Henry).

675. Watching Cherub 1 sink into his studies with joy – Oceanography, Ecology, Natural Science.

676. Cherub 6’s excitement as he heads to Boxing lessons.

677. Bella’s new haircut - clean and fresh (but might need her coat).

678. Being loved, honored, cherished by my husband … every day.

679. Horsemanship lessons … gaining confidence … a trusted teacher to guide.

680. Alarm clocks on sleepy mornings.

CM Blog Carnival

2010-09-29T06:10:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

has been posted.

Enjoy.

Every Vote Counts

2010-09-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

Please, make sure you are registered to vote, that you know where your voting site is, and that you make a plan to vote, either on November 2, by absentee ballot, or during your state's early voting period.

Without a plan, it's very easy to miss deadlines or let other things get in the way. Don't let this happen to you this year. Your vote is very important; more important this time than in many years past. Make it a point to talk to everyone you can about getting registered and getting ready.

We can do this!

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-09-27T06:23:00.000-05:00

621. Brownies, freshly baked, and loaded with love from Cherub 2.

622. Fresh baked honey wheat bread.

623. Specks of gold and red and orange in the green of the forest.

624. Daytime highs in the 70s --- what a wonderful change !!

625. Clean stalls, lined with fresh pine shavings.

626. Watching Cherubs learn to work with and ride our horses. Trail rides too.

627. Flying Solo for our first outing with our horses. Cherubs and horses. Praising God !!

628. A surprise visit from Dumma.

629. Chocolate cupcakes.

630. Beginning our 4^th week of school together, here at home. How time flies !!

631. Red dogwood “berries”.

632. Pecans and chestnuts, still in their “jackets, turning from green to brown.

633. Bathing suits & shorts to jeans & sweaters; autumn won’t be long now.

634. Cherubs working with Oil Pastels in their Nature Journals.

635. Dove soap.

636. Nature Study outings with friends.

637. The blessing of a new healthy baby girl for dear friends (R.B.).

638. Momma and baby are doing well (Praise God !).

639. Chicken salad.

640. Rain falling gently all through the night, after nearly 4w of drought.

641. Two days/nights of scattered soft rain.

642. Plans for a camping trip with dear friends; what fun it’ll be !

643. Scouting Adventures – restored hope, renewed enthusiasm, bright outlooks, great plans.

644. Golden fields mowed short, spotted with round bales.

645. Finally finding that “magic” horse for Cherub 2, after much searching since June (when Smokie passed away). On Sunday when they met, it was “love at first sight” …. that very special kind of love that only exists between a little girl and the horse who “chose” her when their eyes met. ** Thank you, JE and WE, for "that smile" ... and for offering this beautiful animal at "just" the right time. And thank you, Lord, for this opportunity timed so perfectly, for her tender little heart's healing -- and for the blessing of being able to witness the moment their eyes met. **

To join the Gratitude Community, or to learn more, visit Ann Voskamp's A Holy Experience.

It's Here !!

2010-09-23T06:49:00.002-05:00

Flying Solo

2010-09-22T15:09:00.002-05:00

Saturday began with horesy baths ----

lots of scrubbing, brushing, combing.

Once both horses were clean, they rested for a short while.

Then they got loaded into a trailer,
which was loaned to us

by dear friends, just for the occasion.

We drove our horses to R.B. Equestrian Center

for a playdate ---

it was the first time our family flew "solo" --

loading, hauling, and and attending an event
with our own horses.

It went GREAT !!
Smoother than we dared to even hope.

(Thanks to the G family for prepping us so well !)

Cinnamon tried on her

pretty pink sparkly halter while

she and Cherub 2 practiced

some "in hand"

skills in the arena.

SunnySocks visited an arena

for the very first time ...

she was a little spooked when

some other horses/riders

were going round and round,

but DadToCherubs and Cinnamon

helped her calm down and collect herself.

After the arena time, Sunny and DadToCherubs

hung out by the horse trailer.

Sunny watched Cinnamon and Cherub 2,

and munched some yummy hay.

She did soooo well for her first trip !!

Meanwhile, Cinnamon and Cherub 2 "tooled around"

on the Trail Course together, trying various "skills".

After a short while, Cinnamon and Cherub 2

headed down to the arena for a bit more riding ...

and Sunny watched them from the hillside.

Although it's not a good photo, you can clearly

see the JOY in Cherub 2's face ...

a girl and her horse ...

in the arena, riding for the first time.

What fun !!

Cherub 2 on Cinnamon, and their teacher/trainer

Ms. R on Kodak, riding in the arena together.

Don't they look so pleased just to be together ?

They tooled around a bit more on the trail course

while Sunny watched -- Sunny did sooooo well,

patiently waiting and watching (and munching !).

After spending about 2 hours at R.B.,

both horses and humans alike were so pleased.
Everything was going even better than we'd hoped.
So, while all was going so well,
we packed up our beautiful horses and

headed home.

It was a fantastic day !!

Sunny did really well, especially for
her very first time

at an official "arena"
with all of the new horses,
new people, new sights, new smells

... it was a great start for her future.

And of course Cinnamon and Cherub 2

had a lovely time working together.
This was their first official "outing"
together too.

Now they are looking forward to

possibly showing together for

the first time this fall.

Thanks to Dumma for coming

along with us.

And thanks G family for

making our first solo trip such

a special day,

for helping us succeed,

and to Ms. R for being such

a patient and dedicated teacher.

We appreciate you all !!

The Offical Last Day Of Summer

2010-09-21T14:18:00.000-05:00

Today marks the autumnal equinox, the point in the year when the length of day and night are equal (the exact time this year is 11:09 p.m. ET).

Starting tomorrow, the days will be getting shorter, the air brisker, the nights a little longer.

CM Blog Carnival

2010-09-14T09:15:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

was posted this morning.

Enjoy !!

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-09-13T07:41:00.000-05:00

601. First day of school – excitement, expectations, education.

602. Cool mornings - some when I could almost use a sweater.

603. Air conditioning off, curtains blowing with gentle breezes.

604. Camping with Scouts.

605. Quenching rain.

606. Laundry caught up. For the moment at least.

607. Delivering firewood cut from trimmings to dear friends.

608. Tiny touches of red and gold in the green of the mountains – the coming of Autumn.

609. Fresh baked bread; first loaf made by Cherub 3. It was delicious.

610. Warm oatmeal on cool mornings.

611. DadToCherubs began his diet, and is beginning to lose. Hooray !

612. A very smooth first week of school completed.

613. Heartfelt discussions with Cherubs - they are growing up so quickly.

614. Cinnamon’s limp – it was just a sting or bite. Praise the Lord !

615. Giggles shared with the girls, late at night.

616. Horse-y playdate coming up --- how fun !

617. Swimming and splashing together at Indian Boundary.

618. Warm tea shared during our Bedtime Read Alouds.

619. Solid school plans, clear to-do’s for every day.

620. A successful beginning for our local homeschool support group.

Would you like to join in the counting of the many blessings Our Father bestows on us ? Visit here to learn more about the Gratitude Community, or simply visit Ann Voscamp's A Holy Experience.

Signs of Autumn

2010-09-12T09:27:00.000-05:00

We went up to the lake at Indian Boundary

yesterday to swim a little, and noticed some touches

of color laced through the forested mountains.

It seems Autumn may be

coming sooner than we'd thought ....

Elective: Equestrian Studies

2010-09-09T15:05:00.001-05:00

Cherub 2's school plans for one of her electives

this year are a bit "horse-y".

She has been learning to ride for a year now,
but wants to take her "hobby" more seriously now,
as she is considering a career in the Equestrian world.

Her plans, assembled in a Charlotte Mason style,
include a combination of horse literature (fiction and non-fiction),

horse veterinary care and anatomy,

horse "care" manuals,
horse training methods and resources,

DVDs about various horse-topics

such as styles of training and riding,

perhaps some riding clinics and shows (and of course Horse 4H) ....

Some of the books we've planned are:

True Horsemanship Through Feel (Training - Leslie Desmond & Bill Dorrance)

Natural Horsemanship: Six Keys To A Natural Horse-Human Relationship (Training - Pat Parelli)

Natural Horsemanship Explained: From Heart To Hands (Training - Robert Miller)

The Seven Games of Parelli Natural Horsemanship (Training - video - Pat Parelli)

The Horse Owners Veterinary Handbook (Care and Keeping - Thomas Gore, DVM)

The Horse Lover's Bible: The Complete Practical Guide To Horse Care and Management (Tamsin Pickeral)

True Horse Story (Literature - various titles from this series by Judy Andrekson & David Parkins)

Black Beauty (Literature - Anna Sewell)

My Friend Flicka (Literature - Mary O'Hara - we'll also watch movie 1 and 2)

National Velvet (Literature - Enid Bagnold)

The Black Stallion (Literature - this title and other's in the series - Walter Farley)

Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague, King of the Wind, Justin Morgan (and other stories).

Draw 50 Horses (Art - Lee Ames)

All of these are tied together in a neat balanced package,

and are topped with weekly Horsemanship Training and

weekly Horseback Riding Lessons.

Today our trainer/teacher came ....

Ms. "R" worked with Sunny first (our yearling),

and then the whole party went off on

their first trail "adventure" next door.

It promised to be a wonderful adventure !!

Sunny was busy checking everything out ...

and other than a few small spooks,

she did really really well for her first

time on a trail "walk" !

Sunny loves and trusts Ms. R ....

plus she seems to gather a lot of her

"horse" confidence from Cinnamon ....

As you can imagine then,

having Cinnamon AND Ms. R with her on the trail

worked really well.

Her spooks were limited (and short lived) ...

and without much spookiness,

Sunny is curious and continues to be willing to "try" new things.

By the end of the trail, Sunny was "old hat" at trail walking.

She appeared to be quite pleased with herself.

HA !

Cinnamon acted as though she had ridden this trail

a gazillion times before, even though it was her first time ...

she and Cherubs 2 had a fantastic time together, I believe.

Above: And look at that view ... WOW !!

What a blessing it is to live here,

and to see this every single day.

Here's the adventurous party heading back toward the barn ....

And here, Cherub 2 and Cinnamon are waiting for

Sunny and Ms. R to catch up ....

we also suspect that Cinny was

checking to be sure we

didn't want her to maybe go

into the barn first ....

maybe a snack from the Feed Room, Cinny thought ???

Ahhhhh ... back in the pasture again ...

safe and sound ...

and s-o-f-t.

All of the adventurers, human and equine alike,

were pleased ... it was a grand adventure, indeed.

Our First Day

2010-09-06T15:04:00.000-05:00

Our supplies were ready ....

so after a nice breakfast of apple oatmeal, we began ...

We discussed art by Joni Eareckson Tada -- and

allowing God to work through our hands as

we grow more artistic and creative.

We also discussed the worthlessness of

"I can't ....".

If you know Miss Tada's story, you'll

understand why "I can't ..."

just doesn't work.

We "played" with Oil Pastels for the first time ...

learning strokes and methods ...

getting the "feel" for them.

We'll spend our first Term working with Pastels.

Everyone started reading their new books ...

Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis) is one

the "big kids" have begun.

The High School

Overall, it was a fantastic day.

The Cherubs are excited about a new year ...

well, at least about "most" subjects. HA !

Now we're off to run and play

for the rest of the afternoon ...

to get the "wiggles" out,

to run and jump and skip ...

and to relax.

How was your first day ?

CM Blog Carnival

2010-08-31T08:03:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

is ready.

Enjoy.

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-08-30T09:55:00.000-05:00

571. Cooler days, and yes, high 80s is cooler.

572. Night times with open windows, curtains blowing with the cool breezes.

573. Our new homeschool support group.

574. Freshly mowed grass, and the cool rains that quench the land.

575. A clean sparkling house before traveling – rest-to-be for weary travelers.

576. Line dried sheets and blankets.

577. Smooth travels into and around

Georgia

578. Watching Cherubs discover the Atlantic for the first time (that they can remember).

579. Collecting seashells on the shore at sunrise.

580. Moments captured by our resident shutterbug, Cherub 1.

581. Surf and sand … playing with Cherubs.

582. Visiting Zoo Atlanta with the Cherubs.

583. A speechless Cherub 5, standing 5 feet or less from Tara, a REAL elephant, with tears streaming down her cheeks. Priceless !!

584. Tears of joy again from Cherub 5 when she saw the Panda’s.

585. Visiting with Dumma in Atlanta.

586. Adventures in Paleontology with Cousin Bobby – wow !

587. Cherub faces after trying fresh coconut for the first time – after watching them “crack it” first. HA !

588. Fellowship time with other homeschool families at the lake.

589. Watching Cinnamon grow healthier and stronger under guidance by our caring vet.

590. Cherub 2 and Cinnamon – there’s nothing like watching a girl with the horse she loves.

591. Supplies ready, books chosen, plans made --- 1 week left before we begin our new school year.

592. Tree limbs heavy with nuts – pecans, chestnuts. It won’t be long now until Autumn is here.

593. New teas purchased at the World Market in Atlanta – our tea drawer is filling up again, ready for warm cozy nights with herbal tea and bedtime stories.

594. A new Scout troop – renewed enthusiasm, new friendships, and great plans.

595. Preparing to introduce other families to Nature Studies – sharing something we love with others. What an honor.

596. Family friends (B family and T family) who are expecting a new baby soon --- we are honored to lift them in prayer !

597. DadToCherubs’ new commitment to a healthier diet, regular exercise, and visions of a bright future when he’ll be feeling better.

598. Sharpened pencils, open minds …. Cherubs looking forward to school beginning next week.

599. Hints of color on the mountains – fall won’t be long in coming.

600. Beginning again our nightly study of His Word all together.

For more information about the Gratitude Community, or to join us in being God-Seekers and Joy Finders, visit Ann's blog, A Holy Experience.

Georgia Getaway For 8

2010-08-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

This past long-weekend, DadToCherubs planned a wonderful mini-vacation.

First stop ... Tybee Island. Second stop ... Atlanta.

We left Thursday morning early, and hit the highways, arriving at Stop 1 around 330pm.

Above: The Cherubs are anxiously waiting to get on the beach ...

(Above: South beach area of Tybee Island, Georgia)

Although our older Cherubs visited the Atlantic Ocean

when they were much younger, none remembers.

So, this was considered to be their first trip

to the ocean.

We play in the river and local lakes, a lot.

But nothing prepared our Cherubs for the

wind, the beach, the view, then adventure ...

and the waves amazed them.

Cherub 1 has become quite the shutterbug, and

was up and on the beach before sunrise

with his camera.

(The photo above and the photo below were taken by Cherub 1.

He has quite an eye, we think.)

We played until dark on the beach Thursday night.

The early Friday morning, with breakfast in hand,

we set out to collect seashells ... walking the beach ...

wow, the things we found !

(Moon Jellyfish above & birdie-prints below)

Pelicans

We also saw some dolphins in the water,

but couldn't get our camera "snapped" in time.

WOW -- how amazing !!!

Seagulls

While walking near a jetty on the North end of Tybee Island,

we found Mr. Stonecrab,

and gently pulled him out for a better view.

Afterwards, we tucked him back where we found him.

(He wasn't happy to be part of our adventures.

He managed to pinch DadToCherubs.)

Just what everyone wants to hear before swimming in the ocean ...

we happened upon this man who was fishing ...

just as he caught (and released) a baby Black Tip shark.

Uhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Yes - he caught it while standing on the beach.

Yikes.

DadToCherubs and I couldn't hold them back anymore ....

the water was "calling" to them, they said.

They just HAD to get in it ... the faster, the better.

So they spent the rest of the morning and

most of the afternoon playing in the water

and playing in the sand.

Cherub 2 and Cherub 3 buried

Cherub 1 in the sand.

After a grand day of playing in

Tybee Island, GA, at the beach ....

we packed up in the van, and drove toward

Atlanta to see our grandmother (Dumma) ....

and were all sound asleep shortly after arriving.

The sun and surf had been exhausting !

And on Saturday morning, bright and early,

we headed out to ....

... which was another first for most of our Cherubs.

Cherub 5 was positively beside herself

with excitement .... we arrived just in time

to see Tara having her breakfast.

Tears of joy were shed by Cherub 5 ....

real ... live ... elephants.

We all loved the Meercats.

Zebras ... wow !

The Lions were grumpy, but beautiful

none the less.

Giraffes.

This is Ivan, a gorilla.

He arrived at the Atlanta Zoo in 1994

after Atlanta's male gorilla, Willie B, passed away.

Here's the story .... Ivan was born at the

National Zoo in Washington, D.C. in 1967.

He lived in Washington, D.C, until his

move to Atlanta.

And since I grew up visiting the National Zoo

at least every year of my childhood in

Maryland .... Ivan and I had met

many times before.

Isn't that funny ?!??!

The Reptile House was a BIG hit with the boys !

Then, near the end of our visit, Cherub 5 was

nearly in tears again ... tears of joy ...

when we saw the Giant Panda exhibit.

After a longgggg day of walking ....

we headed back to Dumma's for a good night's sleep.

Then on Sunday we visited Cousin Mindy, her son Bobby,

and her husband Cousin Phil.

They served a delicious barbeque for lunch ... yummy !

And afterward lunch came another moment

we had all been waiting for ....

you see, Bobby is a Paleontologist.

Yes - a real live Dinosaur Scientist !!

(The children kept talking about how

blessed we are to have so many

"scientists" in our family !!

A Marine Biologist, a Marine Vet,

and a Paleontologist !!

WOW !)

Bobby is visiting his mother in Atlanta

on his way home from a dig ....

he's transporting his "finds" back to the museum.

The skull of a small Raptor.

(white is actual bone and gray is "reconstruction")

Bobby talking to the boys about his "finds".

Sea floor discoveries with some reconstructions.

And the big brown bone in the middle ---

a real "toe bone" from a T-Rex !!!!

A nearly 6 foot tall leg from a

yet-to-be-named creature

that looked rather like a large Ostrich,

except it was without feathers

and arms instead of wings

and no beak.

Bobby then took the Cherubs out

to look for fossils and artifacts --

talking to them about where to find fossils,

what they can expect to find in various settings,

and more.

They found a few small fossils -- mostly plant remains.

WOW !!

What an amazingly educational afternoon !!

So, the Cherubs are already begging Bobby to come to

visit us and dig a little in Tennessee in our

"neck of the woods"

next time he is passing nearby.

He said he would try ..... so stay tuned !!

We visited some more with Cousin Mindy, Cousin Phil,

and Bobby, having chocolate creme pie (yummy !).

Then, late on Sunday afternoon, after a long trip ....

we headed home to Tennessee.

We arrived just before dark,

visited our pets .... unpacked the car ...

and headed to bed.

We had an amazing mini-vacation ...

but it's good to be home again.

CM Blog Carnival

2010-08-17T19:37:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival: Nature Edition

is lovely.

Be sure to check it out.

He Said ...

2010-08-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

He said

"Shhhh. I'm thinking ..."

Doesn't this look fabulous ?!?!

What We've Been Up To

2010-08-15T16:30:00.000-05:00

View from Buck's Bald

Sugar

Exploring

Visits with new friends

Hikes

Storm Watching

Time with family

New adventures

Nature walks

Lots of Horse'n around

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-08-09T06:18:00.001-05:00

546. Passing storms and cooling rains.

547. Fresh corn on the cob.

548. Horsey bathtime, and a daughter’s giggles.

549. Watching our flock wander.

550. Waiting pencils, notebooks, paper and books – a new year set to begin.

551. Hard-working DadToCherubs; a dedicated provider.

552. Starry skies and clear nights.

553. Driving to the hustle and bustle of the city; busy-ness.

554. Iced coffee drinks – yummy.

555. Yardsale treasures – pink glittered halters, the perfect cowgirl hat.

556. Attending Route 127 Yardsale with my mother – what fun !!

557. Curvy mountain roads, the National Forest, peeking at the mountaintops.

558. School plans in the making – a promising year.

559. Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Precious !!

560. Time for heart to hearts.

561. Stacks of new library books, and Cherubs begging “can we read now ?”.

562. Bindweed blossoms by the roadsides.

563. Butterfly weed blooming as we meander the mountain roads.

564. Fresh peaches – drippy, sweet, sticky goodness.

565. Morning winnies from the barn.

566. Watermelon for lunch.

567. Tax-Holiday sales on school supplies (pennies saved).

568. Visits with Dumma.

569. Pecan trees full of nuts – chestnut trees and oaks too.

570. Bee balm in bloom.

"Want to drink the joy elixir? Become a Joy Finder? Consider joining the Gratitude Community -- just jump in with your own counting! How to begin your own 1000 Gift List ::: How Gratitude Can Change your Life "
(The above is taken, directly quoted, from Holy Experience, by Ann.)

Pennies Saved .... Wrinkles Earned.

2010-08-08T15:39:00.000-05:00

This weekend is Tennessee's Annual Sales Tax Holiday.
There is no sales tax on school supplies, clothing, shoes, computers, and more.

Add to that the fact that most area public schools begin tomorrow (our new homeschool year will begin at the end of August).

So, I decided to head out to get our school supplies, hoping to save a few pennies ...

The stores were MOBBED ... with people ... grumpy people ... lots of them ... white-knuckling lists and shoving carts along ... looking for orange two-prong folders and red marking pencils and 12ct watercolor sets .... it wasn't pretty.

Our supply list isn't very specific - notebooks, paper, pencils, and such things. But my cart was full, and my list crossed-off .... and I headed to the line, and stood for nearly an hour waiting to check out ....

Although I saved a few pennies, I am not sure the stress of it all was worth it. I think I have a few new wrinkles ..... HA !

CM Blog Carnival

2010-08-05T09:11:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

is ready.

Enjoy.

Scribbles

2010-07-30T14:23:00.000-05:00

"Oh ! If I were a leaf upon a tree

I'd live my life so happily !

I'd grow up to be green and big,

unless of course I was a twig.

A twig with a leaf upon my end ...

then that leaf could be my friend !"

Today I am in the throws of MAJOR back-to-school reorganizing.

And as I was sorting, I found this precious poem scribbled on some crumpled scratch paper,

tucked away hastily in a drawer many "moons" ago. I wonder if the author even remembers ....

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-07-29T20:38:00.000-05:00

526. Freshly mowed grass.

527. Sliced sun-ripened tomatoes on home-baked bread.

528. Nest of baby birds.

529. Girl’s riding lessons.

530. Spishing and splashing in the lake on hot afternoons.

531. Blooming bee balm.

532. Cloud-watching with Cherubs.

533. Swimming at the lake.

534. Cherubs building sandcastles lake-side.

535. Rock-skipping contests.

536. Climb the tree .. grab the rope .. swing down .. SPLASH !!

537. Drippy icecream cones.

538. Cousins visit at our farm from Maryland.

539. Piles of new school books – oh the plans we have !!

540. Watching Sunny roll and play in the stall in the freshly-spread sawdust.

541. Homeschool Expo – lunch with a friend – visiting, browsing, and shopping.

542. Completed reorganizing project – our home library.

543. Storm clouds gathering on hot afternoons.

544. Freshly mowed pastures.

545. Farrier’s visit – manicures for horses. HA !

I was running a bit behind this week in posting this.

Too much crazy summer fun ...

and far more than "one thousand" gifts ...

I am reminded so often that I am blessed beyond measure

by Him who loves me so completely.

Want to learn more about Multitude Monday ?

Visit Holy Experience.

Carnival

2010-07-20T13:22:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

has just been posted at

A Dusty Frame.

Enjoy.

Pondering Our Trials, And Praying ....

2010-07-19T07:53:00.000-05:00

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-07-19T06:22:00.000-05:00

501. Sweet sweet rain, and passing thunderstorms.

502. Coffee brewing … quiet time.

503. Yellow and white kernels … melted butter … delicious !

504. Buckets of red “sunshine” --- fresh picked tomatoes.

505. Family workdays; jobs well done rewarded by cold refreshing popsicles.

506. Shopping lists … books to buy … pencils, pens, notebooks.

507. Sparkling clean windows at sunrise.

508. Empty hampers … the conquering of Mt. Laundry.

509. Loving pups at our feet (Bella and Maggie).

510. Fresh Cotton scented candle.

511. Ink and paper stacked, waiting, for school plans to be made ready.

512. Visits with dear friends.

513. Orchard grass hay --- oh the sweet scent.

514. Horses munching and crunching.

515. Through the windows, the scent of freshly mowed grass.

516. Homemade pizza, crafted by Cherub 3. The best pizza I’ve ever had !

517. Watching Cherub 2 ride again; her grief is lifting, and so is Cinnamon’s.

518. Morning winnies – our horses say Good Morning as we enter the barn.

519. Radar … watching storms approach … and pass.

520. Polished stainless steel gleaming – a clean kitchen.

521. Picnics at the lake with friends.

522. Quick trips to the river nearby to swim … cool down … play.

523. Line-dried sheets at bedtime.

524. Pens to mark, and White Out handy just in case.

525. Kittens purring … playing … snuggling. How precious.

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-07-12T09:43:00.001-05:00

467. Wet cool rain falling, after over 4 weeks of hot, dry, and drought.

468. Van repaired – and running great again. God provides.

469. Sweet Smokie – that beautiful face greeting us every morning.

470. Five days and nights in the barn with Smokie, begging her to “just hold on”.

471. A friend volunteering in the dark hours. And our vet of 12 years in touch the whole time, and here whenever we needed him.

472. Gorgeous red maples …. Knowing that was “it” … as the battle waged on.

473. Our horse trainer, and dear friend, stopping in to encourage us.

474. Hours spent stroking Smokie’s precious face …. Oh those beautiful eyes.

475. Being trusted by such a large creature … her sweet willingness to endure.

476. Those final hours … waiting for the vet … praying for the strength to “know” when it was time. And knowing our vet was praying right along with us.

477. Heart-weary oldest daughter who had to bear it all with many tears… she who rests in Him, knowing he created this incredibly beautiful creature just for her, just for this time …. The privilege of holding her hand as she matured through these challenging emotional days.

478. Trusting Our Father that this pain, this heartache, has a purpose …. We never doubted His work.

479. Gracious and Noble …. Our vet’s words, describing Smokie ….

480. Watching Smokie slowly lose the battle despite our best efforts … and knowing that because of this battle, because He brought her into our lives, that we are stronger, wiser, braver … all because we clung to Him, begged Him to guide us, to show us.

481. Hearts drawn closer to Our Lord …. Even in adversity. Praise God.

482. A month long visit with our nephew. We pray we were a blessing to him.

483. God’s protection at Summer Camp, for DadToCherubs and our boys.

484. Cool rivers, rushing waterfalls, sparkling lakes – summer time fun !

485. Trips to the lake with friends. Splashing, sandcastles, and picnics.

486. Giggling girls … a tent pitched in the yard … how sweet.

487. Colors of summer – black eyed susans blooming, pink watermelon juice on chins, lemonade in glasses of sparkling ice.

488. Feathered friends at the bird feeders – He is the Master Artist.

489. Dragging out my sketchbook, for the first time in yearsssssssss.

490. Miss Fancy Pants growing by leaps and bounds … such a wonderful horse.

491. Watching Cinnamon search for her friend of 10 or more years …. sharing her crying pain … then joining together as we move forward … to LIVE.

492. Watching Cherub 2 bathe and feed and care for them …. Beautiful equines … gifts from above.

493. Dear friend and teacher – helping us push on – varying the lessons, encouraging, sharing her heart’s memories. Such a blessing to our battle-weary hearts.

494. Cartons of eggs freshly gathered … bountiful breakfasts.

495. Walks in the cool woods on steamy hot days …. Trees, mosses, grasses … a Master Artist, he is indeed.

496. School days coming soon … lists made … orders soon to be made … plans slowly taking shape. Could it be so soon that we will begin again ?

497. Surprise: the call to town, the superintendent’s visit … city water is already on site … just waiting to be connected, to give our weary well a much needed break. God Provides …. Again and again.

498. Icecream cones at the “beach” … while dipping our toes in the cool river. Delicious.

499. Cherub 1’s care of the family --- his stepping forward, laundry, cooking, keeping things in order --- a leader in the making. Praise God for his generous, thoughtful spirit. We might’ve been lost, and hungry, and dirty, without his enormous help during the battle.

500. Eye exams … new glasses … vision coverage … sweet Dr. C …

Blog Award

2010-07-10T14:33:00.000-05:00

Thank you Barb,

of Handbook of Nature Study

and Harmony Art Mom,

for honoring our blog with this

"A Blog With Substance" award.

The Award Rules:
•Thank the blogger who awarded it to you.

•Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation,

and experience using ten (10) words.

•Pass it on to 10 other blogs which you feel have real substance.

Stay tuned ........

A Tough Summer

2010-07-07T06:26:00.000-05:00

It's nearly mid July already !!

Where did the time go ?!?!

We manged to get school wrapped up

and the garden mostly planted ...

and then our summer exploded.

In between visitors, we had car issues,

squash bugs, a very sick horse, well issues ....

Let's just say that there haven't exactly been

a lot of lazy summer days this year.

So, we're taking some time off,

blogging and otherwise,

simply to collect ourselves ....

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

2010-07-07T06:18:00.000-05:00

Check out the newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival.

Enjoy !!

CM Blog Carnival

2010-06-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

is ready.

Enjoy.

Finding Books

2010-06-16T06:44:00.000-05:00

We've begun a bit of the planning for our 2010-2011 school year ... we're starting to discuss which topics to study ... courses to take ... learning objectives to target ... and of course we're discussing which resources we can use.

As I plan each year, I usually begin with a series of conversations. Together, each Cherub and I formulate a rough mental-sketch for the year (for each child).

Then, in the first few planning sessions, I scroll through many of the "free" resources online (picking and choosing very selectively -- when they're free, it's easy to over-plan. What's one more book / project / etc, right ?!?!?!). Sometimes our Cherubs check them out too ... ~~pre-reading~~ test driving them. (and sometimes certain Cherubs test drive particular books all the way from page 1 to the last, which means we have to find another book for use later. HA !)

I check out topic and reading lists at Ambleside Online, along with other "curriculum" type resources and reading lists.

And then I browse books at Project Gutenburg, Classic Bookshelf, Baldwin Online Children's Project, Perseus Digital Library (c/o Tufts University), The Rosetta Project, Read Books Online, Books By Gosh, UPenn's Online Book Page, Many Books, Questia, Chest of Books, Classic Book Library, Bibliomania, Full Books, Internet Public Library, University of Virginia's E Text, Classic Reader, Bored.com, Read Print, The Literature Network, LibriVox, Bartleby, as I look for ideas and options. Often these older books are of much higher quality (literary language, illustrations), often the topics are covered with much more depth (there are many living books to be found through the above websites !), and of course the pricetag is very appealing. We've used vintage books for literature, free reading, topical studies, phonics / beginning reading, history, science, natural science, poetry, geography, grammar, and more ....

So, just when I thought I'd found ~~"all" of the~~ enough sites ... I stumbled across a lovely website called Happy Hearts Homeschooling Library which contains many free online vintage books for subjects like history, civics, handicrafts, nature study, and more.

Enjoy.

2010-06-14T20:56:00.000-05:00

"If you hear a voice within you say

'you cannot paint'

then by all means paint,

and that voice will be silenced."

~Vincent Van Gogh

Multitude Monday: One Thousand Gifts

2010-06-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

426. Wonderful hospital staff monitoring and caring for Cherub 3.

427. All of those Nature Studies – and Cherub 3’s fast recognition of a Black Widow.

428. God’s protection of Cherub 3 from the worst of the Black Widow’s venom – Praise God !!

429. Cherubs attending Horse Camp. Good times, good friends, great fun.

430. Dr. A.B., horse camp director and fun-time-creator. (Thank you A.B.)

431. Cool flowing clean river nearby on hot sticky days.

432. Cousin I coming to visit.

433. Fresh picked garden lettuce – yummy !

434. Plants loaded with little green “maters” – it won’t be long now !

435. A successful Outdoor Expo for 4H and Scouts.

436. The opportunity to coach, and watching the players smile as they learn.

437. Our beautiful horses – SunnySocks, Smokie, and Cinnamon.

438. Celebrating Sunny’s FIRST birthday with dear friends.

439. Fly masks for our horses. What a difference they make !

440. Blooming flowers – daisies, coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and more.

441. Our Father holding J.B. in his arms as docs work to find answers.

442. DadToCherubs’ job – we are so thankful !!

443. Cool-blowing AC on humid, hot, sticky summer days.

444. Assembling shopping lists for next fall – we’ll be back to school in August.

446. The whirl of bicycle tires, and giggles of passing Cherubs.

447. Watching Father Bluebird, and then Momma Bluebird, and now fledged Baby Bluebirds.

448. Butterfly watching.

449. The scent of sweet fresh hay.

450. Crepe Myrtles covered in blooms.

451. Peanut M&Ms … a treat from DadToCherubs.

452. The icemaker --- and big glasses of icewater to beat this heat.

453. Summer thunderstorms – and the blessing of plenty of rain.

454. A new Soccer Season.

455. Watergun battles and hearty laughter.

456. Playing in the sprinkler.

457. School plans coming together.

458. Volunteer opportunities for Cherub 1 with the Forest Service.

459. Fuzzy “blooms” on our Chestnut trees.

460. Summer Reading program.

461. Merit Badges, new skills, and lots of “out of the box” learning.

462. The scent of grilled chicken wafting on the air … yummy !

463. Garden blooms – squashes, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers ….

464. Sunshine !!

465. Cloud watching with Cherubs.

466. The Farrier’s visit today.

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

2010-06-09T08:24:00.000-05:00

The newest edition of the

Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival

has been posted.

Enjoy.