small:

potatoes...

 bugs...

flowers...

clusters...

wormies...

creations...

 and of course dogs...

...these are a few of our favorite things, and I have been asked to photograph and subsequently post them that YOU might enjoy these small things as much as we do.

back to (home)school v.2.0

It's been a good summer, but I feel fall waiting in the wings. Do you?

My FB stream is full of smiling kids standing by the door in their new school duds, oversize backpack slung over one shoulder. As my boys looked over my shoulder they are quick to inform me that they, too, would like back-to-school pictures taken. OK, I say, as long as you will answer a few questions while you're here.

Boy1(7) is my second grader.

Here's what HE has to say about the year:
 1) Of course you know what I want to learn, Mom.  All about engines, gas, and batteries. Maybe a little about whales and definitely insects.
2) I plan to experience climbing trees. There is a branch in the front yard that I can climb like a possum would. I will probably ask someone to pass up the bow and arrow once I'm up there so I can prastic shooting targets.
3) Mom probably wants me to learn a lot more math. Which is good because then I can count my money for my businesses. I don't think she will teach me about engines; I'll have to go with Dad to the dealership when one of the cars breaks, or Pastor Buck's house if it's the dirtbike. I can watch them do the repairs.
4) Last year we did...a whole bunch of math. With a little bit of history (Egypt) and a little bit of nature science. No, that leaf rubbing wasn't part of school. I did that on my own. Oh yeah I did do reading too. Maybe we can do more of that.
~~~
Boy2 is 5 this year. Kindergarten!

This one wants to learn about spying. Maybe a little about reading, but spying will probably take a long time to learn about, so we should focus on that. He already knows that God is good and that sometimes pipes break and people figure out that they won't work until the work crew comes to fix the problem.
~~~
my #3boy is almost 3. 

   Boy3 informs me he doesn't want to learn ANYTHING. Just swing. He might be able to eat a few peas if Mom will pick them for him. But really? it is almost time for lunch. and then books. and then bed. and then he will come back outside to ride his dirtbike.
~~~
And then there's me. The teacher. Boy1 captured this lovely candid while I was gardening one day.

I'd like my boys to grow in the grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior. Presumably that will go hand in hand with learning the 3R's, science, music, p.e., art, and, you know, LIFE. We've got our curricula, we've got our planner with plenty of blank space to fill in what we actually learned (as opposed to the little bit of writing covering what I *think* we'll do on that given day), and we've got 180 days of required attendance ahead of us in this our second year of "formal" learning.

It's going to be a great year.