Dog and Man

Justin is generally 'meh' about the animals.  He doesn't really tend them, doesn't really spend much time with them, but doesn't mind having them for the most part.  

Copper and all his puppy energy has driven Justin nuts, however.   His most common phrase to Copper?  "Go lay down!"  Has this deterred Copper?  Nope. Copper's MOST EXCITING time of the day is when Justin gets home.  Copper knows Justin's coming and that tail and his whole body wag and wag and wag.  It's like Copper is saying MY FAVORITE IS HOME!"  What does Copper want to do?  Be *thisclose* to Justin.  What does Justin want to do? Rest in peace. Copper is determined to bond with Justin and will not give up.  Who will win?  (My money is on Copper!)

 

Happy 7th Birthday, Holly!

 Holly is 7 (ish)!  She's our rescue from Arkansas and they guessed her birthday to be the beginning of April. She is so loved and really the best dog ever.

My husband has been itching for something to celebrate with cake. Lemon cake today.

And randomly, other good food from our day. I haven't been to the grocery store in forever...well over a month. I've been trying to use what I canned and froze last summer. Nice to have the variety again! 

Spare time

What does an 11 year old do in his spare time? 

1) Wave to allll the trucks that go by.  

He also dug up this maple last year and nursed it along. It has buds, so it's still growing.  

He's determined to have it grow here.

2) Drawing trucks. Everyday.

3) He has these elaborate set ups he creates in his room. They are so incredibly creative. 

I know that if he could pick anything, he'd default to some sort of media. But, his mama won't let that happen. Hopefully someday he will look back and see the limited media as a gift that allowed him to discover his creativity.  

About face

 Some days are peachy, some days are not.  Today, the morning was terrible. No one was getting along or listening. I hadn't even cleaned up breakfast before it was time for lunch. 

After lunch, I hurled a snack at each kid and told them to disappear with a book until I told them it was time to get in the car.  

Audiobooks in the car kept everyone quiet. Ocean and library were our destinations.  It was a great way to give our day an about face.

This picture below says a lot. Audra in the water (in Maine in April...I don't get it either), Anna-Kate running much ahead and Adrian as far as possible from everyone to get some space.  

My little naturalist collected some kelp

Razor Clams

And European green crabs. 

Wearing a mama made coat and dress. 

Her fave spot at the library, picking all all the books we have on this chart.

And another favorite spot.

Sweet dreams

While I (mostly) appreciate the busy of the day, the silence of the night is the so magical. 

Weekends...

Weekends are for...

Counting eggs. 

Pretty hair. 

 Stitching with friends. (I led a 4-H sewing workshop).

Handmades

And treats.

What a lovely family day. 

Homeschooling

 

This crew has officially wrapped up the required amount of instructional days for 2021-2022 according to Maine homeschool law.  3rd grade and 5th grade portfolios are next on our list to complete to officially wrap up the paperwork for the year.

But, this is all on paper. In reality, our school year is perpetual because education for us is a lifestyle. We're year round homeschoolers. Not a set number of days. Not a set number of hours. Not to check off the requirements and be done.  Each season ebbs and flows with different subject areas and our rhythm changes. Spring will pull us outside in our gardens, Summer abounds with nature study, Fall is the best time for field trips, Winter we cozy up by the fire and do more sit down work. Most important to us, the good books just keep coming because that's one thing not one of us wish to take a break from.