into the magic

 

Harkin has entered the wizardly world of Harry Potter. He read all the books in less than 3 weeks and then attended a very cool celebration at one of our local libraries. He loved every minute of it and has had lots of fun talking to his big brothers about Harry Potter's world.

quiet moments

 A few minutes before the game starts. We can always keep ourselves busy with a good book.

sunday smiles

 This little man has loved reading this summer and is going through book series like crazy. He absolutely loves it!

caught reading

Harkin's reading has just taken off this summer. He is reading a book a day almost. It is so awesome to see him get so excited to be off on an adventure in stories. He is also so willing to read aloud to us and especially Izzy. 

Right now he is working his way through the Geranamo Stilton series. There are over 100 books and he has read 15 of them already. He has had to stop to read a few series we have gotten from the library, Flat Stanley and a new one called Dragon Keepers. It is so awesome!

first presents in the mail

We received books with their names in it from my sister and husband. The first presents of the season that were opened and they were so  excited. Every time I read their name there were lots of giggles!

reading finale

The summer reading finale was pretty cool. Everyone got to have cake and a brand new book for all their efforts reading this summer. Then there was an obstacle course. Landon won a prize for being the fastest through the course. William was busy volunteering, so he was hiding in the bookshelves. Yet another fun afternoon at the library.

reading needs time

One of the great benefits of homeschooling is: TIME

Time to lay in bed all morning, afternoon and late into the night and read if that is what one is so inclined to do.

William recently read all 7 Harry Potter books. In two weeks. Some of these books are over 700 pages. He couldn't put them down.  He was just so excited.

When he finished them and realized there were movies he couldn't wait to watch.
Last weekend, Eric took Landon with him to CT for the day. William made the popcorn and then him and I snuggled to watch the first movie, all during Harkin's nap. It was fun for him to see the differences from the book to the movie.

He is hoping to see all the movies some day but for now we will just let the wonder of words keep the story alive.

pool side

After cooling off, I take cover in the shade and alternate between reading and knitting.

This week I have started a new knitting project. Making a cute little toy cat for a baby's first birthday. 

I picked this book up at the library and it has been a good read. Short chapters that give some good advice on what we can do to make our children's lives fuller.

a good read

The boys and I just finished reading Finn Family Moomintroll. 

It was such an unexpected delight. A world of make believe creatures that go on some pretty silly adventures. The list of characters was long and there names were rather unique. We had fun trying to keep track of them all.  The boys couldn't wait to read the next chapter each night.  There are more in this series that we will be checking out of the library soon.

inspirational books

On my shelf as the New Year begins tomorrow I have several books that I hope to read each morning during my quiet time.  I read Simple Abundance this past year by Sarah Ban Breathnach and really enjoyed it so I am looking forward to Something More and Romancing the Ordinary, also by her. 

When I make the effort to get up just a little bit earlier than everyone else and have those few precious moments to myself to wake up, read and take in some thoughts, my days seem calm and smooth. That is really what I am looking for this year.  A more quiet, calm and loving life with my family and friends.

Wishing you all a wonderful start to 2012!

Holiday Book Collection

I usually try and go to the library and stock up on holiday books for us to read.  I just didn't get to it this year, but as I went through our own bookshelves, I discovered we have quite a few of our own books to celebrate the season.

Every year we add one more to the collection. This year it was: The Cricket and The Shepherd Boy by Reg Down. We love all of his Tiptoes books and so I knew it would be a wonderful addition.  
 

Having our own collection is wonderful. Every year it is like reconnecting with an old friend whom we have not seen in awhile.  The boys look forward to reading them over every year.  The one book that is not pictured is 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  I have it tucked away ready for Christmas Eve when Eric will do his traditional reading right before bed.  Our traditions are small gestures but they are ones that I hope the boys will remember fondly as they grow older.