Sunday Smiles:new apps

A new to us Christmas present where the boys can play some new games/applications while traveling.

it's all special

I have so many cute little dishes that can get hidden away in the closet for something special. 

Why not make every day, every moment special I asked myself? 

While preparing the boys' snack I chose to use these dishes from my mom.  They have  history. They have meaning. They're special.

Because it really is special to be sharing this life with my two boys. 

Our Morning Walk

We usually just take a walk around our neighborhood with Gritty but a few times a week have decided to head to the local woods. 

It's a bit more peaceful. Refreshing. Contagious. Beautiful. 

A wonderful way to start our day.

letting go

As the new year began I had high hopes that we were going to get more scheduled and have a set routine. Over the past week I have been so stressed about what "needs to get done". Trying to fit it all in and sticking to my time chart, instead of sticking with my heart. Instead of having fun with the boys and let the learning come naturally, I am trying to force it on them. All the things I wanted to avoid from having them in a traditional school setting. 

I read too much and always think I should be doing more when I  know that I am doing enough.  We do have times of focused learning where I suggest the activity. It is all good but it does not need to be on a perfect schedule. 

I woke up, took a deep breath and told myself that it's time to let go of the high expectations. It only allows more stress into the house instead of more love and laughter.

We lingered a little more. There was a quiet peace. Letting go is good.

games: Postcards from North America

One of the many new games we received for Christmas. We are loving it. You travel across North America by following a colored path or flying by airplane. The goal of the game is to be the first one to turn over 10 postcards. In order to turn over a postcard you must reach a certain destination. Either a  major city or a popular landmark.  It's a great way to become familiar where major cities and famous landmarks are. William already has told us about a dozen places he is ready to visit. I had fun playing which is always a plus.

warm weather for January

The weather has been a bit unpredictable so far this month.  We had a few days of warmer weather and the boys were enjoying themselves outside playing a little soccer.

paper making

We have decided to start using some science kits this year.  I had bought a few when a local toy store was going out of business and was just waiting for a good time. Will has expressed quite an interest in doing experiments. We took out what we had and have decided that one afternoon a week we will devote to these science kits.  There are 12 sets with three kits each so it will take us through the year. Plus they are anxiously awaiting the kits that Grammy and Grampy bought them for Christmas.  The Magic School Bus kits.  Both sets are from the same company. The Young Scientists Club.  So it all should coordinate beautifully.

The first kit we did was on Recycling. 

Both boys already know so much about the topic but we have never made our own paper before.  It was pretty cool how it all turned out.  I enjoyed making the colored paper and have some ideas for making more and using it for some scrapbooking projects of mine.

The Process:

tearing paper

 soaking paper

 blending it to pulp

 scooping out to dry

spreading out the pulp

soaking up the extra water

making it flat

the results