As "forever" as homes are for Kevin and myself. I do jest that the kids will live in this bungalow while they bike to William & Mary and we tour the US in our airstream.
0 Comments
"When we say that education is an atmosphere, we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a 'child-environment' especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child's level." -- Charlotte Mason Years 4, 2, 0, and 5yo tagalong ... here we come. {Zeb's photo to follow ... he was set to attend our local elementary school, but I had a change of heart.} Thank you Jesus that I get to keep these precious ones with me every day.
We bought a sweet brick ranch in an historic part of our new state, and it desperately needed a kitchen. Like a real-deal, I-can-cook-in-here-like-a-grown-up-with-four-kids kitchen. Thankfully, we lived in corporate housing while the remodel was taking place, so our experience was tempered by some space, even if it was still a wild test in patience and, well, kindness to your contractor. BEFORE AFTER My incredible husband and dad installed the backsplash tile, which was no easy feat. That and the cork and the apron sink, okay, and the soapstone, haha, are my favorite parts. I'm now scouring Etsy for just the right artwork.
We have been having such a quiet and lovely time off from our school lessons. We have been eagerly awaiting Christmas with lots of sweet story books and family time together, which is new for us now that Kevin is on a more "normal" schedule. It's snowy and wintry outside and cozy inside. The tree is bright and the kids are wondering at the gifts underneath (Jack calls them "prizes", lol). We've been cooking, baking, sewing, shoveling snow, reading, snowman building, watching winter birds, sledding, playing late night board games, helping neighbors move all that snow, a cold snowy drive-thru nativity ... all good soul stuff as we prepare for a new year. We have about two more weeks of bliss, ie., no school. :) We have some changes on the horizon for Jan-Jul. We will start back the first week of January and have lessons six weeks on, one week off, with a week for Easter. We will finish up the third week of May, and take off the last week of May through the first week of July for a glorious summer break. In February we will be moving to Connecticut so that has factored into how our new year will come together as well.
I am continually provoked by Charles Spurgeon: "When a home is ruled according to God's word, angels might be asked to stay with us, and they would not find themselves out of their element." Kevin and I do not take the precious duty of raising our children to fear the Lord with anything but joyful obedience. Times arise when attending church is not possible and so we invite Jesus to our table. The Apostle Paul was a treasure for Christ. May we unlock a glimmer of that in our children.
*Philippians 1:9-11* |
erin.kate
Adorer of my Jesus. Home school mama to four ... three home grown and one from the far reaches of Africa. Ridiculously blessed wife of a man who loves with a servant's heart. Devotee of Charlotte Mason and clean, humble living. Archives
July 2016
Categories
All
|