Pictures of the Day

Things I didn't get a picture of today...
The stunning sunrise.
The girls both wearing pink and green.
Me using my 'loud voice' with the kids.

Tempting

I've been attempting to set up a blog where there are several tabs with different topics. I'm tempted to just start writing it all in the same place just to be able to get going. There truly is something I could write daily. Many days there are multiple options for things I want to remember, what we've learned, ideas, resources, quotes of the day, the list could go on.

Right now we're working with Layne's cancer, the kids' development/learning, more exercising, and the usual with projects for the home and yard.

Summer Day

We've stayed inside for part of the day. I was upstairs working on a project. After a few minutes, I decided it was time to see what was going on with everyone else. I came into the front room to see all of the kids watching a movie together. They are attempting to watch all of the 50 animated movies that Disney has made. (I'm not sure the oldest is completely on board with it - we'll see how it goes.) I continued down the stairs to find hubby snoozing on the futon. I love the calm I felt in the house. Ahh...summer.

Observations

Today I have observed my children asking questions and doing what interests them. Well, for the most part...I'm not sure sweeping the floor would be included in that. Come to think of it, helping to clean up the kitchen would probably not be what interested them either. But, they managed without too much complaining. 

I love that while at breakfast our oldest explained how light and color work. I think it's also cool that the second oldest wanted to try an 'experiment' and we had a chance to talk about the scientific method. It made me happy when the youngest asked about 'where blinds go' and I was able to explain how blinds work and slip in something about simple machines. It was fun to hear the second to the youngest play the piano and attempt to sing what was being played. I'm grateful that the kids have chosen to do some productive and leisure activities that have helped them to learn, work together and enjoy time with each other (and with friends). They even watched a show that gets them closer to a goal they have set for themselves.

All of this made me think of two things. The first is that I find joy in watching my children learn. And, I get excited about learning with them. I realize they are not in a class, nor are they reading a textbook. But, they are learning. I actually think even more comes from curiosity than from another person saying when you need to learn what. The second piece is that we don't have issues with kids getting 'bored'. Well, we've heard that once or twice. But, for the most part...they find their own things to pursue when they have 'down time'. I love that.

What to do...

I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to make this work. I wanted to somehow do 'pages' of the different topics I'd like to cover. Those are still being decided also. I just feel strongly about the need to do this. I want to write about things such as purposeful parenting, executive function, thought and parables, explanations of photos I've taken, and life observations in general. I feel like I have things to say - just not sure how to organize things.

What's The Point?

My husband has cancer. We found out over a year ago and since then I've attempted to keep a blog to record the events for ourselves - and to inform those who are interested. During all of it, I was reminded once again that life is full of finding 'a new normal' and all of us are required to do so throughout our lives.
I also have multiple blogs. This is an attempt to pull them together in one spot so that I can pretend I'm more 'together' than I really am.