Monday's Favorite

This is a favorite way to write scattered thoughts, spinning them into a patchwork colorful as the end of summer season. I haven't written much in the busy recent past, I hope you can somehow pull together all that life is comprised of for us just now...
For Today...

Outside my window... summer is drifting off with the sunset, and I wait with anticipation for autumn, and all the rhythm that comes with: school, classes, bedtimes and routines.
I am thinking...that this is the birth of a new season. We are wiggling into a new life here, and I do think it's going to be wonderful.
I am thankful for...a home. There is much to catch up on, but I must tell you that we found a lovely little home. In a terrible renting market, we went for a purchase and succeeded; I am going to be moving into the most lovely little home in a few short weeks. I'm exceedingly blessed, I am. I can't wait to share with you...
From the learning rooms...we're still sneaking up to full school. Math, penmanship, language arts...and next week we begin CC! Horray!
From the kitchen...cereal boxes and plants litter the counterspace of this teeny apartment kitchen. I will make a birthday cake tomorrow for my sweet-five-Elijah-Jonathan. In some sort of a casserole dish, I suppose.
I am wearing...a sweatshirt. Not because hubby has the a/c cranked up. Because it's coolish and cozy. Shorts, too, no worries.
I am creating...comfortable living in this apartment, and space else where when the walls close in. Structure to our temporary-ish chaotic life.
I am going...to fall asleep grateful, again. I'll also share with you some sweet photos of my Eli.
I am reading...hm, just finished "So Cold The River" and will pick up another that I found at the library this week. I am reading The Core, My Upmost (of course), Proverbs, Psalms & Luke.
I am hoping...so,so much hope. For our home and yard & school. Mostly I'm hoping that God will work in me, to love Him more, to become His more and gain His sight.
I am hearing...Laura Sullivan with Chaco Canyon & the "whiiiishhh" of Eli playing in the tub.
Around the house...Doggy sleeps, laundry waits, ironing calls, oranges ripen, little boy gets clean, legos decorate, books are stacked and all is calm- just now.
One of my favorite things...the changing of the seasons. And seeing God's little treats for us.
A few plans for the rest of the week: CC meeting, library trip, taking the boys to a new spot I found on the river, where they can collect all the pretty stones they like. Awanas, Birthday cake & wishes. Doctor's appointment, and school.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...For Today...

The cutest baby of 2005, no doubt. Go ahead, try me!!

Now & Then...

...I get all sentimental. Missing my sweet, squashy little babies. And loving my sweet, boy-loving dad.

Elijah's School (PreSchool)

The beginning of the school journey, I believe should be very much about relationship, character and self-discipline. I find this is what I come back to again & again as I teach preschool, this being my last year. *sniff* So no matter what Eli and I are working on or though, I think the heart of his school is learning about who he is and how he learns. It's about Eli learning that book work is a regular part of a childs' life, and that reading is one of the best things on the planet. It's learning that school time is about listening and interaction, asking questions and stretching his mind. This year has been a fun journey for us and it's lovely to watch Eli grow into a little boy who will soon take off on his own, reading away.

A side note, Eli is very quick to learn all of our CC memory work, Scripture and Poetry Work. This is fun and not work for him, I take note that this learning comes as second nature to a child of 3 or 4.

Eli's varying school curriculum goes as follows:

School:
Various Workbooks on numbers, counting, shapes and other concepts
Flash Cards of both for both letter & number recognition
Dot to dot & Maze books
Puzzles
Board Games
Libaray books, and books and books. This is a huge part of our time, reading, him on my lap.
Seeds Family Worship
Classical Conversations Cycle 1
Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization
Story of the World Vol 1-4

Read Alouds:
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
Little House in the Big Woods

Extracurricular:

Soccer
Basketball
Swimming

Eli's Hobbies:
Playmobile
Nature diggin'
Playdoh
Trampoline Play
Keeping Big Brother Busy
Looking at books

Skip Counting with Eli

In case you'd like to see a little of what we're up to these days....here you are. Sevens are Eli's favorite.