New school space

School officially began last week in our house.  I really dislike the way it sounds; "school officially began...".  We school all the time however during our "off" time we are more relaxed.  For Kindergarten we used My Father's World and I couldn't have been happier with it.  Truly it was gentle, fun, and engaging.  Our son who struggled with "structured" learning blossomed over the last year with MFW.  Jeff and I decided (well, he generally leaves it to me) to stay with the curriculum again this year.  I am excited about everything we  have planned over the next 10 months. 

Speaking of excitement! The kids and I have a newly dedicated school area. Our house is small by American standards.  Very small.  When we visited a friend's house which was over 2000 sq ft Emma was amazed at the size and declared it a mansion.  Our home is a three bedroom and while the kids are boy/girl, they have always been together.  They are not yet ready to separate.  We had a fun area dedicated to all of our school and craft goodies in the living room but our craft/school/book collection is growing.  The 3rd bedroom has thus been dubbed the "school room".  I'll leave you with pictures of our school area.  

Excuse the mess behind the guitar.  It is all of my sewing stuff that will soon have a new home about the sewing machine which was moved to our bedroom in order to make this schooling area possible.  The rocking chairs have both been kept warm.  They are our quiet areas.

Daybook Entry August 25

Outside my window - It is a beautiful, sunny day. Warmth and sunshine have been hard to come by here in Western WA this year
What we're learning - We are starting out the school year learning about scrolls, reviewing our letters and numbers, making scrolls and clay pots, and learning about things close to the ground such as dirt, ants, worms, etc.
I am thankful for - The ability to keep and teach my children here at home. I am thankful for a husband who has always supported this endeavour.
From the kitchen - chicken
I am wearing - still wearing what I exercised in. Time to shower. School starts in 52 minutes. ;-)
I am reading - Honey For a Child's Heart, Drawing with Children, and random things here and there
I am praying - For a blessed school year with the kiddos. I pray for a patient and quiet spirit.
I am creating - I am currently finishing up a couple projects for a little boy who is set to make his debut into this world in September. Also finishing up a shawlette (first ever and really like it!) and needing to finish a sock.
I am hearing - The kids pretending to be pirates and then the switch to Phantom of the Opera songs being hummed. I also hear Clementine (lovebird) talking to herself.
On my mind - my husband
One of my favorite things - The creativity a garden evokes in children. Yesterday they decided to mash watermelon to turn it into "juice" and added mint leaves to it. To them, it was wonderful. To me...well...I wasn't sipping. :-)
A few plans for the rest of the week - laying low today and tomorrow. We need to begin planting the fall crops. On Saturday we'll head north to visit a girlfriend who is expecting the "little boy set to make his debut" soon