What does homeschooling look like?

I am attempting to post some photos that capture a little of what goes on here with homeschooling. I could not possibly share all the moments that make up our learning here. One thing is for sure, there is a love of learning, creative spirits, and lots of laughter along with the occasional tears.

I am sharing photos of various moments. Such as, table time, play dates here, baking with Madelyn, Kalen's roomtime creative expression, art, love of books, Julian and his recorder, computer time, lunch time, Madelyn with a "Bob" book, and Julian with fox ears.

more photos

more photos

Grocery Shopping

Two days ago I went to the grocery store with the kids after Madelyn's ballet class. We only needed a few items. Kids were doing great. No stroller this time. I was holding Brayden and the other three were on foot. The cashier was bagging our items as I had to remind the children to stay near and not climb on things. There was a small line behind us. I began to write a check as Brady tried his best to write it as well. In the back of mind, I was thinking about what a show I must be giving the other customers in line.

As I began to walk away with my groceries and children, I overheard the man behind me say something. "Don't you love it when they bring the kids?" he asked the cashier. She in turn just snickered. For all those that know me, know that I just continued to walk out of the store.

I take offense to this comment. It is hard work taking my four kids in any store. They were not out of control. Sometimes they do need many reminders, but they never act like animals. They are not adults by any stretch of the imagination. They should not be expected to act like one.

I could hire a babysitter and go to the grocery store alone. What fun is that? I want to be with my children. My children deserve to be with me. There are many learning opportunties. As we are a homeschooling family, we believe the world is the classroom.

Purity of Mind

It disgusts me ,to a certain degree, that the news has been daily discussing the issues surrounding Anna Nicole Smith and Britney Spears. I do not watch that much TV. When I do it is intentional. I still can not avoid the daily chatter about the former playmate and the pop star gone wrong. I do not want to disrespect these two ladies, but I do not think that their "stories" need to be played over and over in the media. It is quite sad that our society is so saturated with such things.

I have to admit, I did wonder why Britney Spears shaved her head. I definitely feel sorry for her kids. I do think the situation surrounding the death of Anna Nicole is terribly sad. I feel for their families. I think they deserve respect and to be left alone.

As I had these thoughts in my mind today, I remembered some of Scott's favorite verses. In the book of Philippians 4:8 it talks about fixing our thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. It goes on to encourage thinking about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. These words were written long ago by Paul to as many believers as he could reach. This encourages me to not get caught up in the fascination within the news. Yes, also, it encourages me to keep the TV OFF!

Quote

A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Visit with the Kirby family

Saturday, we traveled down to High Point to visit with some of my side of the family. My brother, Ryan, and sister-in-law, Stephanie, and their kids just moved in December. We were able to see there new home.

This was a neat visit because my dad and step-mother were in town to visit as well. They currently live in Atlanta and are moving to Kentucky in a few weeks. This was a great chance to see their faces before they move.

I really enjoyed visited with them. My neice, Anna Kristin, and my nephew, Grayson are so sweet and beautiful. I enjoyed watching them. My how they grow fast!

Madelyn enjoyed dressing up with Anna Kristin. They were in a little fairyland of their own.

We also were able to drop by Clemmons and have dinner with Scott's side of the family and some extended members, all the way from Illinois.

Needless to say we had some good family time this weekend. This is why we enjoy living close to family. Day trips are so nice. We so enjoy the warm embraces we can share. Presence speaks so loudly.

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentines Day from the Morrisons! Scott and I kid about this commercial holiday, but it is cute to be all into love, hearts, red, pink, hugs and kisses.
The kids have had a big day already and it is only early afternoon. We started our day with a chocolate chip pancake breakfast and treats from Mom and Dad. Yum! Then, the kids opened a package from Grandma. They loved their loot. Kalen especially loved his treat. He got some new underwear!! He decided last week that he was ready to wear underwear and use the potty. Hurray for Kalenroo!
The kids have been counting down the days until today for a reason you might not ever guess. They were scheduled to go to the dentist. They love their dentist appointments! It is so kid friendly and welcoming. They put them in chairs beside each other in this big room. So cute! They got to pick prizes, a new toothbrush and a nice big heart sticker. What a treat!
Wahoo! Scott should be home soon for some family time. The fun never stops.

Love

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

His Comment

Tonight, I went in the kid's room to help settle down Kalen and Madelyn. Julian, Madelyn and Kalen all sleep in the same room together. We, nor they, wouldn't have it any other way. After we put them to bed at night, Kalen usually gets up and sneaks around Madelyn's bed to hang out with her in someway. Some nights we never have to come back in, tonight some assistance was required. I entered to find Kalen headed up the bunk bed ladder to retrieve Maddie's stuffed elephant. As I scooped him up and hugged him tightly, he made a comment I will never forget. He said, "I'm glad you are here. I am glad you and Daddy are here." That is it. Simply said. Unforgettable.

Kalen wasn't just saying he was glad we were there in the room with him. Scott was not standing there with us. I think it would be fair to say that Kalen was referring to our constant love and care for him. That will make you tear up. I looked at him and said, " I am really glad, too."

Now, for an added note. Usually by 8 or 8:30pm, I have almost expired. Not really smiling a lot. Just trying to get the kids to bed, so I can be alone or with Scott. I confess, I am not all that tender as I tuck them in at night. Not only did Kalen's comment encourage me as a parent to continue to be present in his life and love him daily. It made me realize that scooping him up and hugging him made a big difference in that moment. I could have yanked him off the ladder, plopped him in his bed and told him a thing or two about staying in his bed (believe me, I have). Would I have gotten the same comment? I think not. Instead, he felt the soft and loving touch of his mother. He was responding to love with love.

I have so much to learn with parenting. These kids are growing me up daily. I honestly believe that the Lord gives me something new to work on each day. Overwhelming? At times. However, I do not want to be content where I am, as a person. I want to be ever growing. Tonight, I have been encouraged to be a tender loving mother. It is easy to get caught up in the schedule of the day and leave out those soft touches and embraces.

Shanda

Saturday, February 10th, we celebrated Shanda's birthday. Shanda was able to come up the mountain to visit us, along with Jerry and Jan. As always, we had a great time. Family time is always rich with all of us together.

Shanda wanted to go bowling for her birthday. The kids were able to join in and we all had a blast. After that, we headed to Mellow Mushroom. Yum!

Jan made Shanda a vegan chocolate cake. Double yum!!

Aunt Shanda is such a special part of our lives!

We love you Shanda!

Admitted

It is official! Scott has been accepted into UNC Chapel Hill's Graduate School.

So proud of you, Scott!!! You are the best!

Decisions, decisions, decisions. What a luxury to be able to choose between two excellent schools!

We'll keep you all posted.

Choosing Love

If you have not noticed already, I am a huge admirer of Mother Teresa. I love the life she led. I am amazed by her purity and clarity of mind. Her love for others and the Lord is so refreshing. Within Everything Starts from Prayer, a meditational book, there are numerous quotes that are life giving to me. I will share one with you.

You may be exhausted with work,
even kill yourself, but unless your work
is interwoven with love, it is useless.

Today, as all four of our kids are sick, this quote gives life to me. I am reminded that I need to pour on love. That love should be unconditional. It does no good running circles around all of them meeting needs if I am complaining, huffing and puffing (guilty). They need to see love in its puriest form. Love given freely.

Cook with your kids

Just before Christmas, I really wanted to buy Madelyn and/or Kalen a play kitchen. I just thought it would be fun, cute and entertaining. Scott was very persistent in telling me that they cook with me in the real kitchen all the time, why would they need a play thing? I took his words and just kind of buried the desire.

I am grateful for my husband's simple but wise words. Everyday, I involve my kids, somehow, in the kitchen. I love it. Sure, there are times when it takes triple the amount of time that it would take me to do it alone. It is such a thrill for the kids to be trusted with "real utensils" and such. If you know anything about Charlotte Mason, I think she would be proud. If you don't know anything about her, look her up.

Kids need to feel a part of life here at home. Allowing them to cook and bake is a great way to involve them. Giving them responsibility makes all the difference in their day.

They will make more of a mess. They will ask questions. They will want to lick everything. They may sneeze. Patience will be tested. Ah, but what a sense of autonomy when the task is complete.

I have posted some photos of Julian and Madeyln helping make cookies.

I am not trying to toot my own horn here. I do not want these posts to be about that. I do want to share things I have learned.

He is crawling!

Our little Brayden is crawling! The kids are calling him an inch worm. On tuesday, he inched his way across the living room rug to get a toy. Such a cutie!!