Charlotte Mason is back in action!

In the past couple of years, our homeschool has made quite a change and it has blessed us immensely.   We are beginning our fourth year following a methodology set out by Charlotte Mason, which has been a beautiful change.  For those who do not know, Charlotte Mason was a British educator who lived from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.  She believed in educating the whole child versus just filling his mind with dry facts.  She encouraged a whole feast to be set before the child -- good literature, beautiful artwork, poetry and music that speaks to the soul, and much outside time to live in creation, notice creation, and appreciate creation.  She, also, emphasized good habits in the life of the child. 

She wrote the most nourishing set of books that laid out parenting strategies and her educational method.  Only problem, for the last 10 years, these volumes haven't been in print.  During this out-of-print time, though, the movement has picked up and people have been clamoring for her words.  Thankfully, Simply Charlotte Mason (an already established company) has been working hard on a beautiful new reprinting.  

In great celebration of the republication, a wonderful blog, Charlotte Mason Soiree, is raffling off a WHOLE set of the books!  Check it out, because even if you don't follow her methodology, I guarantee her parenting wisdom will be balm for the soul.

Go here to enter!

Gratitude Journal - Day 10

January 28   A witnessed blessing.

Emily has always been a puzzle fanatic, but recently took the jump up to 500 piece puzzles.  I'm amazed at the patience she is developing, as these puzzles take her a couple of days to complete.  She has such determination and does not get overwhelmed.  It has been so wonderful to watch this journey and be able to witness the awe that comes when she gazes at her finished product.

Gratitude Journal - Day 9

January 27   A gift about your home. 

When we first moved into our house, we were convinced that there were no young kids around.  It took over a year to finally see we were not alone.  It's amazing how you can go so long without seeing neighbors passing by, but all it takes is a mere second to miss each other in passing.  It has only been in the past year that we have really become close to one neighbor.  A 6 year old girl lives two houses down, and my girls have the most wonderful time playing with her.  Especially in this season of moving, most afternoons are spent frolicking around with Eleanor.  We will definitely miss this gift, and hope the Lord provides some wonderful new neighbors at our next home.

Gratitude Journal - Day 8

January 26   A gift found in the dark.

James often gets lost in his own world, which I guess is a good thing when you have two older sisters who are consumed with dressing up and doll tea parties.  I found him the other day playing in my dark room all by himself.  It was laundry day and we was busy playing in my comforter, with a make-shift shovel, and his truck close by.  Don't you wonder what goes through their head sometimes?  It is so sweet to have a boy in the house and see what he naturally gravitates toward.  Hopefully our new house will bring a little boy as a neighbor, so they can play their make-believe games together.

Gratitude Journal - Day 7

January 25   A gift on a paper.

We are in the process of moving to Virginia to start a new adventure with our family. My husband has been working in his new job since October while the kids and I have waited behind for our house to sell. We FINALLY are under contract and can begin to pack up and say our goodbyes. As sad as it is to be leaving our wonderful friends, we are excited to be a whole family again. Pulling out the wrapping paper and writing on boxes was such a relief after months of playing the waiting game. We can finally move forwards, knowing that the move is soon!

Gratitude Journal - Day 6

January 24   A gift found in someone you love. 

Our little Olivia is a delight to be around. She has a great smile, a great laugh, and is full of energy. This energy is often a point of contention, though. Being the almost 5 year old that she is, she does not quite know how to control it. She is always bumping into people, or walls, just because she is such a fast-paced little girl. She often gets in trouble and is told to calm down constantly. I know this is a beautiful blessing that the Lord has given her, though. We work hard to cultivate this energy and passion for life, so hopefully one day, she can use it to her benefit.  

I also love this picture because of the smoothie sitting on the table. It is so fitting for this prompt. She has the best eating habits of all my kids, and I love to see what she chooses to put in her body. Her favorite snacks are carrots, almonds, and smoothies packed full of kale. I definitely cannot say the same for my other kids.  

Gratitude Journal - Day 5

January 23   A gift in the kitchen. 

Since Clare is the fourth baby to grace this household, we have had a wide variety of temperaments to experience. Clare is quite easy and a delight to be around during the day, but the evenings get challenging, especially when I am getting dinner ready. My husband, Daniel, has been in Virginia for 3 months now in his new job while we wait for the house to sell. Dinner has to be made, since I have other mouths to feed, so Clare ends up crawling on the floor in the kitchen chasing after me and crying. In an attempt to appease her, I have a whole line-up of interesting kitchen tools to give her, but sometimes you have to bring out the big guns. As a last resort, I always know that a little playing in the refrigerator will bring me some moments of sanity.