Izaac Clapping (August)

Nature Walk

This morning I threw open the windows first thing and stood for a moment to let the cool air pass over me. With weather like this I couldn't see missing the opportunity to go on a nature walk in order to make a Reptile Groups poster, so when it was time for science I picked up the baby and the three amigos and I headed out under the brilliant blue sky to look for reptiles. The only reptile we ended up seeing was a northern fence lizard but other insects, animals and plants also captured our attention. We petted the miniature donkeys and goats - Izaac half-laughed, half- winced at the big, furry animals and Elijah yelled out about the well-fed, brother and sister donkeys "look, they're both gonna have babies!"

Under rocks and pavers we found roly-polies, worms, fire-colored centipedes and "termites" as the boys insisted on calling the almost-microscopic white bugs (I don't know what they are?). We found (more) clams by the pond and frogs as small as a fingernail. The sky was so blue and the grass so green and the breeze so fall-ish I could have sat by the pond all day, holding my sweet baby, watching my boys explore and startle then laugh.

As we walked together, we figured that the best thing about homeschool is being together. Yes. Being with each other, especially on days like today, is priceless. The sound of the wind in the trees, our laughter echoing off friendly hills and into ravines, crickets singing of autumn.

I heard someone once say enjoy the little things, because one day you'll look back and they'll be the big things.

What a day!

What a day! I must have taken a hundred deep breaths between 1:30 and 3:30pm - conservation center and library - but we did have fun even so. Joel had quite a "selective (SELECTIVE) hearing" issue today which accounted for most of my deep breaths, Elijah had a few of "those" moments (I tell you, those lamaze classes helped me in more ways than one) and Izaac just wanted down! At the conservation center, we explored the displays, books and toys that centered around our science theme - reptiles! - and enjoyed each new discovery. Then. The resource room. Those poor conservation ladies probably thought I was a teenage mom with too many kids - my baby was whining, my four year old was doing wheelies with the stroller and my five year old was bouncing back and forth from reading to whining - and for goodness sakes all I wanted to do was get a few posters! I practically inhaled the dust from that conservation carpet to stay calm.

The library was fun (I won't bring up the two bathroom breaks, the poopy diaper/clothes or the spit up all over the floor). Fun yet interesting. Joel doesn't understand "I'm sorry, honey, you can't get 25 books remember because the manager made a new rule that people can only check out 15 books", so that left me bending awkwardly over the little kid table to sort through the books while holding a very heavy baby (who was leaning toward the floor) in one arm and a bulky diaper bag on the other shoulder; my hair was disheveled; I should have worn a belt; the tag on my shirt was scratchy; and let me just tell you, thank God for the fruit of self-control, or I would have lost it! Thankfully the kids fell asleep in the car and stayed asleep when I put them in their beds and the Lord gave me a beautiful rain and a quiet hour to myself.

I wouldn't be telling the whole story unless I told you that I thoroughly enjoyed these boys today (deep breaths or not). Though Joel was a bit "hard of hearing" he was also absolutely hilarious and sweet! Elijah brought tears to my eyes during his spelling assessment, when I saw how hard he was trying and how well he was spelling and then how proud he was of his accomplishment (and soccer sticker). Izaac is still the best baby ever, especially when he is allowed to roam freely and Elijah always says, "Izaac is the world's most favorite baby."

This morning, when Joel was at the table painting and I was on the floor beside him feeding Izaac, somehow the conversation came up between Elijah and I that I am smart. Joel tilted his head like a college professor, pointed his paintbrush at just the right angle and gave a little half-smile. He then kindly said, "Hm. But you're not smarter than me, Mom."

I am loving homeschooling! Moms who stay home or read to their kids or teach them anything at all already "homeschool" in a way, so to me homeschooling feels like the natural progression for our family. I sometimes refer to myself as being "in kindergarten" because I'm re-learning so many things - I should be a genius by the time the kids all graduate (*cough* it's a stretch I know).

Elijah and Joel and I aren't the only ones learning in this house, I'm convinced Izaac is learning more than all of us put together. He has explored every inch of our house already and has found some favorite toys - crackling paper, rolling wheels and electronics. He also loves books! Especially books that require the reader to make animal sounds. I love to watch him pull up, let go and stand by himself for 3-5 seconds at a time. He brings endless joy to our family and it's safe to say he is adored.

My camera batteries are dead but I'll try to post some pictures soon.

What a day!