The Color of Life

 It's been a week of accomplishing very little on my "to do list."  Do you have weeks that get away from you?  Sometimes I look back over a week and wonder where all the hours escaped to, leaving me searching for some glimpse of accomplishment.  This week I decided to take pictures of the quotidian routine.

I'm so glad I did.  As I look back over these pictures I am reminded that much was accomplished.  So much more than could have ever filled a page of "to do's."

We lived.  

We learned.  

We created.

I stepped outside of my comfort zone and purchased paint.  Real paint.  My kids looked at me like I was crazy and said, "we're going to DO art?!"  I like creative stuff, but art scares me.  We took a little trip to the art store, where REAL artists shop.  I forgot to wear my pajama-jeans and flowy tunic, so it was pretty obvious that I was the novice.  Especially when I had to ask what kind of paper to buy.

We decided to start with something simple.  When I say "we" I mean that I pretended to do a demonstration while really trying to figure out how to use those blasted professional tubes of color.  Blending.  Lots of blending.

 I'm glad they're creative and willing to try something new.  I will treasure their little pieces of art as a precious memory making day.

Speaking of their creativity, we had a nice surprise arrive this week.  A package containing styrofoam packing puffs that will stick to each other when moistened with a paper towel. You can purchase them at craft stores but I cannot for the life of me think what they are called.  Do you know what I'm talking about?

 Anyways, hours of entertainment.  I loved how it was thrilling for all three of my kids.  Sometimes it's hard to find a craft/project that appeals to everyone.  This one was unplanned and definitely not on my list of "to do's" but it gets a gold star for fun and sibling bonding.  Oh, and it was free!

This has been the most time consuming homeschool year for us yet.  It has required a lot more of me than the past two years have.  Maybe it is because the kids are getting older and their subjects are more intense.  I thought it would get easier.  It's getting better each year, but I've had to learn that this is my full time job right now.  I'm so grateful for the variety of curriculum choices.  This year we have 3 new science, spelling, math, writing, and Bible curriculums. We've stuck with the same history curriculum for the past 3 years but that's about it.  Whew!  I'm learning so much!

Color.
Variety.
Life.


So thankful for the little gifts of each day that fill my soul with the colors of life.