September 1, 2011

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.

13 comments:

Angie said...

Did you go to Jerry's Art-o-Rama? I love that place!

Random but the captcha word for my comment is "moomo." I think it's telling me something of where I'm heading if I keep eating too much!

henning love said...

what a terrific mom you are and how lucky your kids are for them to be homeschooled. i was for two years and it was a terrific opportunity i love being able to learn at my own pace and learn what i want to learn, keep it up mom!

Kellie said...

It is so easy to think we haven't accomplished much in a week but in reality we have. I love this idea you have and enjoyed a window into your week. Mine didn't seem to be so creative, er.. well, unless you count Powerpoints. lol :) I recognize some of those books you are using. :P

Tracey said...

Full.time.job.

I'm with ya'

(and I'd be happy to help out with the art info. I love me some art supplies!!)

Northwest Texas said...

Just wanted to say that I love your blog. I applaud your dedication to your family and your devotion to our God. I am a new follower and will look forward to your posts.

Kindly, Dana Bishop

Mom said...

You just made your week more "colorful" & changed your "to do" list to "ta-da!"
And when my friends ask about my ankle bracelet (made from those beautiful colors), I'm going to tell them that I'm trying it on to see if I want a tatoo there...

Little Oak Table said...

I'm so thankful for your wisdom!

You are always such an encouragement.

Just hearing that you took time to slow down and live life this week just encouraged me all to pieces.

You are a great Mama!!!

Rebecca said...

It is a wonder some weeks where the time goes! For Sure!!!
Looks like you were busy with the 'right' stuff!
That first pic is such a happy pic. I love color!

Happy long weekend!

wendy said...

Art scares me too because I don't really feel like I'm all that artistic, but the kids in my class love it. That's why I'm glad art teachers blog. Check out Deep Space Sparkle and That Artist Woman. Both have several great projects that I've used in the past. There are also tons of ideas on pinterest as well.

Lori said...

Magic Nuudles??

http://www.magicnuudles.com/

My 7 and 11 year old love them.

Love you blog, thanks for sharing your life and journey. We homeschool too and I have some of those same books on my shelf that we are using this year. :)

Norma said...

Your blog is pretty and colorful. It makes me smile. You are pretty and colorful. You make me smile. :)

whimzie said...

Once upon a time I knew what "quotidian" meant and didn't have to look it up to be sure. Now I am 41 and everything has changed. Thanks for the vocabulary vitamin.

Bobbie - Clumsy Crafter said...

We start homeschool next week. We're a little late but were waiting to get settled in a new house. With the move and all I haven't even cracked open one single book or ounce of curriculum. I'm not even sure where they are right now.