Third Grade Focus On Farming and a 10-Mile Radius Diet Unit Study

I've been doing a lot of preparation for Ryder's third grade. An overall theme for the year will be habitat. Farming is part of that so I started reading some wonderful books to bring to our learning.

Vicki Robin wrote a lovely book called "Blessing The Hands That Feed US: What Eating Closer to Home Can Teach Us About Food, Community, and Our Place on Earth". An inspiration, a source of wisdom and a how to manual.

Her book

I want to remember this letter to my boys post by another mom regarding media and digital props

http://renee-robinson.com/a-letter-to-my-boys-the-real-reason-i-say-no-to-electronics-repost/

Learning As A Living Art

A few months ago a colleague at the local TV station where we both produce our respective shows gave me some sage advice. I had arrived late to help on his show and it didn't sit well with him but when I explained that I had trouble ensuring child care was fully in place he asked why I didn't just bring them. I told him having a 5 year old running around in the studio would not help me or him. He just said, "I was a single dad and my kids went everywhere I went. If I was filming here they were here, if I was preaching they were with me. That's how they learn and that's the best way for them to learn." He ensured me a few times "Your boys are welcome here any time".

Brother Cecil gave me some advice I had to think on and then evaluate if that would be the best for me and the boys. While I felt so much joy from someone speaking in a way that I felt but have allowed to be squashed because of etiquette and other reasons, I also felt some kind of resistance around wanting to have my own things since I am with them constantly already.

While I believe in most cases now they are best with me, learning and participating it doesn't always prove the wisest choice. Mostly because it offends or annoys someone else including their own father.

But I feel my children should be more integrated in  my work and where appropriate should absolutely be part of what I am doing even if it's just with their drawing pads or a book while I work on a project.

Today I brought the boys with me to a class on solar cooking. I had asked the host if it would be appropriate and she said they were welcome. Now my boys were the only children and the audience was mostly of 30 and up but they had a wonderful time and experienced something that I could never have manufactured. They asked intelligent questions that showed me they were listening and engaged. It was a good lesson for me.

They sat with me during the class of about 20 people discussing truffles, how they are found, etc and solar cooking  and survival skills. An interesting conversation for me and possibly for Ryder. Dax however was more interested in the food.

The excitement started when Dax discovered a cat which then led to a kitten and then play time.

Looking back over the day I am so pleased that I relaxed a bit and allowed them to be boys. To play and enjoy their time. They were absolute gentlemen as well as absolute little boys.

I want to regain my sense that they are welcome even in adult settings. I lost part of this sense along the way and I'm saddened by that influence on my parenting. But I recognize it as the fear that it came from.

Children are welcome. My children are welcome. No matter how frustrating things get trying to co-parent, I can and I will stand my ground on that.

I get the sense that I had some kind of trigger around not fitting in or it not being ok for me to be somewhere - an event, an occasion - I remember a couple of times so vividly. And lookey here, now I get to replay that as a mom with my own children. Well, that's my lesson for today. I will let my children know they are welcome. They are welcome here. They are welcome in my home. They are welcome with me. And I won't be an ass about it if they aren't perfect. Because ultimately, I am the unwelcome adult if I put my boys in an environment where they are not welcome or treated in a way they makes them feels less than whole.

Interesting that I started this post with the title Learning as a living art. I had a lighter and more sweet idea for this post but the energy here is needing some saging.

Ok, so I'll send this note out to my little world. Ryder  - Dax - I love you more than my life - more than words - more than my ego. I am so grateful for everything you teach me. May I learn sooner rather than later and with a little more grace and ease please. And so it is.

Now some wonderful pics to go with this post.

Why we Homeschool Waldorf Style

The chief characteristic of handcrafts is that they maintain by their very nature a direct link with the human heart, so that the work always partakes of a human quality. Machine-made things are children of the brain; they are not very human.
~ Soetsu Yanagi

Little Acorn Learning: Recreating the Family Unit : Slow Summer Series

Little Acorn Learning: Recreating the Family Unit : Slow Summer Series: There was a time (so I hear), in our society, when families would live together in closer proximity or in the same dwelling: grandparents, ...



This is such a beautiful post. Right now I am reading the boys "Milly-Molly-Mandy" Such a beautiful story. It's so needed in my life right now. I want my boys to know this. 

Aikido brings balance, agility, focus, patience, friendship and kindness - Portland Aikdio Best Place for Kids and Adults

I am so proud of Ryder 8 and Dax 5. They attended the Portland Aikido school summer camp this week. An experience I believe everyone should have.

The teacher, David Sensei is one of the most compassionate, patient, gentle teachers in general but especially of a martial art. Setting an example of a real gentleman with tremendous focus, care, skill and empathy. All virtues I wish to instill in my sons.

The beautiful assistant teachers made such a positive impact on my boys as well. Especially on Dax. I've seen such a huge shift in Dax this week as a result of this experience. Something that will be an annual tradition and when they are old enough, they too can assist during the camps.

Our Fireworks Show was about Rekindling the Light in Ourselves at Cannon Beach

I wrote an article on my business blog about what I believe and like about 4th of July -I pasted it after the photos.

For us we spent the day at the beach! And I reminded the boys of their own light that is always sparkling! Cannon Beach is a favorite place for all of us.

Looking for a Dramatic Fireworks Display? Demonstrate Your Own Spectacular Show

Posted on July 4, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

If you live in the USA, today is about celebrating Independence. For me, with my boys, it is an opportunity to acknowledge our freedom to be all we are here to be.
In towns all over the US there are dramatic fireworks displays and pretty patriotic parades. Early this morning I headed to the Pacific Ocean with my boys. It’s my favorite place to go to reconnect with my true voice.
I began a tradition on the 4th of July to explode limiting thoughts, judgements and confusion. More so, I use this day to remind my boys of their truth, their inner light, the spirit guiding them and that it is the sovereign and unique voice in each one of us. A light far brighter than ANY fireworks display.
Celebrate your independence from useless fears about communicating your message.
Celebrate your independence from unworkable beliefs about getting your truth, your life and your business center stage.
Being a mom and a business owner, I love nothing more than seeing my boys and my clients demonstrate their own spectacular show.
From a mom perspective, we know, at a certain age our children come in to their own with their power of choice. My 8 year old has more freedom in his choices and that will continue to grow. Right now my 5 year old wants more of that power in his choice and I sometimes have to say until he can choose (to control his temper, not throw a toy, not hit his brother) I have to choose for him.
From a business perspective, I remind my clients, you have a choice. You can choose to release sabotaging pulls that keep you hiding out and not out there speaking your brilliance. You can decide to get the support that will help you break free from limiting beliefs.
I am reminded daily, everything is a power of choice. Just as an artist chooses her colors, a fireworks display creator chooses the colors for each firework design, you as an entrepreneur, coach or business owner can choose your message and how you communicate.
If you’d like my help Crafting Your Signature Communication Strategy I’d love to support you!