Settling In To Our Autumn Rhythm of "Home Learning"

Ryder whistling while he works. He made the bow, quiver and arrows.

By far, this has been the best autumn for me in many years.

The boys now being 6 and 8 are more independent yet connected and provide me much help in our regular activities and learning adventures as well as insight into a world I missed.

I continuously find myself in awe and with bountiful joy while parenting these guys. As my self- awareness expands from so many areas, I can't help but think that each moment is such a gift if I can just take the time to be more present with them. When I do this - "Practicing Presence" I get the continuous awe and joy. When I lose sight or get bottle necked in back logged to do's, I get downright ornery.

But all of that is part of "home learning" for me and I continue to refine my definition of both HOME and LEARNING to expand into the Grace that is the gift of stewarding these children.

I'm building my personal, business and family calendar to ensure all of my/our actions are aligned with our values. Blocking out time for the important as well as mundane to ensure basics are learned and a foundation of strength, integrity and character are instilled.  The unimportant and unnecessary fall off. This feels good.

So many great stories during this season. I wanted to write down the list to have it but...
"Rabbit Hill", Ghost of Thomas..., Introduced Beverly Cleary (a native of Portland and a whole library and park adventure for our enjoyment as we discover the characters she created for children)

Lots and lots of Grimm for Dax. I'm seeing/hearing difference in the fairy tales now - to understand the reasoning behind them from Steiner's approach to learning. I like this. I wish I knew all of this before they were born so I could have kept these years more protected from the outside adult world or "reality".

Autumn for us is - Horse back riding, chowders, stews and yummy soups and lots of fresh breads as well as baked apples, pears and fig pudding. Heaven. Building models, impromptu science experiments. Fun and love.

Dad shared his sickness with Dax and then the rest of us...it's gone through the house. From my borage, elderberry and other concoctions we've managed to move through it quickly. My love of herbs and sharing the healing wisdom of the body and Mother Earth I take it as a positive opportunity rather than a burden (mostly). Nothing like a little empirical evidence that our food is always the best medicine.

Wish list - a home with a yard for a garden and space. Microscope. Telescope  - a good one. A wood working mentor for Ryder. A couple of holistic families to adopt into our community for regular dinners and play dates.

Scientists!

So much fun - baking soda and vinegar! And so many things to learn about!

Ryder in the lab coat with Dax as "assistant"

We have a regular outing to get our spring water and visit the forest and zoo. If we are really prepared we even make it to the ocean. My healing place. I'll add surfing to the wish list for next summer.

So proud of Dax for fixing the spigot! Totally worth a quarter from Mom!

Ryder enjoying a good joke...or two.

Thank you! Who do I have to totally thank for this moment of joy in this time and space! THANK YOU! I LOVE YOU! Thank you boys for picking me to be your mama.