Gnomes + Acorns + Art Materials

If I had learned mathematical concepts through the use of art materials, acorns and gnomes I know I would have been much more confident when it came to math than I was. The confidence that the girls have, and the ease at which they solve problems (math or otherwise) really is a sight to behold. Math for them has always been fun. It's always been a part of their lives and it's never been "work". We have always used a variety of materials and experiences to help them master these essential skills and it truly has made all the difference. I love that I am getting to "relearn" math right along with them. And I love that in their learning of math that I am finding the confidence that I never had the first time around. Slowly but surely my fear of math is being replaced by excitement, and it's all because of some gnomes and acorns and art materials, and one truly incredible lifestyle! 

In Praise Of Librarians

A good library is a wonderful treasure. We would surely be lost without ours! I am so grateful to have the help and support of the two librarians in the Children's Room at our library. Miss Kim (pictured above) and Miss Barbara are without a doubt, hands down, gold star librarians! It is a blessing and an honor to have two such wonderful people as part of our world. They are always ready to offer support, guidance and wonderful book recommendations (and seriously, the programs they come up with for the children are truly amazing). The three of us love our weekly trips to the library. Each time we arrive they welcome us as happily as if we are friends they have not seen in many moons. They are always interested to hear about what the girls have been up to and all that we've done since they last saw us the week before. Good librarians are hard to find but I sure am glad we found these two! 

Way Up High In The Apple Tree

Since Dave had a day off from work today we decided that it was the perfect day to (finally!) go apple picking. With me having been sick the entire month of September we hadn't had a chance to go before today. Today's weather could not have been any more glorious! The sky was beautifully blue and there was a slight chill in the air. It was the kind of New England day that just beckoned to be spent in an apple orchard. Once we arrived we found where the Cortland trees were and got to work. We had not been picking at this particular orchard in a good few years and things have changed a wee bit (in regard to picking) since we were last there. I have to admit that while I do love this place I think it will remain our place to go when we need something from their wonderful farm store and not when we want to go apple picking. For apple picking I think we'll continue to head up to Harvard as we have done the last few years. Regardless, it was a wonderfully delightful day. I am so glad that we were able to go and am even more happy that Dave had the day off so that he could be part of this adventure too! 

{This Moment} Walking The Labyrinth

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single photo- no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a lovely first weekend of October!

Yellow + Red

Yellow.....

plus red....

equals....

Orange!!!!

Hats!

Today we had a playdate with my friend, and fellow homeschooling mama, Julie and her sweet daughter Lily. Julie is crazy talented in the knitting department, and she used her amazing skills to create these gorgeous hats for the girls! 

I love that, for the last few years, the girls have had gorgeous winter hats made by friends of ours. Not only does it mean so much for us to be given such wonderful, handmade gifts but it also makes them super easy to spot when we are out and about since no one else has hats like them! 

Thanks Julie for making the girls such beautiful hats! They are simply stunning and absolutely perfect and so very Grace and Emma! They will help to make the winter world a little bit of a cheerier place, and will surely be worn with much love and happiness all season long! 

Ice Cream With Grandpa

There's nothing like eating ice cream at night with Grandpa to kick off a new month! 

Happy October, everyone!