"P" is for Peace (Charlotte Mason Inspiration #22)

"P" is for Peace

I like this notion/reminder~ that Peace *is* like a River, not stagnant~
It is flowing, cleansing, changing, molding and making a deeper, richer path in our lives~
That is the kind of peace that I wish for our lives.

Blessings~

"N" is for Nurture and "O" is for Observation (Charlotte Mason Inspiration #20 and #21)

My apologies~ I have been away on vacation, and my blog has been rather quiet~
Catching up a little on my Charlotte Mason Inspiration posts...

"N" is for Nurture

and 

"O" is for Observation

Blessings~

M is for Mystery (Charlotte Mason Inspiration # 19)

M is for Mystery

Blessings~

K is for Kindness and L is for Loyalty (Charlotte Mason Inspiration #17 & # 18)

Once again, I've fallen behind on my Charlotte Mason Inspiration posts, my apologies!

~Without further ado~

K is for Kindness (and Kittens)

L is for Loyalty

Blessings~

I is for Individuality and J is for Joy (Charlotte Mason Inspiration # 15 and # 16)

Catching up on my Charlotte Mason Inspiration posts and Blogging through the ABC's...

I is for Individuality

Understanding that ultimately, we need to give our children space to allow them to see and hear God, and grow at the pace that HE has determined...

J is for JOY!!!

Blessings~

Linking up with 

H is for Habit, Helpful (Charlotte Mason Inspiration # 14)

Something to ponder...... 

Blessings~

Linking up~ 

G is for Gratitude (Charlotte Mason Inspiration # 13)

G is for Gratitude

I love the way Charlotte Mason reminds us to be grateful to the Grand Artist, the Almighty Creator, for the smallest to the largest miracles of nature that He created.

Yesterday was a homeschool park day at a local wooded, riverside park. After everyone else went home, we went for a walk on the trails through the woods, and on paths along the river. Imagine my surprise and delight when I spied a lovely spotted Pink Lady Slipper Orchid. I have never in all my years been privileged to see one in person, in the wild. Truly, "Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty." I was so happy that my daughter had her ipod and was able to take the pictures above.

I am reminded of Ann Voskamp's  One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, which is really all about gratitude to the One who gives us every good gift (James 1:17)

What hidden delights have you discovered lately? I'd love to hear what you've seen that inspires you to gratitude.

Blessings~

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"F" is For Friendship (Charlotte Mason Inspiration #12)

It is so much easier to get along with others when one no longer expects perfection from others (while simultaneously ignoring one's own imperfections). Unfortunately, in today's world, relationships seem to be more "disposable" than ever~ so count yourself blessed if you and your children have found true, loyal friendships

Blessings~

"E" is for Encouragement (Charlotte Mason Inspiration #11)

Blessings~

"C" is for Commitment (Charlotte Mason Inspiration #9)

*Although the quote doesn't directly say 'Commitment', it does imply the parent's commitment to their children through the use of the word 'Duty.'

Blessings~

Linking up with 

"B" is for Buds (Charlotte Mason Inspiration #8)

CHARLOTTE MASON INSPIRATION # 7

"B" is for Buds

bud photos by my eldest from around our yard and neighborhood

Just as each different kind of bud packs its leaves in a unique package, 

so each child is a unique package~ 

bursting forth and unfolding 

at the rate that is specific 

to the singular character and temperament. 

It is up to us as parents and educators 

to nurture our little buds 

so that with proper care 

they will unfurl into a thing of beauty and life. 

Blessings~

Linking up with Marcy at Ben & Me

A is for Achieve ~ Charlotte Mason Inspiration #7

Blessings~

linking up @

Autumn ~ A is for Art, B is for Books, C is for Canvas (?)

Getting a little bit of a late start, but hoping to make it through the entire series for a change (Of course, comments on my posts will encourage me to keep going, and keep me accountable... hint, hint :) )

A is for Autumn ~

Art~

Youngest and I went on a "leaf walk" last week~ we found an amazing number of different leaves~ and thus was born an art project~ Just look at that incredible variety of leaves! 


Youngest traced around his with crayon, filled in the white spaces, and then water-colored the insides. Turned out quite well, I think.

I had hoped to have him use oil pastels and watercolors, like this sample I made, but it was a little too tricky for him~ he was afraid he would tear the leaves. I should have been more careful with my watercoloring, but I thought I'd have more time to do another before my leaves dried up... nope!

Books~
(Note: The pictures of the books are clickable affiliate links to Amazon~ I appreciate your support)

 If you want a fantastic story to read to your 4-8 year old, that relates to carving pumpkins, with an amazing picture of God's love and grace~ This is it! Now available on Kindle, in addition to hardcover and boardbook. 

One of my very favorite Autumn poems, illustrated for reading.  A delightful way to introduce the classic work of James Whitcomb Riley to your elementary-aged children. I like to pull this one out to read when we have our first hard frost. 

This is a beautiful book! 
It appears to be out of print, but you can still pick up used copies, or hopefully borrow it from your library. I'm glad that I own a copy...

Here's a possible stand-in for Autumn Leaves~ it looks lovely as well. I just discovered it, so don't own it myself, but it's on my short-list of Autumn books to check out.


Here's another I don't own yet, but I have the Summer version, and it is lovely! There are Acrostics for each letter of the alphabet. For instance:
Blankets and Umbrellas
Endless miles of sand
And the
Constant
Hum of wind and waves

Getting ready for Thanksgiving means pulling out one of my favorite Five In A Row titles...
A story of kindness and compassion, mixed in with a tiny bit of "elementary" mystery, ie don't judge a book by its cover. (I'll share more "Thanksgiving" books next week)



For a middle school read~ this isn't specifically "Autumn" but it has that "feel" about it. I think this is one of the best books, that doesn't deserve to live in obscurity... A lovely read about growth, love, and coming to terms with this thing we call life.

Canvas? (Well, officially just pictures, but it will work for "C" won't it?) 

  Acorns found underwater

Impressionistic reflections

And more trees, sky and water

Blessings~