school days

Natale and I finished our second week together. We did lots of reading and writing along with a trip to the library.

After our bible time together each morning we worship dance together. Natale is inspired by the scarves I have for dancing and usually designs an outfit for me to admire.

She had fun making pictures with the pattern blocks before we used them to make some number sentences.

 Today Natale and Lily had matching outfits. Lily has been very patient with Natale.

After a long day of reading and writing it is necessary to blow off some steam....

 and sometimes a good ol' fashioned nap is in order.

popping

The recent rains coaxed the Mexican Poppies to bloom along the highway which in turn coaxed me to tromp down the shoulder and sneak a couple shots of these delicate little drops of sunshine. Of all the interesting flowers I've met in Arizona I think the Mexican Poppy is my favorite.

cloudy with a chance of elk chili

 In the desert rain is always a big deal...and big rain can cause big problems. Almost every time we have a heavy rain you will hear reports of people trying to drive through flooded wash areas and getting swept away. It isn't unusual for deaths to occur during those incidents. 

Wednesday night I awoke to hear the beginning of a torrential rainfall. I eventually went back to sleep to the song of the rain but in the morning it was evident the rain had been long and hard. 

Jay called shortly after he left for work and suggested I walk to the end of the street to see the water flowing in the wash. I grabbed the camera and Lily and I headed out the door.

 

 After visiting the street we walked to the bottom of our property and looked at the water that was running there also.

And here, my photographer friends, is a wonderful example of the type of photo they warn you about it basic photography tutorials..... be aware of everything that is going on within the viewfinder so you don't accidentally end up with a beautiful sky scape and a dog taking a dump in the foreground.

celebrate

 We were invited to celebrated Natale's first week of school last night at her home in Mesa. Because I had never been to their home it was a good opportunity to gain some insight into her world. 

Although there is no distinctive line when driving from Mesa to Apache Junction Natale's suburban neighborhood and our country setting have a much different feel. Natale asked her mom why we lived where there were no roads (no pavement) where there was only dirt and coyotes and hyenas. 

It looks like we'll have to add nature appreciation to our list of subjects.

Natalie wanted to pretend she was blowing out candles for this picture. She loves to role play and has a wonderful imagination.

 

 

good medicine

I'm working with old photos today and revisited this funny moment when Keith dressed up in some very large clothes Jay bought on dollar day.

Somedays 
you just need a good belly laugh.

excitement

Our first day of  kindergarten homeschool was a smashing success. Natalie arrived at 7:30 AM and was reading her first new word before she crossed the threshold. 

I remember my elementary days when a new pair of tennis shoes for gym class was part of the back to school purchases. Instead of gym shoes Natale was proudly sporting a new pair of chicken shoes. 
 

I found a set of books at the public library titled Games for Reading and Games for Writing by Peggy Kaye. They have so many good ideas that I decided we needed to purchase the books as I was taking notes on almost every game I read. 

I tried out the "Gift word" idea and presented Natale with a pretty box containing the word "Like". I remember from my classroom days that this is a very useful word for new writers.  

With all the new school supplies and exciting things to do it was a little tricky to stay on one task for long but we were able to accomplish quite a bit including a first journal entry, "Today I wore my chicken shoes" and a first page to a book, "Natale likes strawberries".

new beginnings

Today is the first day of kindergarten homeschool at our house. I woke up extra early with anticipation just like all the other "First day of school" days of my life. Jennifer, Natale, and I met on Friday to do some initial planning. I was pleasantly surprised by the intricate details of Natale's drawings as she illustrated our mind map. When it was time to leave Natale asked her mom if she could stay and start school right away. 

Fun learning ahead.

company with benefits

There is a yummy advantage to having a full-blooded Italian cook stay at your home....

Thankful

This morning I peeked back at my posts from August 2011. There were only four. The month was consumed with taking care of Lily after her run in with a piece of sheet metal that cut clean through three tendons on her right front leg. Praise Jehovah Rapha who healed her leg so she is once again as quick as lighting on her feet and tears through the yard chasing anything that moves. What a delightful companion she has been for me.

keep the old

 

While in Goshen I had the chance to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in a long time...went on a  bike ride with my college friend Sandi and had a chatty visit with Jim and Eleanor.

how all y'all* doin?

I spent four days in Dallas helping Keith get his classroom ready for 22 second graders that he will meet in a little over a week. His new school has a great view of the cityscape and is just down the road from the Dallas zoo.

 

Most of our meals were "Grab something quick and get back to work" affairs but we did take time on Friday night to try out a new restaurant in the Mexican shopping strip located between Keith's school and the efficiency apartment we found for him about a mile and a half from the school. Cafe Maya had amazing food. We talked with one of the owners and he explained that the buy all their ingredients fresh each day at the local farmer's market. They even came out and made fresh guacamole at your table. Definitely a keeper.

*all y'all

pretty petals

 

 

favorite flora fotos from far far away

deer me

As Grace and I drove down Mama Donna's woodsy driveway a young deer crossed in front of us. Grace stopped the car so I could take some photos. The deer didn't seem too concerned about the car but was very interested in our peppermint smell. We had a paper towel sprinkled with peppermint oil in the car. The peppermint scent was strong and the deer kept putting it's nose in the air to get a good whiff.

homeschool

I'm extremely happy being at home full time but there are many things I miss from my teaching days. I was reminded of that hole as I play/taught three year old Tessa the month that she was in our home. I had fun turning ordinary daily tasks into learning experiences; making math lessons during snack time and teaching letters disguised as sidewalk art. The teacher in me has longed for a chance to share that joy of discovery while my training and experience has collected years of dust on the back shelves of my mind.

Until yesterday....Yesterday Abba answered prayers both coming and going when the decision became official that I would help homeschool 5 year old Natalie. Next week we'll meet to has out some of the details but until then, put simply, I'm as excited as a kindergartner on their first day of school.