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.