Here I sit at my desk sipping coffee in my "office" (the school room) while the kids pretend to be princesses at the beach and I have found myself thinking about how much this room means to me. One of the best things my husband and I did to our home was to change the formal dining room to a dedicated homeschooling room. For so long we were in a tiny apartment and to have such a space is important to me.
The kids come in here throughout the day and play with blocks, puzzles, games, read books, color, paint, or have pretend play. It is as though this room has been touched by God in some ways - like something special happens to all of us when we come in here. There are very few melt downs or tears. There are plenty of games, toys, books, and activities for each girl, and they have never complained of being bored (yet). It is right off of the kitchen so snacks and hot chocolate are never far away. There are two large windows and in the Wisconsin late spring, summer, and early fall, I open the windows and we hear the birds chirping, the fountain in our front yard, and the wind whispering to us as we read and learn. The scent of fresh air and the peony bush outside our window tickle our noses. We can feel the breeze across our faces. We listen to piano and jazz music to add to the symphony outside. We learn, grow, play, love, and listen. We pray and talk. We discuss our world and I help them to understand it. I listen to their thoughts, ideas, and ambitions. I talk them through difficult things and we high five and give hugs for a job well done. Sleepy snuggles are given close to nap time. These mornings are sacred to me, and I have such joy in my heart for the ability to experience my children in this way.
I have tried to leave all errands, tasks, or things on my to-do list for nap time and the afternoons. The mornings are for us: for learning, thinking, growing, loving, and spending time as a family. They are sacred. They are my favorite days.
The kids come in here throughout the day and play with blocks, puzzles, games, read books, color, paint, or have pretend play. It is as though this room has been touched by God in some ways - like something special happens to all of us when we come in here. There are very few melt downs or tears. There are plenty of games, toys, books, and activities for each girl, and they have never complained of being bored (yet). It is right off of the kitchen so snacks and hot chocolate are never far away. There are two large windows and in the Wisconsin late spring, summer, and early fall, I open the windows and we hear the birds chirping, the fountain in our front yard, and the wind whispering to us as we read and learn. The scent of fresh air and the peony bush outside our window tickle our noses. We can feel the breeze across our faces. We listen to piano and jazz music to add to the symphony outside. We learn, grow, play, love, and listen. We pray and talk. We discuss our world and I help them to understand it. I listen to their thoughts, ideas, and ambitions. I talk them through difficult things and we high five and give hugs for a job well done. Sleepy snuggles are given close to nap time. These mornings are sacred to me, and I have such joy in my heart for the ability to experience my children in this way.
I have tried to leave all errands, tasks, or things on my to-do list for nap time and the afternoons. The mornings are for us: for learning, thinking, growing, loving, and spending time as a family. They are sacred. They are my favorite days.
