Meet Mr. Waters

For Ender's fourth birthday he became the proud owner of a blue betta. We fish-sat for friends a few times over the summer and he fell in love. These friends called a few days before his birthday to see if he would like to have a fish of his own, and we thought it was a great idea.

When I asked Ender what the fish's name would be Ezra shouted "waters!" and Ender laughed and proclaimed him "Mr. Waters". He *is*nice and blue! Mr. Waters is apparently also fairly hearty. He already survived his first bowl dumping (courtesy of Ezra) without keeling over, so I think he'll make it around here.



See? Ezra is already reaching for the fish again.  I swear that I'll try to protect that fish from well intentioned 2-year-old love as much as I can!

A House for Elephant

You've heard of a House for Hermit Crab, right?

 

Well, this is a House for Elephant, designed by Ender.

 

 

 

This Season of Life

This past summer was so nice.

Calm.

Peaceful.

 

 

We had a rhythm, there was time for the things we deemed important.

 

August came, and that all turned upside down.

 

Superman returned to school with his heaviest workload yet and I returned to an overly full studio. It was a difficult decision to make- 1 very hard busy school year to put us in a better position to have many easier future years. A preparation for homeschooling Kindergarten a year from now and higher grades in the future. A preparation for being debt free, including the school debt Superman has incurred over the past 2 years. A preparation for my work to slow down, for Superman to work a normal work week, a preparation for life with "school-aged" kids.

 

 

Oh, I love these boys, and this season of life will be over soon. Only a little over 7 months to go . . .

Daybook

Outside my window… It is early, but the sun is here. It won't be long before the time change and my early mornings will be dark again.

 

I am thinking… about the growing amount of lists I've been posting here in the last few weeks! I suppose that is where my head is- planning, working through things, trying to be prepared for the next few weeks even if I can only take things one day at a time. I've been making holiday lists also, trying to get my head around what I want to make as gifts for Christmas and what I can actually and reasonably accomplish.

 

I am thankful for… my husband's skill with numbers. If it weren't for him an enormous error would have been made, NOT in the studio's favor!

 

Always Learning… We spent our morning yesterday talking about Apple trees after reading a book Ender picked up at the library. It led to drawing a picture of a seed and then a picture of the tree it grew into- I love when he self-directs like this.

We also made a few countdown chains- one til the end of the month and one until Ender's big "camping" weekend with his grandparents. He's so excited!

Ezra is drawing quite a bit- I actually plan to post a few of his specific drawings because they have a bit of shape to them now. It's so fun to watch his drawing develop, because even at 2 years old he most definitely has a process and a purpose.

The rest of our week involves being outside while we can be out without freezing our noses off, leaf collecting, and a few other leaf and tree related projects.

 

From the kitchen… Well, I'm armed with a slightly pared down budget (results of cuts at work for Superman, but hopefully work will pick up for him in a few weeks) and I'm trying to plan make-ahead meals. I'm going to test out a few recipes this week and see who eats what.

 

I am wearing… jeans and a black button-down shirt. Wow, I wear a lot of black! It's my attempt to match without thinking too hard about it. I mean, black goes with everything, right?

 

I am creating… a little bit of a directed lesson plan for fall. Some more "scheduled" activities mixed with the things the boys come up with sounds good to me!

 

I am going… to work for hard stops in my day for prayer. My timer is set for 4 stops. This is most definitely a need, and I can't push it back any longer.

 

I am reading… On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

 

I am hoping… for Superman to do well on his exams this week.

 

I am hearing… quiet. No music, no talking. Peace.

 

Around the house… I'm trying to finish the change over to cooler weather clothing and outerwear.

 

One of my favorite things… the weather lately. It's been the perfect amount of cool in the evenings, just the right amount of sun during the day to play outside without needing heavy jackets, and no need to have the heat on during the day.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .  LOTS of time outside, finishing hats for the boys, casting on a pair of wristers for myself, and lots of leaf books to read.

 

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Birthday Boy

Today I'm the mother of a four-year-old. I'm not exactly sure how that happened, but there he is, most certainly four years old.

 Ender at 4

:: Son, you are so kind and tolerant, even with your brother who tries to sit on your head daily.


:: Your compassion and empathy is amazing. You are the first to pat someone's back or offer a hug when someone is hurt or sick. I love that you care so much for other people and their feelings.


:: Your artwork is really developing and changing. In the last few weeks you have made a lot of effort to draw more realistic animals. It is so awesome to watch you grow.


:: You are a great cheerleader for your brother as he learns new things. You encourage him as he's learning to put on his own shoes and use the potty, and you are so patient with him.


:: You are taking on responsibility in a new way. If I haven't asked you to clean up your toys or to help me sort silverware that day, you ask me if you can help.


:: I keep wavering between wishing you would freeze in time and bursting with pride as you reach new milestones. You are lovely, son, and it is wonderful to be part of your growing up. I only wish it weren't going quite so fast!