Fun pictures

Just thought you would enjoy some great pictures. We were invited to a wedding reception last weekend. Scout was one of only 2 children invited and, as usual, was a big hit. She was dancing, eating, socializing and flashing the crowd when she had to "potty"!! We had a great time and thought you would love to see our little cowgirl.

Kids connecting with Horses

We always open our home to kids to learn from the horses. Right now there are 4 homeschool families that come regulary to learn about horsemanship. These lucky kids all have mom's who clean the paddock so they can ride and learn about horses. Some remarkable things have been going on with all the kids.

My youngest has just turned 3. When her mom first called she thought that I would say no because her daughter was too young. How could I say that when Scout got her pony and started riding at 3 weeks old! She was so shy at first. Only mom could side walk and she never spoke to me. Now, 6 months later, she rides without needing a sidewalker, Mom stays behind with her little brother and she talks non stop to me as we travel along the trail.

There is an only child, a preteen. She is shy and keeps to herself. She does however have a great love of animals. She reminds me most of myself. She has the best intuition of all of them, the lightest hands. She is developing a lot more confidence in herself and her abilities.

There are two sisters, my newest. The older one is always thinking of her younger sister. When asked what she wants she always says "what ever my sister wants, she is the one who is horse crazy". We can't forget about their older brother who comes each week and helps clean so his sisters can ride.

The brother and sister who ride together, one leading , the other riding and then they switch. There used to be frustrating times and yelling at each other...not always the teamwork we would like. One day we spoke about how they thought the pony was feeling when there is yelling or tension. They realized what was happening. The changes in them since have been remarkable. The siblings work together, stay calm, problem solve as a team and remind me that they must stay relaxed for the good of the pony.

We are really happy that we are able to offer other children the opportunity to experience the horses. It gives us so much joy to see how much they grow and to see them learn the connections that are possible with the horses.

Child in Harmony visit

On Saturday we made the always risky journey off Cape. It was worth it to go visit the homestead of Marcia Simmonds of A Child In Harmony. She offered an open house to unschoolers and we just had the best time. What a beautiful home, fabulous family, wonderful new friends and getting to meet up with some treasured folks we meet at Rock the Campground. Scout, of course, loves anything outdoors and animals. She played in the gardens, the sandbox and visited ALL the animals. We went into the house to share a pot luck lunch and Scout played with the toy horses and animals. It is always so wonderful, when we meet in these groups, to observe how all the children get along. Always a mix from toddlers to teenagers and never a fight or harsh word from anyone. I think this is what we treasure most in these groups. Everyone is always respectful of everyone, no matter what the age and it shows in the harmony of the group. 

When it was time for us to go we asked Scout to say bye-bye. She trotted, deliberately to to slider, onto the deck, down the stairs and off to the ducks...."bye-bye". The she marched over to where the chickens were resting..."bye-bye". The we followed her down a path, through the pines to the horse barn..."bye-bye, bye-bye". Now she was ready to go. Definitely mommies girl!!!

Today in the flower garden

Farm feast

The horses and chickens are enjoying their afternoon fruit feast. Just about everyday we get scraps from a local buisness, they used to just throw them away.

The whole gang!

Tonto

Little

                                                                            Satinka

Takoda

Itsy-Bitsy

When Scout started using the potty we started singing "the itsy bitsy spider"  to help her to stay on the potty longer. It is now routine for her to tap her fingers together and say "itsy" to get us singing.

Today Scout was with Dawn shopping, suddenly Scout says "itsy, itsy". Dawn rushes to the potty chair aisle and takes one into the bathroom. Dawn starts singing and Scout pees in the potty instead of her diaper!!!! The power of communication and awareness! You go girls!!

Always learning

We are still amazed everyday at how much Scout learns. So much each day, week, month....She is free as a lamb to do and explore at her will. She is full of curiosity, happiness, adventure and joyfulness, everyday. We couldn't imagine stopping that to send her to "school" in a box. Our decision to unschool is reaffirmed everyday.

We are so happy with Meryl's Music. They understand all the different types of learning and all types are included in every class every day. Scout likes standing on the drum. You would expect that she would be told to get off....no, the teacher points out that she is enjoying "feeling the beat" and is encouraged to stay.

The kids all look out the window during a slow song. This is normal, but they are all paying attention, jumping and banging to the beat. They are allowed to move freely in the room during class...to participate in the way that feels right to them.

We always remember to take time to stop and smell the flowers.

Scout likes carrying her "girl" around and there is lots of imitative play. She hugs her, talks to her, dances her, pats her back, gives her a ride on the stuffed pony and recently has been feeding her.

There is so much to see and learn everyday. We are all so very happy!!