Horse Whisperer

She leaned down close to Malibu's ear and whispered something I couldn't hear. I took the photo and remembered my bedroom with horse wallpaper, posters and figurines. This girl's going to be just like me, I thought. She'd been begging for this moment all summer and so, today we came.

She lovingly brushed her horse before whispering goodbye. She was the last out of the barn. We all enjoyed an afternoon of just us and horses, but it is she who will dream about them tonight.

Celebrating 50 Years of Marriage

Loving this family a WHOLE LOT!

Congratulations Mom and Dad Vanderkruk!

You are an example of God's beautiful plan for marriage. xo

 

Welcome Fall and School Photos

 

 

 

  

Gratitude:

 

1408. kids who no longer need bribery to sit nicely for a photo

1409. a sister whose talent is big and whose humility is bigger

1410. for my in-laws' 50th anniversary--a wonderful example!

1411. paper mache, even if it sags before it's time

1412. for Instagram--which Meg begged me to join and I finally allowed her to join me to that world (Heather Taffs Vanderkruk or @thisjourneyhomeward)

1413. for www.cutegirlshairstyles.com

1414. for a mom who's always purchasing little things like Picard's chipnuts, just because

1415. for the cheezy, annoying, but wonderful Geography Songs CD

1416. for all my nieces and nephews who I've been seeing a lot lately--I love you!

1417. for a single changed leaf on my otherwise green maple

1418. that I can have diligent workers around our school table (when they decide to be :)

1419. for Yvonne and Virginia and the work they do to teach people to listen for God's voice, and the excitement each year for the retreat

1420. for Camille and her strength and example

1421. for the repeated thoughts of "Interrupted" and "7", by Jen Hatmaker and how I've been forever changed (I hope!)

1422. for friends who read along with me and we all get excited and convicted and overwhelmed (in a good way)

 1423. for health 

We'll Miss You, Summer

A Buffet of Ancient Times

My sister prepared a unit for us to explore, since this is how our children learn best.  As a continuation of our Ancient Civilizations study, we gather together once a week. Diving into a buffet of another time and culture is most fun when dress-up clothes, lapbooking and art are the main courses!

Studying Zeus (and other mythological figures) is a great way to get our kids excited about how much bigger and more loving the one true God is--there's no comparison!

 

An actor.

 

Normally, males take the roles, but Molly requested this part.

 

Poor little slave, Eden.

 

Emily Olympian

 

 

Oliver--Spartan Warrior

Hilary always gets into it and makes the study come alive!

 

Making Grecian Pots

 

 

Mama likes to come and brush up on her Ancient Civilizations :)

 

Olympic Races

 

 

The Javelin

 

Demonstrating the Discus

 

 

Chariot Races

  

 

Listening to our guest speaker, Miss Laura (my sister's friend, who loves this stuff!).

 

 

Here we are! Another time and another place.