The search for Simplicity

For some time now, I have been on a search for simplicity in my life and that of my family.  I look at my children in awe of how they can remember the smallest detail of any given moment.  Through my years of schooling, I know this occurs because their little minds are simple.  Our minds are cluttered which is why I can't even remember where I left my glasses this morning.  It goes even beyond our minds though.  My home he is full of "things" that serve no purpose in our daily lives.  The Wii game we had to have, the swing every baby needs, the toaster oven I might use next month.  I try to declutter, purge, etc. I even took 5 bags of clothes and 6 boxes of stuff to donation last week yet the "stuff" keeps showing up.  Then we clutter our schedules.  Pictures for the kids, dinner with the neighbors, play groups, helping a friend, etc.  Before you know it, another year has past that you wonder where it went.  Simplicity in life is far from simple to define.  I'm certain though that it involves sustainable living, decluttering, and not keeping up with the Jones.  Stay tuned as we continue our homeschooling journey and try to teach our children that the simple life is truly the enjoyable life.

World Fair

So we decided to meet monthly with two other homeschooling families to have the kids present information on specific countries.  September was Africa and we focused on the country of Ethiopia.  I think mom learned just as much as kids.  Brayden and Teagan helped make a poster board presentation that included a hut, food samples, entertainment, work and a map.  I was so incredibly proud of Brayden.  When it was his turn, he took the floor without hesitation and explained what everything on his board was.  He took his time and showed no shyness at all despite their being two parents and four other kids.  I almost cried!
Well we have started using a new source, Learning Path which has increased our daily agenda quite a bit.  Brayden is mastering things much quicker than anticipated and he keeps me on my toes.  This week we are focusing on England as our next World Fair is next week.  We are working on clapping syllables, letter sounds and site words.  We will be making a book for Brayden to practice reading.  We have also started talking about our bodies and making collages about ourselves.  We hope to make some "guts" as they call it later in the week.