October 26, 2015

We spent Thanksgiving weeekend on our land, clearing more brush so our little flock of fibre sheep may have more grazind land. It is such a satisfying task to move out hawthorns and deadfall and realize we are using more of our little acreage.   A cheerful fire kept us warm and the kids enjoyed roasting apples on sticks over the coals.  I realize we have a bonfire almost every weekend in autumn…it is part of our family weekend rhythm.

We enjoyed three Thanksgiving meals including a meal with some of our dearest friends, followed by meals with family.  A few days later, our homeschool group celebrated a harvest festival like we did three years ago, complete with a Stone Soup dramatization, harvest exchange table, and a Variety show by the kids.  My own three really enjoy collecting their own seeds for the kid’s seed exchange…and now we have so many new varieties for our gardens.

The boys wanted to go to work with Papa for an hour while my parents and I went for a walk with Sunshine.  Josh is building an addition on an 80 year old cabin on our neighbour’s property, so we meandered over for a peek.  Huckley was so full of self-importance when we left for our walk, I think he actually grew a few inches that afternoon.

Our homeschool week is fairly busy now, with three full days away from home.  I would rather crowd all the activities together than spread them out over the full week as I do love to be at home so much.  One part of homeschooling that is a challenge when you live rurally is to spend so much time driving, especially when each day we commute 45 minutes to either swim lessons, ballet, indoor soccer, or our homeschool group. It is the choice we make living on a farm, and the trade-off of commuting so much is compensated by the life we live here.

Gratefully, Herb Club is just 10 minutes away in the village and music lessons are down the valley 20 minutes.  A few weeks ago, another homeschool mama gifted us with her gently used guitar for Huckley.  He is beginning with just ten minutes of finger work and he loves being part of the lessons like his big brother.  When he feels ready he will begin half hour lessons like his brother and sister.

Wishing you all a season of Thankfulness…for the abundance of good health, happy families, and appreciating the little moments that make up our lives.