First Day of School

Oh, what an exciting day! I was happy to see that Sierra was ready to start school. We have been building this up for a few weeks. :) On our first official day of school for a new year we try to do a few extra special things. I always have a gift for Sierra waiting on her desk for her to find. I make sure I get something that is educational, like a new set of books from a favorite series, a fun game, or one year I put together a writing box with all kinds of neat stationary, pens & pencils. The writing box has been my favorite gift because it really allowed Sierra to improve her writing skills. I even set up several pen pals for her so that they could write back & forth which was so much fun. Sierra loved getting her own mail. This year for her gift she received a jigsaw puzzle & some art supplies. We can get pretty happy over art supplies around here! Another thing that we like to do for our nature studies is to head out into the great outdoors. So I couldn't think of a more perfect day for a back to school picnic. Sierra loves to pack her lunchbox, grab a blanket, a few books & find a good picnic spot. To finish up our first day I decided to let Sierra make a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies to share with some friends. This of course was what I used to freshen up on her measurements since we were trying to get in some review of past lessons. Too fun! We did actually find time to fit in all subjects for the day as well. Just in case anyone may be wondering. Sierra has one thing she is really looking forward to learning this year & that is learning to write in cursive. We both are looking forward to a new year with lots of new memories!

Precious Cargo

Traveling into town recently I noticed things being very quiet in the back seat. So I peeked into my rear view mirror & to my delight I saw Sierra, hair twisted into cute little braids, reading to herself one of her favorite Billy & Blaze books. I could tell she was really into it & I thought it was great when she would stop reading to narrate parts of the story that she found exciting. It just got me to thinking as I looked back at her younger years how things haven't always been such a peaceful ride into town. Mostly full of singing, chatter, questions, & interesting conversations. Lots of life lessons have been discussed along our travel paths. I know we all have small passengers in our lives. It is important for me to remember that I shouldn't just be passing through this life with no regards of the heritage I am leaving behind. God gave me this child as a gift & He has chosen to mold her, shape her, & transform her into the person He desires her to be. But now, O Lord, you are the Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8
The Lord has chosen to use me as an instrument in this little life. So as it may seem like at times we are just along for the ride, let us not forget we have a higher calling. To travel on a road less traveled, one that leads to an eternal purpose.

Mr. Whiskers

I came across this picture although it is not a new one it has to be a dear favorite of mine. Sierra painted this picture of a cat in which she named Mr. Whiskers almost 2 years ago. I actually entered it in the Junior Art Contest at the Gilmer Yamboree the year that she had painted it. Mr.Whiskers & Sierra won 2nd place & earned $3 & a lovely ribbon. Need I say that there was much excitement around here. Now Mr. Whiskers hangs on our wall along with some other wonderful pieces of art. Inspirations from a child but beautiful treasures to me.