A Pocket Full of Pinecones

Construction on our home (and a few other things obviously) have somewhat taken over our life. For the first time in our Homeschool's history, our school books were not pulled out in Late August, Early September as they have been for the last nineteen years. Now, don't get me wrong, we have had our ups and downs, and we have always been flexible to the needs of our family, and the crisis that have occasionally arisen...But never have we been this late.

However, school books aside, plenty of learning has been going on. My children have learned to be more compassionate and helpful with the needs of others. They have been patient with disrupted plans and lovingly open to doing what needs to be done. And to say that they have learned a bit about construction would be a gross...um...can I say under-exaggeration? But now, it's time to dust off the school books and get the new ones out. I usually spend the summer rejuvenating and gearing up...however... :)

But the last week or so I have been re-reading one of my favorite home school inspiration books, Karen Andrealo's "A Pocket Full of Pinecones". It's a lovely little read. Sweet, simple and inspiring about a fictional families life and love of learning about God's word and His world. I don't necessarily agree with everything doctrinally, but very much enjoy her style of writing and the encouragement it gives me to use nature and nature study in all of our every day learning. Especially as Fall is in full swing here in our lovely little piece of Heaven in the Missouri countryside...crunching leaves and acorns abound and our little road is just beckoning us to take a nature walk.

It was just the boost I needed to "officially" start our school year...albeit a bit late. If you are home schooling your self, or know someone who is, this book is a real treat.

Well, I'm off to read a chapter or two more, and then dust off a few school books. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Love, Debbie