Arrivals

Today we had some exciting arrivals!

First, a well-packed box from Heart of Dakota Publishing was delivered to our door by the local postman (who happens to be the sweetest older man, by the way). I waited until dinner was cleaned up and Aubrey was down for the night before opening this package since I knew I would be rather absorbed once I started exploring its contents.

This year, I'll have 1st and K students (in other words, totally dependent-on-mom learners), 2 toddlers, and a new baby. I need something that will make my life, well, as uncomplicated as possible. Little Hearts for His Glory, which allows much of Gabriel and Bronwyn's work to be combined, seemed like a really good option for us to try. The only catch is that I don't actually know anyone in real life who's used it. But since I'm willing to be the guinea pig, here goes!

I know it's only been about 30 minutes of looking over everything, but so far I am absolutely and completely pleased. Everything is laid out for the teacher, but in a flexible manner. On the days that we are doing well and things around the home are running smoothly, there is room for me to change things up and get as creative as I might like. On the less-than-stellar days when perhaps-- just perhaps-- the baby is crying (no, never!) and Aubrey is being demanding (unthinkable!) and I am wondering how to manage breakfast let alone homeschooling (not me!), there are easy directions: Gabriel, do this, Bronwyn, do that.

And, what's more, I like what I see. This looks like stuff I will enjoy teaching.

Then, as all the books were sprawled about my living room, a trailer arrived bearing our new-to-us piano!

Since Aubrey was already in bed and because it now needs a good tuning after having been hauled several miles down the road and from one house to another, we haven't tinkered with it much tonight, but I can hardly wait.

A piano! Of our very own!

I haven't any immediate plans for getting any of the kids piano lessons, but I am very excited to have the instrument available so they can begin "playing" and familiarizing themselves with the feel and the sound. I remember how much my sisters and I loved to make up our own songs as little girls, not caring in the least if the notes on the piano matched the ones we belted out vocally. It's really fun for me to think of my own children (especially one little girl who sings almost every waking moment) doing the same.