And We're Off!

Yesterday was the first official day for me to be out of school until next semester. Now begins the establishment of a daily and weekly rhythm, focusing on periods of exhaling and inhaling. An article I read yesterday morning reminded me of the importance of the inhale and exhale time.

 http://www.waldorftoday.com/2011/11/daily-rhythm-at-home-and-its-lifelong-relevance-by-helle-heckmann/

I'm still shaping how this will look for us but the concept alone is helping me plan activity moments balanced with calm connection moments throughout the day. 

I notice that Ellie cues for those moments naturally. 

Ellie and I went to the Library and checked out books for the week to use as a springboard for spontaneous learning. I based my choices on her interests of late. Harvest has been going on in the surrounding fields and we went to Homeschool Day at Holt Family Farm last Friday. So I chose those themes. We read and talked about " Apples"and "Harvest Time" last night after she helped  Bud and I make pizza from scratch last night. 

Before the boys got home from work Ellie and I rode together for the first time! I instructed her on Dozer first. She has ridden often on lead and this was the first time I let her go around yard off line. Dozer is a 30 year old Appaloosa and a veteran of all things child related. She is working on giving with one rein as she asks for bend with the other and her legs are useless until we get her a child saddle. Dozer was patient and forgiving as always. I then took her into the lot with my mustang and we were able to ride side by side and in line around the lot. I felt so whole and happy to have my daughter riding with me! She said we should stop the horses and then asked for a high five, "momma we did good!". Then we took a walk/run through the cornfields and gathered autumn leaves and nuts. 

Today we measured and stirred to make a homemade chocolate pie with mile high meringue. We sorted and put away like toys and discussed same and different. Took a long nature hike and gathered leaves, grasses, and seed pods to add to our kitchen table centerpiece. We also gathered the corn husks to make the dolls for today's project. Ellie rode Dozer and I rode Scorch in the field. It is just amazing to ride with her, she is so confident, capable and smart. We had Ben saddled for Bud and he rode with us when he got off work, our first family "trail" ride! Then it was time for Ellie to ride the tractor with Bud as we put out hay.