raising rileys

a good day

I feel like we've been taking every possible opportunity lately to enjoy ourselves and set aside work to go have fun! I think we are weary from the whirlwind of the last ten months in our last house. I never like to dwell on negative stuff or any of that--but it was a difficult time for us (my guess is that at sometime most people experience difficult times)? Anyway, to be down south in the sunshine, and to have the opportunity to soak up some nature and beauty, and to have the privilege of being near family is an incredible blessing! We recognize that, and we are taking advantage of it!

Homeschool, MotherhoodElizabeth RileyApril 27, 2018SnowCanyon, HomeschoolComment

happy birthday, abe!

I have so much to catch up on and articulate here! About six weeks ago we sold our home and still have not found that new right spot to call home, so we are in a bit of transition! I wanted to share a bit from Abraham's birthday, though. He is such a gift to our family.

MotherhoodElizabeth RileyApril 26, 2018Comment

blessed

I am catching up a bit! At the first of December we gathered all the family we could into our home for a special baby blessing for our precious Elijah! It was wonderful. My two brothers and all of their families who were able to attend came. How grateful I am for my siblings! Jeremiah's parents were there. We missed those who weren't able to attend, but were grateful for those who were there.

Life I Love, MotherhoodElizabeth RileyFebruary 4, 2018Comment

education is a matter of the heart

It's just so much more. So much comes down to the feeling in our home and how we interact. If I'm feeling stressed or irritable, then school time is pretty hard and kind of miserable. But when I take the time to remember what an honor it is to be with these precious people and we work together on things, I truly cannot imagine a sweeter feeling in the world! In a very real way, I see my boys' hearts open. And when their hearts are open, their minds are like sponges, and they just soak everything up with such happiness and delight! Then learning is such a truly joyful process. The day flows naturally, and we move naturally from one lesson to another and one task to another. And our home is a heaven on earth. It's a beautiful experience.

homeschooling through a month of thanks

November and December are quite possibly my very favorite months to homeschool. The colder weather outside sort of gives us permission to be inside, dress in warm and cozy clothing, spend more time in the kitchen cooking and baking, and read together. And I love that during November and December we get to have a special focus on the months' holidays. Here are a few things we are doing this month to make it special:

halloween

So, Halloween has never been my favorite. But during the last few years it has really grown on me! We're starting to establish some really fun family traditions. We do the usual pumpkin carving and this year we added some simple art projects while listening to some silly Halloween music. I even taught the boys a part of the Michael Jackson Thriller dance! It was so fun. I grew up loving to dance, so that was kind of fun for me.

Life I LoveElizabeth RileyNovember 2, 2017halloween, traditions, familyComment