raising rileys

autumn reading

In the morning you will find me sitting below an east facing window, sun streaming in, with several boys vying for a spot on my lap. Reading time is really one of the highlights of our days and is what I do first to gather the boys and help them begin our day. Gathering (at times) rambunctious boys is no joke! In order for me to do it effectively, I have found that bringing over a large stack of carefully-chosen books the best approach. Reading helps grumpy mornings turn happy. Reading helps complaining turn into smiles. Reading makes everything better!

Homeschool, Nourish & CreateElizabeth RileyOctober 29, 2019homeschool, autumn books, quality books, quality children booksComment

to mold living clay

When we nurture strong relationships with our children, in a very real way, they become moldable clay in our hands. This is not to say that they don’t have their own unique personalities, characteristics, and talents—but when we put in the time and energy to build relationships, they feel that Christlike love and energy from us as parents. And when that Christlike love is present, our children have soft, open hearts towards us and what we do.

ready or not, it’s a new (home)school year!

Today and tonight I finished some last-minute homeschool preparations. I penciled in our schedule and wrote out some things I’m hoping we can accomplish this year. I penciled in practice schedules and games. I tried to visualize how to fit it all in. Tonight my husband gave us beautiful back-to-school blessings. My boys each received one, and I received one too (maybe because I need it more than my boys)?! Truly, though, homeschooling requires heavenly help. It’s a big undertaking.

Homeschool, Motherhood, faithElizabeth RileyAugust 26, 2018homeschool, homeschool planningComment

gardening for the soul

Today was one of those stay-at-home all day beautiful kind of days. We continued our homeschool astronomy study (this unit has been so much fun with my boys), and we just enjoyed being together. Some days I'm craving to get out of the house--but today, it just felt nice to stay home and do our school and take the time we need to do the things we want and need to do. We are currently staying at my mother and father-in-law's winter home since we sold our house a few weeks ago and are trying to figure out where we are going to move next! We are down in the desert in the community I grew up in. It's been really nice to be here. A beautiful desert rainstorm rolled in during the early afternoon, and we enjoyed every blessed moment of it! The air here is so fresh, and after a rainstorm, there is a wonderful sagey scent in the air. I think it's one of the freshest scents in the world!

Homeschool, MotherhoodElizabeth RileyMay 1, 2018homeschoolComment

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.

a homeschool life conversation with brandi mcintosh

With some difficulty (not a morning person) I rise around 7 each morning and get started on breakfast. This morning Ellie surprised me with eggs ready. She's my early bird and frequently helps in this way, knowing how much it helps her morning zombie of a mama out. (Mamas of young children - easier days - they are coming)! By the time breakfast is ready, the younger kids are up and Gavin (15) joins us with a little help. ;) We've all agreed we prefer to get going somewhat early so that we can move through our day at an unhurried pace and have time for what matters.