Pinterest project - flower pot

I loved this idea when I saw it on Pinterest, and decided to give it a shot on a whim one night.  Lowe's had their terra cotta clearanced - I would take that as a sign - wouldn't you??!

I did this without instructions - I just remembered what I had read and improvised the rest.  I bought the pot and the saucer because I intended to put it in the school room. 

To start, you need paint in the colors of your choice - I used leftover VBS paint from a craft project - the cheap bottles from WalMart.  Make sure you can elevate your pot and saucer off the ground.   My flower pot is balanced on a spray paint can and the saucer on a regular pint paint can.  The paint WILL run down and off the edges and if you have this flat on the paper, it will stick. 

This is a photo of the project once I added the paint:

You really do follow the directions - add a bit of each color and repeat - repeatedly!!  I taped off the hole in the bottom of the pot - The next morning the paint on the tape had not dried.  I took the tape off (bit messy!) and the pot finished drying in no time.  Here is the finished project in the school room, complete with a clearanced ivy.  Total project:  about $10 including paint. 

Week 2, and all is well.....

We started week two of the Wilkerson Academy today.  I suppose I could (and should) have blogged about everything that happened last week, but to be honest, I didn't really know what to say!

I took some time at the end of the week to sit back and examine the week, and I must admit I was extremely happy with what I saw.  We started each day with the Bible.  They read (and enjoyed reading) every morning, then journaled about what they read.  They studied their AWANA material (which they'll be needing soon) and also a verse for preacher's pals on Sunday nights.  We had a devotion and prayer.  All of this before we ever cracked a book!  The difference it made was amazing.  God is in the center of our school.  He's the principal, because He's the principle. 

Math is tailored to meet the needs of my students.  We started History where history started - in Genesis.  We are studying the universe, planets, stars, Sun and our world in general.  That required a field trip outside to check our shadows during different parts of the day(s) to "tell time".  Lukas said "you mean we're going OUTSIDE??!!"  He was in shock!  We have time to read - really read - a book.  Language, Spelling, and Penmanship are flowing freely! 

I intend to introduce Spanish soon.  They also have typing/keyboarding skills that they work on. 

They are happy.  They are healthy.  They are content.  All is well.....

Mommy's not doing so bad herself!  I have found time to focus on the things that are important, like my own Bible study and time alone with Jesus.  I am finding little nuggets in the word that I never saw before.  I am calmer, and I hope kinder.  I'm forgiving more, and getting angry less.  I will never be where I was destined to be, but each day brings me closer.  I long for my relationship with the Father to become simpler each day.  Let all the confusion of the world cease. 

Our first 2 field trips are coming in the next few weeks.  Our calendar is quickly filling with activities and the like.  I do believe that the veterans are right - finding time to teach among everything else we do will be the challenge! 

I still rely on the assurances from God that this was the right step.  On my own, this would not have happened.  His grace is sufficient for today. 

An overview of command central

This picture has the most going on - the white board (obvious use), their splatter paintings from their birthday party, weekly Bible verses to memorize, daily boxes, calender, "I'm done" jar, all the supplies we will need this year, etc... etc... etc... This room got crowded FAST ~~ but I am loving every minute of it!!  They are super-excited about this new venture which makes me MUCH happier... Take a good look at these pictures, as this is most likely the last time this room will ever look like this again!  Let the pandemonium begin!



Mommy's desk - where all the schedules, plans, grading of papers and scrapbooking (during quiet moments) will take place.  I love their reading nooks - one in each corner. 



Our bookcase - mommy will ALWAYS buy books - without question or complaint (well.... content approved of course)!  I'm totally excited about the books of the Bible poster on the wall - we are SO learning those this year - and how to find them.

As I like to call it ... "the hub" ... notice my $5 thrift store table?? Lukas and Shelby painted the chairs.

The entrance to our new schoolroom - I needed a way to store all those DVD's that we simply couldn't part with while keeping it a little neater than before.  The twins picked out the fabric and (of course!) they couldn't agree, so we got both!!

In my mind, I imagined myself sitting quietly in the still of the night, calmly sipping a cup of tea or coffee while articulating my day as my family slept.  I have realized that my dreams will never become reality!  Instead I sit among unfolded laundry, two children with wet heads from nighttime showers, a husband that just got home from work, a dog and his squeaky toy, the TV blaring and one child facetiming a friend.  I can only shake my head in amazement that I can articulate my name, much less a complete thought!

And so it begins.... a journey into the unknown.  This wonderful, crazy world of homeschooling.  The room has been painted, the curriculum ordered, the table and desk placed in the room and the date set.  God has placed me here.  God will lead us on. The looks, bad advice and criticizm will come, I'm sure.  If God gave me this priviledge, doesn't it seem logical that He will give me the grace and love to explain that priviledge to others?  What an awesome opportunity to share His testimony.  I'm honored! 

I love to write, and haven't had a chance to indulge that passion in some time.  This blog will allow me to put "pen to paper" and hold on to those funny and heartwarming moments that I'm sure are to come.  I don't really expect a mass following, and that's perfectly fine.  For those of you who do find my life entertaining, please visit often!  I'm sure you won't leave disappointed.

And so, for now, I end with "thank you for visiting".  May this be the first of many posts to come.