Were Cats and Dogs on the Mayflower?

It is no surprise to most of you that we are fond of our kitties. Their cuteness and interaction with us brings some comfort and joy to our family. They are very snuggly warm on the lap or on our feet on a chilly evening. If you have favorite family pets, your kids might enjoy reading this article at Pet Place dot com.

Some fall leaves in Texas ~ finally!

No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace As I have seen in one Autumnal face. ~ John Donne


Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~ Elizabeth Lawrence


This is what much of our backyard looks like this day ~ Still a lot of green!

Just beyond the tree closest to the deck, we are beginning to see the lovely changes of fall color.

Clumps of branches and leaves are beginning to glow with those effervescent red, gold, and yellow hues.

The colors are but one reason why I love this time of year so. It is my favorite time of year of all!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Javamom

Project with dd and her friend

They wanted to make blank journals and cover them with old book covers. They asked, is this possible and could I do it? Well, of course it is possible and I told them I would show them what to do! The week after our discussion, these creative artists went with me to a localish art festival and there were dozens of just such books being sold for big bucks. That is okay, because we were going to make our own, anyway! We did get some grand ideas for titles to look for in the future, though.


*notice the pottery bowl. This is one of the things I bought, since I am not trained in pottery. It is the newest edition in the cottage. I buy a new one from this particular artfest every couple of years.

Andrew working on his journal book

Ky working quickly on hers. We were limited on time as they were about to leave for Mississippi for a week.

The finished books. Not bad at all for the kids' first effort and for being in a hurry.

We did trim the little strings on the edges.

And now they have something new to sketch and write in on their holidays in Mississippi.

Javamom

Upon Reading

"It is only those who have read who do read."

Isn't that obvious? I chuckled a bit when I read this.

Charlotte Mason says this reflecting upon Sir Philip Magnus' conception; who emphasized the importance of the 'habit of reading' as a chief acquirement of school life.'

I should post more from these last two chapters that I am leading my CM book club through. It is in this chapter, chapter 21 of volume 3 _School Education_, where she is in the midst of outlining a detailed scope of a curriculum based upon her educational principles.

But first, I must be off to pick up our fourth teen from his youth group small group.


Any reflections on this quote that you'd like to share with me? Be my guest!!


Javamom

The Encouragement and Inspiration Brought Forth by Music

Selah is one of my favorite groups of singers/musicians. In their music, anyone can enjoy absolute perfection of harmonies, collection of tender thoughts, expressions of depth of soul and faith, (not to mention blends) like those I grew up in, around, through, between, over, under, you name it...from the time I could hear in the womb! (for those of you who are familiar with the studies on sounds, voices, music on infants before and after they are born, it is fascinating reading.)

I *MISS* this music from time to time and want to swim into the depths of it; the contemplative and sometimes soulful, sometimes utterly joyful moments which make time seem to stand still. Selah is one of several groups I will pop into my jam box from time to time to focus, meditate, or sing along with...that is in lieu of getting our friends together to sing and encourage one another together in person!

Christmas music (classic choral works) music is also high on my list of favorites. The time is drawing nigh! St. Olaf Choir, Andrea Bocelli, Handel's Messiah, here we come! (Thank you, Lord!)

Tell me, if you have some time, what music, what singing / worshipping in song mean to you? What is its purpose and what are the benefits?

Gleefully yours,

Javamom

Bathing a Bunny

This little sweety almost looks like a lamb when he's all matted with bath water.

He has turned out to be a very good pet. AJ has become very responsible in taking care of him. Nim takes more work than our cats do, but he has been worth it. He brings lots of smiles to the family :-).


Javamom