If the Boot Fits...

This is our three year old son, Henry.


He's funny, sweet, ornery, and a bit like having twins, because when it comes to dismantling the house, he does the damage of two.

We have been incredibly entertained by Henry this past year.  His funny phrases, mannerisms, expressions are priceless.

Henry is "all boy," as we like to say. If dad is working under a tractor, he's right beside him with tools in hand.  In his sweet little mind, there is always something to be hunted, and nearly everything can be made into a gun - coat hangers, Legos, kitchen utensils....you get the picture.

He's also hopelessly attached to his boots. "Bobby boots" in Henry terms.

 They are like an added appendage to his little body. Boots to Henry are like basic black to the fashion-conscious - they go with everything. Everything.

Dinosaur Long-Johns for instance.
He's clearly ready at a moments notice to answer the door should anyone happen to be visiting our remote farm at 7:00a.m.

Next up, undies (with a pajama top, of course).  I mean, why waste time putting on pants when we don't have neighbors, and it's an unfortunate 85 degree fall day??  Practicality must be recognized here.

 Caught ya - red handed!

So, you thought you could get away with wearing those boots to football practice, did ya?  Seriously, gym shorts and boots? Clearly I'm not connecting the dots here....

Then, there are days when the stars are in line, the sign of the moon is favorable, and the boots match the outfit. Even though the boots have managed to find a cow patty. Nice.

According to Henry's rule, one shoe fits all - outfits that is.  Henry, dear sweet Henry, if becoming a Monk is in your future, rest-assured surrendering worldly goods and embracing the virtue of simplicity will  not be a monumental feat  for you....as long as the Abbot gives you the thumb's-up on wearing cowboy boots with your cassock!

School - Spooky Style

Educating at home can display a variety of approaches unique to each family who chooses this "road less traveled."  For us, structure and schedule is important, but I love to mix it up with field trips, experiments, themed-lessons and hands on experiences.  Holidays and feast days always present perfect opportunities for  such creativity.  And, surprisingly, I think the boys learn the most on the "unschool" days.

Since moving to a farm 30 miles from the "local" homeschool network, opportunities to school with others are less frequent.  Last Friday the boys were delighted to have their cousins out of school, so they joined us for a Halloween themed morning of lessons.

It's always important to begin a lesson with at least 2 seriously qualified teachers.  Ahem.

Ghosts - a most appropriate theme.

Ghosts can be so yummy, especially when they are white-chocolate-covered banana ghosts!

Granny came over to lead story time.  She must have cast a spell on the hooligans to get them all to sit still and listen! Teach us your tricks, Granny!

Slimy science.  Green goo is so much fun! I love it when they don't realize they are learning!

There's a thoughtful one in every bunch.  Thank you George, for reducing my laundry load this week. (Actually, Mom, most days I just prefer to be half-naked.)

Halloween misfits 2010 - well educated misfits, that is. :)