The Joy of . . .

So we are right back into the swing of things for preschool and we just had our monthly meeting with all the moms yesterday so I've been thinking a lot about school and the program that we've chosen. It is a program called Joy School and I could not be happier with it. I really look forward to teaching the kids the joys of everything and hope to learn a little bit about these same joys myself. I love the curriculum because it's not focused on learning and mastering the ABCs, numbers, writing, reading, etc. . . I mean they will surely get enough of that in kindergarten and beyond. It is focused, instead, on the enjoyment of a number of things, some that are inherent and must be preserved, and others that need to be fostered or taught. For example, our last semester included, the joys of the body, the earth, honesty and candor, relationships and communication, and sharing and service. This semester we will talk about order and goal striving, spontaneous delight, interest and curiosity, uniqueness, creativity, family security, pride and individuality. . .and even more. The list really matches everything that I would hope for in my kids . . .

I hope that they love their bodies, that they respect the earth and animals around them, that they are confident to be themselves, however unique and different they may be :), that they are responsible and loving towards their friends and family, that they are interested in learning new things, that they can set goals and achieve them, that they are giving and compassionate, and most of all that they are joyful and happy. I guess I just felt like sharing how excited I am to be teaching my kids and myself to be all these things.

We've got a kinda mellow week here, I'm assisting at preschool and trying to get ready to go to Sacramento for my best friend Heather's baby shower on Saturday. Yes, the same one that got married, not even a year ago :) And yes, Erich will be here with the kids all. by. himself. First time ever, I think, that he's been all alone without a grandparent helping. He will do great and hopefully have fun too! Then next week it's school here at our house, a dentist's appointment, and then we're spending the next weekend at Big Sky with some friends. Should be a lot of fun!

Here are a couple of pictures from the last week or so. Darby and Trevor love their new Bobcat gear and the Cats beat the Griz on Saturday night at basketball. . .a really fun game to watch even though Trevor was a little squirrelly bug the whole time. Erich had a great day on Saturday, the Seahawks, Cats, and Cougs all won! A great trifecta to start the weekend.

They worked together to build this awesome tower of legos and were really excited!