Making it Real

I don't like dirt.

I'm not the kid who grew up digging hours on end and loved to puddle jump. I don't like movies where people are dirty. (Sometimes period pieces are really hard for me.) I definitely don't do pirates....yuck. So I'm continually shocked and pleasantly surprised when I come across books that challenge that part of me.

One of my favorite parts of homeschooling is how we are able to read so many great books! Growing up I was not a reader. I loathed being told what and when to read a classic. I cared not if it were a great book. I'd rather make my own choices, thank you, and that choice was to not read. Why such a rebellious little non-reader I wonder?

About a year and a half ago I picked up Little House in the Big Woods. I was hesitant because the Little House series are beloved and revered by many. But so many friends love these and have read them with their kids I just figured I should. So I tried. We got through the first book but it didn't capture our hearts like it had those around us.


So as I started Farmer Boy, I quickly put it down. The girls weren't enthralled. We put that on hold for about a 14 months. Last month we picked it back up and they are loving it. For her birthday, we gave Middle The World of Little House. This book brings to life so many aspects of each book of the series. There are layouts of farm houses and explanations. There are numerous recipes.



One Sunday evening, we read a chapter describing Almanzo's family's Sunday routines and there was a description of pancakes.....After checking Middle's companion we found a recipe and my husband gave it a whirl. These pancakes were hands down the best I've ever had. They were incredible. We enjoyed them Almanzo style- drizzled with Molasses and butter. They were divine!


So thankful that this homeschooling journey continues to expand my horizons! And now I guess I can handle dirt....if its between the pages of a book!