This week I have been working on Valentines pictures and on “what my 3 year old is wearing this late winter/early spring” posts. It took some gentle persuasion at times, as my subject wasn’t always in the mood. Still I like how they have turned out and will share them soon.
Have a lovely weekend,
Sofija
I would like to tell you about a Phonics program I discovered about a year ago, and I wish I would have found it sooner. My 4th and 2nd grader love it. It is a supplement for your reading and spelling programs.
My second grader (picture above) dislikes reading, but when she is working on Explore the Code she does not realize she is doing reading. I like that it is cheap (under $10) and compact. I have a hard time with phonic programs that come with a lot of accessories. I tend to either loose or not use them. I also like that they can work on it on their own without needing my help.
Book 1-3 are recommended for first grade. Books 4-5 1/2 are for 2nd grade, and so forth. However my second grader needs is working on book 2; what is recommended for 1st grade would be too hard for her.
So if you are looking for a program this might be a good option.
Have a great day,
Sofija
I recently found out about the children’s clothing company Kidscase. They are from Amsterdam and strive to use organic materials and pay fair wages. Take a look.
I like their stripes and geometric prints. Their cozy knits seem perfect for this exceptionally cold winter. As always I appreciate when designers combine design and comfort.
Have a lovely day,
Sofija
Friends,
Look what my husband brought me from his last trip to D.C..He braved a single digits winter storm and went one hour out of his way to get me Georgetown cupcakes.
They got a little smashed at the airport, but are still oh so good! They have a light cream cheese frosting, but what stood out to my family was the quality of the cake. My favorite was the lime, and my family loved the peanut butter (last picture) cup cakes. Have you tried them?
Ever since my daughter had me watch the DC cupcake show I have been wanting to try them. It was worth the wait. Now I am counting the weeks until my husband’s next trip….
Have a lovely day,
Sofija
This year my 9 year old son is in a class that has different dads teach each time. First the dad will talk about his work and then do a devotion. So far they had a fire fighter (who brought his fire truck!), a police officer, pastor, and carpenter. Yesterday, a scientist from a national lab brought part of a supercomputer and let the boys take it a part.
Pretty cool!
I love it when dads get involved and share their expertise. My husband and his friend have taught computer programming to home-schoolers at different times over the years. Who knows how many future scientist they have inspired?!
-Sofija
Friends,
I would like to introduce you to Terri Othling’s pastels. Terri is our musician friend’s mom. She has done some art work for his music, that is how we found out about her. She lives in New Mexico and her art brings out the vibrant colors of this state beautifully.
The last one is a piece she did for her son, and that is the print we own and enjoy so much.
On her website she has these quotes:
Colour has me. That is the meaning of this happy hour. I and colour are one. I am a painter.”
-Paul Klee
“You painted because you caught glimpses of Heaven in the earthly landscape.”
-C.S. Lewis
A lot of her prints are available on her website. Be sure to check them out.
Have a lovely day,
Sofija
There is a special bond between these two…
12 years apart, but I have a feeling they are going to be good friends.
-Sofija
Friends,
I’m a huge fan of Flannery O’Kafka and her latest work for the British shoe company Young Soles just added to my enthusiasm. Take a look.
I love the Barber Shop location! And I love when her children model for a shoot (her youngest in the first picture, and her son in the third and last picture).
These well made leather shoes resonate with me. Germans are convinced that well made shoes are essential to a child’s development, and they are willing to pay money for them. My mom has sent me high quality shoes for most of my children when they were toddlers: flexible, durable, and made with breathable leather. I really appreciated that especially since I never had the money to buy good shoes.
Have a lovely day,
Sofija
You can find a post I did on the photographer last year here.
All pictures by Flannery O’Kakfa for Young Soles, used with permission.
Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque (when you take Highway 14 through the mountains) there is a fun little mining town called Madrid. It seems to be populated with Hippies and artists. There are galleries, coffee shops, little trinket stores, and boutiques. The perfect little town to stop, stretch your legs, and get a beverage for the road. Here are some pictures from our recent stop with our friends right after the holidays.
First up, our friends the Hollands, with David and Tasha in the middle. You can see the main road behind them, where most of the shops are.
The whole town still decked out in Christmas lights.
This painting is outside of the Tavern where we stopped and ate.
Found this sign inside the Tavern. Luckily Tasha was attended to. 
Always a delight when cute little Tasha tags along.
If you ever make your way from Santa Fe to Albuquerque, and you are not prone to car sickness, I highly recommend stopping in Madrid.
Have a lovely weekend,
Sofija
Got an I pad for Christmas. Yay! The camera is so crisp and clear, I thought I’ll try a little food photography…
My mother in law has sent me these beauties. They grow voluntary and abundantly in California gardens. Don’t ask me what I have gone through to grow a couple of tomatoes in New Mexico…
Have a great day,
Sofija
Teach Where You Live 
