one big hog that has made it thus far...

four little little hogs that we hope to keep alive...

obedience

“The constraining power [of the parent] should be present, but passive, so that the child may not feel himself hemmed in without choice. That free-will of man which has for ages exercised faithful souls who would prefer to be compelled into all righteousness and obedience, is after all a pattern for parents. The child who is good because he must be so, loses in power of initiative more than he gains in seemly behaviour. Every time a child feels that he chooses to obey of his own accord, his power of initiative is strengthened.” (from Charlotte Mason Vol. 3, p. 31)

ellie's three year celebration

opening a sled of presents...

Decorating the doll cake...

modeling a new sweatshirt coat and hat...

the doll cake after it was tested...

with two in her doll orphanage collection...one is white and talks while the other is brown and has a smile