The last few months have been a whirlwind. Towards the end of school last year, the Lord laid it on our hearts to start homeschooling. After much prayer and discussion, we decided to make the commitment. Andrew would be starting 2nd grade and Kate would be in kindergarten. After having the summer to purchase curriculum, ask tons of questions to fellow homeschooling moms and plan, plan, plan, I felt ready. We turned part of our basement into a schoolroom and we were all excited. We even started a week early, partly because the kids wanted to and also because it was 105 degrees outside.
All in all, it's been a great three months. Of course there have been good days, bad days and days where I ask myself, "WHAT WAS I THINKING?" But I am already seeing growth in all of us. I see major growth in the relationship of Andrew and Kate. They are truly best friends. And Abby's ability to be more patient is growing (always a work in progress). I also see my relationship with Christ deepening to a new level. The only way I can have a successful homeschool is if I rely on His super natural strength. And it's a minute by minute reliance on Him. On days where I lose my focus, I am impatient, stressed and exhausted. I lose the joy of teaching my children. But when I live out my true priorities, by putting Christ first, everything falls beautifully into place. And as I continue to look for Christ's blessings in every moment, I am overjoyed by His love for me. He knew how homeschooling would challenge me, exhaust me, and some days defeat me, but He also knows that in His arms are the only place that I can find true comfort.
Gifts 257-300
surprise birthday parties
the fact that homeschooling allows me to spend the entire day with Kate on her birthday
#6 shaped pancakes
generosity of family
spark
time alone to reflect
children memorizing His Word
warm apple cider on a cold rainy night
17 deer!
go fish & fig newtons
long hikes
first colors of fall
pumpkins and mums
open windows
birds chirping early
menu plan filled with warm soups for the changing seasons
a brother who plays house and sisters who play cars
sound of wind rustling through the trees
wild sunflowers
apple orchards
homemade by all, hot, apple pie
mini mice
taking the morning slow to start off a long week
warm apple cider on a cold morning
successful speleothem
a hot glass of tea
crepe myrtle fully in bloom
ice
the way she prays
tickle time
a rapidly growing boy who still insists on good night kisses
early morning snuggles
early mornings with just the sound of rain gently falling
singing her to sleep
littlest's bedtime prayers
steam rising out of a hot cup of tea
Mondays
load and loads and loads of laundry
fire glowing in evening light
trees on fire with color
Christmas letters to Blanca
rain
school books scattered over dining room table
"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31
