Trust

Finding trust in a place where things are not lovely. Bad news came yesterday from a dear friend. Can't say what, don't want to break confidence. But it's not great. And video homeschooling is not as fun as Sara had hoped. It will come, I can see it. Just right now it seems dark. And so, we walk by faith and not by sight. Even when it looks dark, just a little spark can bring enough light to land our feet firmly on our path again. So praying this week for a spark. Just enough light to scare the darkness away. God is just that good. It'll come.

Back to it

Is it a getting older thing when time goes faster or is it that we're so busy we don't notice the moment we're in. I'm trying to reconsile with myself how summer flew past so quickly when I determined at the start, I wouldn't let it happen. Maybe that's the control freak in me. I try and try to control time, but it's just not working out. Hmmm. There's a lesson in that I'm sure.
Well, school starts for us on Tuesday. Simon enters his final year of highschool and is celebrating his 17th birthday in Huntsville, away from us. It's strange not celebrating together. We leave today and pick him up the morning, so it will be great to have him back. I miss him.
And my lovely Sara enters her second year of highschool this year, at home. Last min change from going away to school. She really likes being home and I really like having her here. It's been a blessing.
Finally, JP enters grade 6. Closing in on the upper elementary years for him. He keeps school an adventure and reminds me to bring discovery to his learning. All things for him are WOW moments. I love that about him.
Can't wait to start on one hand and on the other, wish it was longer. But fall is coming soon, and I just love fall! Great days lay ahead.
We're back to it.

The Pay Off

You know...say it, mean it, do it, really works. I'm talking about staying the course, staying strong when it gets tough. My last post (ages ago) was about issues of getting school done, but it seems to have passed now. School is getting done stronger and stronger with less of a fuss. Finally. I think the pay off comes when consistency rules the day. And the best part is, no best friends have to suffer in the process. JP is blessed with a strong and loving friend who guides him and keeps him honest. JP's mom is blessed by that. It's neat to watch 2 boys grow up together. Sometimes age isn't an issue and there are times when I see a peak of the man best friend is becoming. He's going to be a great man one day. And that calls JP up. I love that too. So what have I learned in this school year? That mom needs to be consistent and follow through. That best friends wait for you. That school waits for the flu. That I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Including homeschool. Amen.

Gettin it done...

Ladies...it's a global epidemic today. My son had me pulling my grays out yesterday about getting school done on time with a happy attitude. So here's what I did. I told him that he had to be AT the school table by 9 to get started no excuses and I would guarentee he would be finished his morning by 11:30 IF he had a good attitude. Well, he was up and on time to the table and got the whole morning done plus an extra subject by, you guessed it 11:30. Only 1 afternoon subject to go which should have taken 20 mins, just wrapped up and it took you guessed it...60 mins due to bad attitude. I'm figuring out really fast with this guy that there has to be a consquence with some pain attached. I don't mean physical pain, I mean like not going to see his best friend for a week kind of pain. But then guilt kicks in and I feel bad for his best friend. Ahh. When he figures out I'm serious, wow, the attitude snaps into place and school gets done. Why he has to push so far and so hard in the first place is completely beyond me. Maybe it's because he's 10. I don't know... :)

"Wii Scream" is MY kid!

Well December was just a blurr of activity, visiting, entertaining and enjoying so much fellowship we are so blessed. We really enjoyed our Christmas time. But something completely unexpected has happened. My oldest son, posted a video to Youtube and it is now a pretty big deal. It's our personal Christmas moment that has now become a public moment. We've see it on ABC, BBC and some Boston Media and our Local CHCH is playing it today at 6. Our local newspaper has called for an interview on Monday and now Inside Edition! Really. And it's quite cute, but completely surreal. Here's the clip...I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.