1. Another week is in the books! I have to say this has been the hardest start we have had to a year so far. Why? Probably because I feel like I'm top of everything. I printed out my version of a "syllabus" for every class Tera and Daniel are taking--Chemistry, American History, American Literature and Research, and French 2 (plus Algebra 2 for Daniel). With those expectations clearly presented there is no room for "putting off for tomorrow" what you should be doing today! Even with Michael I have a mental list of everything we should do on a daily basis. That's not easy! BUT I know it is important for each of the kids to have that constant routine. One child thrives on knowing their expectations in advance, so they are so happy. Another child struggles with procrastination and time management. That child is not as happy, but they WILL BE prepared for college. Little changes every week...one step at a time.
2. I just finished reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. What an amazing book! You think it's going to be a simplistic abolitionist pamphlet, but you find a multi-faceted study of humankind with a kaleidoscope of views. Stowe caused me to despise some characters as much as I loved others! If you have never read it, DO IT...with a box of tissues nearby! Next up on the American literature reading list...Ben Hur.
3. What a blessing that the car only needed an oil change instead of the hundreds of dollars we were expecting.
4. We've spent a lot of time lately hunting and re-hiding the painted rocks that seem to be popping up all over the country. Hopefully, we are getting a new batch of rocks this weekend sometime and painting them for hiding.
I took Michael and a friend out on the trail to look for rocks twice this week and then once more with Tera and Daniel. What a great trend that promotes family time and a healthy lifestyle.
I took Michael and a friend out on the trail to look for rocks twice this week and then once more with Tera and Daniel. What a great trend that promotes family time and a healthy lifestyle.
A few of our finds that the kids decided to hold onto for a while before re-hiding.
5. I have gained about 5 pounds this summer. For some reason that always happens to me. I never gain weight in the winter, probably because I'm so cold and don't eat as much ice cream. Anyway, I'm improving my eating habits and working out everyday, so I'm not stressing too much.
6. JP has been really occupied with work lately--long hours, stressful days, early mornings and to bed before 7 most nights. It's hard sometimes to find times to talk. But the last couple of weeks, we've made it a point to go on a weeknight dinner date. It's usually less than a couple of hours, but a chance to talk uninterrupted.
7. Since we started our curbside recycling, we have cut our trash to less than 2 bags a week for a family of 5. That is an accomplishment for us!
8. After spending the morning in the car place, I came home to chores to be done and school to finish with the kids. I feel so behind and it's on days like this that it is hard to stay focused on your to-do list. Instead I'm rambling on my blog.
9. My favorite soft serve ice cream: Sonic and Chic-fil-A. The best! (Revisit #5)
10. One of my favorite pieces of music is Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Let your mind drift away to a peaceful place as you listen.
11. Tera and I had a girl's day out last weekend. Shoe shopping, a movie and snacks with friends and dinner out at a new-to-us sub place. Not economical for our whole family to visit there often, but Tera and I loved the subs!
12. "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness."
great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23