Field Trip

Today was an absolute treat, and quite a show really, 

as the weather patterns were ever changing and so fascinating to watch.  

So that's just what we did.  

We took a break from our lessons and sat outside to take it all in. 

I took these shots all throughout the day starting with this first 

one, as the storm front was moving in.

Rain!  I'm so happy to write about it!!

We haven't seen a drop of it for almost nine months!! 

By mid-afternoon we watched as lightning struck in the distance, 

and pockets of rain could be viewed right next to blue sky and puffy clouds.

Rain is almost always accompanied by a rainbow :) 

LOVE IT!  

  

The real downpour showed up after dinner.  

It was wonderful to go out and feel the chilly drops.

The rain continued as the sun went down in the distance.

Spectacular!!

Goodnight Kiss

I had a coffee after 7 PM tonight, and I chose this because there was much to get ready for the school week.  And mostly because I was tired.  And while this affords me a few hours, it would be my preference if such an energy boost should begin to ramp down just as soon as my work is finished, or as I am nearing the end.  That part, however, didn't work.  And so I'm still awake and it's already the new week.  

There are benefits to not being tired (or is it rather to being tired, but not able to sleep?).  I spent some time reading tonight, and put a good dent in one of the three books I'm in the middle of.  But then I got hungry (not a good thing), and thus helped myself to an apple.  Sitting in our half-lit kitchen, munching on apple, reading my book, the coffee slowly began to wear off.  And so, I turned off the lights and headed toward our wing.  

But before I tuck in, just because I can, and because they are all fast asleep, and because some time soon I won't have the privilege, I kiss each of my sleeping beauties.  That's something I used to do every night, sometimes several times. 

Perhaps what prompted me was the conversation Bill and I had earlier this evening about the fact that no one runs to our room any more... not because of a bad dream, or an inability to sleep, or even just to snuggle.  Perhaps the need to go to them is simply because they are here. And although I am ready to settle down, I cannot resist the urge.  

Tonight I can still kiss them and watch them sleep.  And despite the fact that I'll likely need a jolt tomorrow (today), I believe that makes coffee after 7 PM not such a bad thing :)  

Nineteen

Nineteen and counting.  

Who better to grow old with, Babe?  

I love you!

Source of Hope

I recently heard the adage... "God doesn't give you more than you can handle."  

Hmmm.  Consider this, that in fact much of what happens in our lives 

is indeed MORE than we can handle.  

Think of it:  financial worries; dealing with teenagers; infidelity; divorce; loss; heartache; cancer; disease; death; tragedy; destruction (just to name a few).  I don't know about you, but the pain and stress of life is at times truly too much for me!

Voila!  By design, it's there and then, in such moments that we are likely to cry out to the Lord.  Because He is God, He maintains control of all things.  He orders the events of our lives.  Sometimes it's hard just so we'll need Him.  

He will not give us more than He can handle.  That's why we needed a Savior. How amazing to be loved so!  

Goals (the complete list)

She wants to attend Pepperdine University.  

She wants to become an Anesthesiologist.  

She wants a white Toyota Corolla (possibly the S series).  

Later, after she has saved enough money, she would like to buy a Ford Mustang convertible, blue with white stripes.

She wants to marry her Daddy.  No one else. 

And she recently informed me that she's made an amendment to her life's plan. She wants to aquire a Concealed Carry Permit so that she can pack a hand gun in her purse.

Ambitious - precocious - amazing!

Who's daughter is she!?

Natural Beauty

I like plants.  They bring natural beauty to my home.  All things natural.  Joy!  

When I was a girl, I learned much about plants and gardening from my grandmother.  She could make anything grow, and everything that grew in her yard and home was healthy and lovely to look at.   I've mentioned this before.  But it's worth repeating. Learning to successfully grow and care for living plants has made my life more beautiful.  

Today I had the sheer enjoyment of dabbling a bit in things I love.  Time afforded me (or dare I say I allowed myself the time to) play.  With words, and camera.  How thrilled I was to come across this intricate succulent hiding beneath one of my larger plants.  I must stress... it blows my mind!  I stared at the detail, in awe of the creativity and perfection in color, the symmetry, the texture, and beauty.  And then ran for my camera!

It's very rewarding to know this beautiful living thing grew from something my hands planted, watered and cared for.  As I marvel and take joy in my plants, I continue to thank Grandma for teaching me to love them.

Remembering

"The Lord sometimes takes us into troubled waters NOT to drown us, 

but to cleanse us." 

That seemed to be the case nine years ago, as our nation rallied in tragedy.  

Where did that spirit of unity go?  

We are so like the nation of Israel.  

Stubborn.  

Defiant.  

Let not the lives of those lost, and the tragedy surrounding that horrible moment, wane from our hearts.  To those who will forever grieve on this side:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those 

who are crushed in spirit."   Psalm 34:18

Newborn

Tobie Matthew was born yesterday afternoon while the rest of us ate, played, laughed and swam (and tried to keep cool).  A new son for our friends Jeff and Heidi.  What joy!  Today this little guy will come home with his new parents and siblings, adopted into their lives, making them a family of five.  

As we rejoiced for our friends last night, I wandered from awe to admiration as they welcome their third child, making a home for this precious little boy, now, as we all begin the decade of our 40's.

Bill and I took a trip down memory lane.  It was a journey that left us giggling in the end.  We talked about our first night home with baby Halle all those years ago (11 to be exact).  In our third attempt, we were seasoned veterans (so we thought). We went to bed that night with Halle at my side in her bassinet.  She was a noisy little thing, grunting and squirming, which would explain the reason for what transpired next.  Bill tells it best... "the squeaky bassinet wheels speeding down the hallway, as Halle was vanquished (by her mother) to christen her own room, first night home".  And that, needless to say, was how we all slept better!  

Where have the years gone?  Those days seem so far away.  I wonder, would I have what it takes at this point in my life to provide the love and structure that a child needs, all over again? I don't think Jeff and Heidi are thinking twice about that, as they open their lives for a child in need, making this precious new beginning all the more beautiful.  

Congratulations friends!  

Stranded

Often, we find critters in our pool... lizards or gophers and even little bunnies :( who have wandered in the darkness to the watering hole (if you will), and somehow fallen in without hope of return.  It's always so very pitiful.  

A few weeks ago early on a Saturday morning, I peered out and saw something floating.  I went for a better look, expecting to fish out the unfortunate creature who had met it's demise.  To my amazement, this little guy was floating aloft the line of the pool vacuum, either asleep, or suffering from hypothermia.  He had crawled out during the night, and didn't have it in him (or the brains about him) to turn back from whence he came.  

It was such a very funny sight, and because so many little friends haven't had such good fortune, I was happy to come to his rescue.  The mice here are round and tiny... kinda cute actually.  It pleased me to save the day.  

I regret to inform, sadly, the next day we removed a (not so fortunate) mouse. I'm really hoping my little friend chose not to test fate.  

Who'd a thought a mouse could be so cute?

One Down

We finished our first week today.  Not without the normal highs and lows of course.  But we finished, non-the-less.  By the end we were getting the routine.  

The kids are enjoying this new style, and Bill and I are loving being more a part of the learning process.  We've had interesting discussions (in great detail, and with great enthusiasm) at the dinner table each night about the Spanish Armada and the Incan Indians, just to name a few.  And there were plenty of grammar, science and math (shudder) questions.  Fun to see the love of learning in action.  

I found myself several times throughout the week remembering the days when I played school as a little girl.  I loved a trip to Holcomb's, where I'd collect grade books and items for my imaginary classroom.  I'm not pretending any more (and it's still fun!).

There's some adjusting to do, for sure.  Everyone under one roof - all the time - creates an essential requirement for patience on the part of each of us (Mom's going to have to be deliberate about times of refreshment).  It's fair to say this three-day weekend is a welcomed one.  Our program has the kiddos working hard right from the start.  They deserve it.

Fortunately, and once again, God provides wisdom in many counselors, and we are grateful to glean from the experience of others further along the path.  My friend Heidi tells me Tuesday's are always the worst... one week down, and I'd have to agree.  Does anyone else concur?  

With a few days under our belts, my big lessons were about an even greater increase in planning, and a reminder not to panic over incidentals.  And, while this is still so new, I can at least say I don't feel entirely green about homeschooling any more.   

I guess I'm learing too:)