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:)

Classmate

Meet Jim, newest member of our family, and classmate to Halle.  Last week he joined us, well after the perfect plan was laid out, and the most precise selections made for his small beta home, all having been thought out to the dime.  

It was a good math lesson, and it will be an even greater life lesson to see who is the Jim's true care taker.  That was the deal, you see.  We've done the aquarium thing, and by all rights, this Mama was done with the idea.  But my girl convinced me she would lovingly feed and clean Jim's new habitat, and I must say, her fish selection (despite his funny name) is a lovely one. Thanks for the photo op, Jim!

New School (and no uniform!)

This morning, with great excitement, we began our school year at home. For the first time in twelve years, attending school will no longer be about brown bag lunches, or rushing out the door at 7:10.  No more gym clothes, or permission slips, or even goodbye hugs.  And best of all, our new school does not require uniforms :)  In fact, our kiddos started their day in P.J.'s, complete with bed-head.  We began morning lessons at 8:30 after a relaxed paced breakfast as a family (that only happened on Saturday mornings).  So far my students are clicking through, each setting their own pace.  I have enjoyed conversation during their breaks and over lunch. Everyone seems pleased with our new plan.  Time will tell, but for now, it's been a good first day.  

Junior, Class of 2012

8th Grade

6th grade

About to begin...

Tonight as we tucked in, Halle and Ethan, both and independently, informed us they wish it wasn't the beginning of the 6th and 8th grade tomorrow.  

In light of the journey we will begin as a homeschooling family this week, I curiously tuned in, waiting for an explanation.  They wanted and even asked for this change.  Were they having second thoughts?  Was reality that summer is officially over, and time for real work to begin stirring apprehension?

I was surprised with their responses, as they both agreed that growing up is over rated, and that it would be better if we were starting Kindergarten or the 2nd grade all over again.  If only. When I asked Ethan if he was afraid to grow up, he confidently assured me that was not the issue, and then replied "I like things the way they are Mom - why change it?"  Gulp!  What parent wouldn't (at moments) like to freeze time?  Tonight I find myself (with a lump in my throat) wishing I could.  

Our babies are growing up.  I am excited to have a chunk of time this year, unlike any other, to impact their lives.  

Gratefully embracing what cannot be forever.