The Homeschool Mother's Journal - October 9, 2011

No matter how I try to get this done earlier than Monday, it never seems to work.  Oh well.  Such is the life of a busy homeschool mom.

In my life this week...

I was able to get together with a couple of high-school/life friends last Monday night to celebrate the engagement of one of these dear friends.  This friend suffered an almost-fatal brain aneurysm back in March.  What a blessing that God spared her and she is planning her wedding with a great guy...also a fellow-graduate.  

On Friday night, we had an impromptu dinner-fellowship with another couple with whom we go way back.  They were only in town for a week and were leaving the next day, so we made the most of the short time we had.  Between our 2 families, we have 15 children 15 and younger.  All those kids plus all the memories made for a lot of fun on Friday night!

Our last session of soccer was on Saturday morning.  It's been a great and fun 8 weeks for my four children who have participated (1 was an assistant coach and 3 played).  While some of the coaches were better than others, each of my children enjoyed themselves and all 3 of "my" players scored a goal during the Saturday league.

In our homeschool this week...

We had another shortened week due to a birthday.  Our sweet Anna turned 11 on Wednesday and birthdays are one of the best reasons to take a break from school and celebrate!  Other than that, we are getting well into our "rut."  At this point, it's a pleasant "rut," though I foresee me wanting to break free from it come the middle of February.  

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...

Fresh out of advice this week.

Places we are going...

Wednesday found us at a great local playground while celebrating Anna's birthday.  We met Grandma at a nearby Apple Farm for some fresh fry-cakes and cider afterwards.  Friday was co-op day and our routine is kicking in there, as well.  On Sunday, my husband was busy with the fall harvest, so I took the kids to a nearby waterfall and had a picnic consisting of pizza and Coke!  We enjoyed a beautiful hike on a rare 80 degree, sunny fall day.  Had a chance to get some photos of my 12 year old and am looking forward to editing those this coming week.

My favorite thing this week was...

After H.O.P.E. (our co-op) on Friday, I found myself surrounded by several of the K4-1st graders proudly showing off their artwork to me.  How sweet it was that they wanted me to see what they had done!  I sometimes think little ones are afraid of me and it was sweet to see that this group isn't!

What's working/not working for us...

This past Monday was the first Monday in which we had to combine my son's weekly piano lesson, my daughters' monthly cleaning job, and our weekly city ministry.  Not sure that's working for us!

Questions/thoughts I have...

What is it about Tuesdays????  That seems to consistently be the day that my kids POKE around with their school and I get totally stressed.  What about you?  Is there a day that seems to be more stressful?

Things I'm working on...

Laundry and cleaning....again.

I'm reading...

"Inconceivable" by Carolyn Savage.  I just finished "Choosing to SEE" by Mary Beth Chapman.  THAT was an amazing book! Though I'm not a huge CCM fan, I found that the Chapman family has a very real relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is often said that your faith will shine through in the midst of a trial or, in contrast, prove you have no faith during a trial.  The fact that Stephen Curtis Chapman gave the gospel message to the doctors and nurses while he gazed upon the lifeless body of his 3 year old daughter is proof of a strong and real faith.  I can only hope I would be so faithful to God in such a trial.  I highly recommend "Choosing to SEE."

I'm cooking...
A lot of pasta.  It's easy.

I'm praying for...
Friends who are making decisions regarding employment and a major move.

A quote to share...
"If God has called you to be a servant, don't stoop to being a king." -Gary Beikirch


Journal along with other dedicated homeschool moms over at The Homeschool Chick!