Colonial day in fifth grade::Joshua

Days like these make me feel so thankful for our wonderful school!  I could have never provided these wonderful experiences at home!  Josh loves history more this year than ever before!

Refreshment

Andy and I had an extraordinary weekend together.  The children spent Friday night with their cousins at Mimi and Papa's house.  We decided to stay home, avoiding the Valentine crowds, and cook our own meal.  We had a delicious meal together with candlelight and wine.  I am so thankful for this special evening together, really enjoying one another romantically.  We need this type of time together as often as possible.  It was pure bliss.  We recounted that this was our 21st Valentine together.  Not all Valentines have found us in such a sweet place in our relationship.  But by the power of Christ alone, our marriage has been and continues to be strong and true and I am looking forward to moving forward together.

Saturday night my sweet teacher-friend had us over, along with three other couples, for a Valentine meal and "The Newlywed Game".  She and her husband served us all night long.  Her entire family is such an example of godly servanthood!  We had such a great time with friends!  And then the newlywed game was hysterical.  Haven't laughed that much in a long time!  It was such a delight to see my closest friends' husbands getting to know one another and laughing together.  They all got along well and seem to have a fun night together!  Andy and I put on our game face for the newlywed game, but came up short.  Our sweet friends won the grand prize- a $50 Bonefish Grill gift card!  So generous and fun!

Last night I came home thinking about how lonely I was just a year and a half ago.  I felt completely misplaced when we left Atlanta for the farm.  And here I am, surrounded by a group of amazing, godly, FUN friends!  This is a good reminder that I can never know what a difference a year will make and to press on through adversity! Praise God!  I am so thankful!

"Love is the greatest refreshment in life."

Pablo Picasso

Special Valentine: Don't want to forget!

My 13 year old melted my heart on Friday at school.  When the bell rings to dismiss him for the day, he always come down to my classroom.  This day I was in a friend's room with a couple of teachers.  We were talking, along with a girl from his class.  He walked in with a smile on his face.  He said hi to the girl from his class.  Then he said, "Mom, happy Valentine's day!  I bought this for you!"  It was a Diet Coke from the vending machine.  Melted.my.heart.

Here he is, that morning, with a little gift from us.  Sweet, sweet boy.

Unexpected: 5 snow days in 2 weeks...in Alabama

The kids with our sweet friends who left us spend the night when we were stranded!

Do snow angels EVER get old?

Our trip home after spending the night with friends- ALL of these cars are abandoned on the ice!

Our house in the ice and snow

Community: Jack's friends

Best buds, these guys are iron-sharpens-iron buddies

Three other kind boys who are lots of fun!

Most of the 7th grade boys.  Very sweet boys from godly families!

Are there words?

These pictures represent prayers answered.  Community was the first and most important reason we left homeschooling.  And God has blessed exceedingly and abundantly!  I love Jack's friends.  There are some amazing, godly families in our school.  And Jack's class is particularly dear.  So thankful and happy for Jack to have these boys in his life!

Little steps: Jack's Cotillion

There are so many things that I admire about my oldest boy.  He and I are so different and it is wonderful.  He has so many qualities I never will- calm, collected, witty, loves the unknown.  This year was his second Cotillion.  There were no nerves.  It was old-hat now.  All fun, no worries.

Just before we left him for the night

We made shopping for his outfit a family affair at the mall.  He was slightly more opinionated than last year, but still mostly just had a "whatever you think, Mom" kind of attitude.  It was fun.  We thought maybe a bow tie this year would suit him well.  But ultimately, stripes it was.  He decided his uniform khakis would do just fine.  We borrowed a sports coat.  So off we were to buy shoes.  I really love what we got.  A little different than the norm, rugged but classy, good-looking.

The girls waiting to fill in their dance cards and be asked to dance

Beautiful tables

Sprucing up the gym

Our school does an excellent job of training the children in ballroom dance and etiquette before the dance.  They spend a couple of months in p.e. class learning the basic dances.  And they spend time during school learning table etiquette.  When they get to the dance, the students have a dance card at his or her seat.  Half of the dances have assigned partners.  There are 5 or 6 blanks where the boys have to get the cards filled before dinner begins.  Jackson was off with his friends, taking pictures and talking about the food they would eat.  I noticed everyone had almost gotten their cards filled and he hadn't even looked at his.  No worries, I'm sure he thought.  Or most likely, he hadn't even noticed.  But I told him, just in case, he might want to get to work.  He disappeared for 3 minutes and came back with a full card.  Perfectly Jackson.  By this time, the faculty and chaperons asked the parents to leave and come back four hours later after dinner and dancing.  I have a seventh grade, thirteen year old.  It's really surreal, and so is leaving him at a dance.  But off we went, and he didn't even notice or care.

i ::LOVE:: this boy

In the car...excited!

The redeeming factor?  He is a kind, well-mannered, innocent boy.  I really love his friends, who know and love the Lord, as well.  So off we went feeling a little emotional, but mostly extremely happy and confident that he would have a wonderful time. The younger kids were invited to go to a movie with their Poppy. So Andy and I found ourselves on a date.  Alone.  These are good days.

Post-dance

Later that night, the parents were invited to come to the dance at 15 minutes 'til 10 to see the last few dances.  I watched Jack dance, chat, smile.  He was enjoying the girls in his class in the sweetest, most innocent of ways.  I love that he danced the last dance with a girl who might not have otherwise been asked.  He enjoyed the night and remembered that I told him to have fun with his friends, but be mindful of the girls who need a partner and friend.

Last dance with a friend

Some teachers joining a line dance...Ha!

Parisian theme

He said last year was a little more exciting because "everything was new and he didn't know what to expect".  That statement proves again how different we are!  New and unknown does not equal excitement for this Mom.  I love that it does for Jack! His friends ran up, along with a parent that we respect and know well, and asked if he could go to IHOP.  Another Mom friend who was going offered to bring him home.  So we came home, put the younger two children to bed, and fell sound asleep.  It took the sound of the doorbell to wake us up when he got home at midnight.  This sweet boy and his friends and school are every bit a dream come true for me.  While not perfect, and I wouldn't expect so, truly IDEAL. I cannot believe we are at this stage in life.  But I am deeply grateful for all that the Lord has provided for Jackson and what he is doing in His life!  These little steps will amount to big ones, one day.

At the end of a dance, clapping, and then walking his dance partner back to her seat

Another dance with a friend

Note to self from Matthew 13

Today you have the GREAT privilege of entering into kingdom work with the Creator of the universe.  You have been called to sow seeds of the gospel in the lives of your family, friends and students.  When you think about your partnership with Christ, doesn't it make you want to fall on your knees in gratitude for such amazing work?  Have you praised God for allowing you, a fallen sinner, to enter into the work of loving, serving, teaching, and sowing seeds of the gospel today?


Are you dipping your hands in the seed bag?  Is your heart and mind full of the words of Christ today?  Have you spent time enjoying His means of grace so that your hands are full of seeds to plant?  Don't go into the day with empty hands!! 




Are you praying for GOOD SOIL in the lives of those around you?  Only God can make the seeds grow in the hearts of the children you love and serve.  Pray, beg, for the seeds to fall on good soil!




Sow with patience, joy, and love today!  Enjoy your work!  You are so blessed to be a part of it!

Revisiting resolutions

"Things alter for the worse spontaneously, if they be not altered for the better designedly."

Francis Bacon

I am going to try to "revisit" my resolutions at the beginning of each month for accountability. 


1. Read a chapter daily in the Bible and another book from my book list, at least. Reading is going okay, but not as consistent as I had hoped.  I am fine with less outside reading.  But digging in the Word is a must.  I need to be consistent on daily Bible reading.
2. Use my camera often. Blog at least once a week. I am enjoying taking more pictures and blogging a little more often.
3. Go on some type of date, even for coffee, with my husband once a month, at least. We did have a short coffee date in January.  And we have a night to ourselves, and a night out with friends planned this month!  We are also trying something new: a weekly meeting to discuss how things are going as a couple and family.  This will be precious time.
4. Take one of the children somewhere special once a month. Each child gets four special dates.  We still have not started this plan!  But we will start with Joshua this weekend.  I also have tickets to see SEC gymnastics with Lydie in March.  We have had some WONDERFUL family nights!
5. Follow my fitness plan. (Use my fitband to follow plan. 40 week challenge) I am most pleased with this area.  I have given up time in other areas (reading, art time, etc.), but I am okay with these sacrifices.  I am making my health a big priority this year.  I have lost 13 pounds since the day after Christmas.
6. Be intentional with extended family relationships. I would like to do better.  So glad to revisit these goals and see this area that I have neglected.  
7. Spend more "fun time" with friends. Join a Bible study. We are joining a community group at church this month.  I am also trying to get together a discipleship group.  I may have a fun weekend trip coming up this month with a friend.  And I adore my friends at school, who I am with all the time.  I am SO THANKFUL for my friends!  Oh, they bless me so much!!
8. Try 4 big art projects this year.  This area will be neglected until I get to my ideal weight, probably.
9. Complete at least 5 house projects.  I will work on these projects over the summer, probably.
-Paint powder room
-Hang chandelier in kitchen and Lydie's room
-Hallway collage
-Master bedroom makeover
-Hang more pictures in basement
*Maybe...paint kitchen cabinets* *
10. Complete all papers for level 1 classical education certification. I am meeting with friends this week to work on these papers!

AREAS THAT NEED MORE CONSISTENCY IN FEBRUARY:

-DAILY Bible reading

-Being more intentional with extended family

-One-on-one time with children

January fun

Baking on a cold day 

Settlers of Catan board game::our family's new favorite

Family 5k with friends

Pillow forts

Good health habits in 2014

The day after Christmas I finally got in gear and developed some healthier habits.  The first step was joining the YMCA as a family.  We knew this membership would be helpful for my husband to have a place to walk as he continues to recover from back surgery (we live on a busy street).  For my oldest son, he could continue training for 5k races...in the warmth of the gym and not the bitter cold.  And my younger son is playing basketball and there is a full court and training room for his sport.  Our daughter loves it all, especially the hot tub and swimming pool, which we need to visit more often.  We have required the children to exercise at the Y with us at least 3 times a week, which is such a good pattern for them to learn now.  Personally, I set a goal of exercising 30 days in a row, without missing a day.  I achieved that goal on Thursday, so I am pressing forward and setting a new goal for 60 days in a row!  I have found that the track and the Zumba class scratch my itch.  Maybe I will venture out and try new things this month!




Besides the exercise habit, I have given up my beloved, but evil-on-the-hips, Dr. Pepper habit.  Instead, I am drinking 72 ounces of water each day.  I have found that it tastes better in my Tervis cup.  That cup has magical powers that make any water taste cool and fresh.  In the past, the 8-glass-a-day water rule was really overwhelming for me.  But with my magical cup, I have only missed the mark a day or two in the last month. 




Along with these two big changes, I have been extremely careful with my nutrition.  I eat around 1500 calories a day.  Because sugar and carbohydrates are so high in calories, and I am hungry at meal times, I do not eat them hardly at all.  It's not that I am trying to only eat certain food groups, I just want the most food for my calories!  I eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and proteins- nuts twice a day usually.  We drink and eat organic as much as possible, but always with chicken, milk, and beef.  We are in the process of planting container gardens on our deck to have access to organic produce again, since we left the farm.  I am so excited about that opportunity, as it is so expensive and there are no farmer's markets open this time of year!  Salads and vegetable-based soups are a favorite, as well as hummus and almonds.  I usually have meat or chicken at dinner and always a banana and peanut butter smoothie for breakfast.  I am thinking of trying almond butter this week.  Love all-natural fruit popsicles, too!  I think I have found a reasonable, healthy diet. I keep reminding myself that this investment in my nutrition is more valuable than I could realize.  It's not cheap or convenient, often.  But it is valuable!




I have been very pleased with the results.  I feel very energetic, and have no problem exercising after we get home from school or later in the evenings.  Before, I would often drag myself through the rest of the afternoon and evening.  Also, I have had some pretty intense digestive pain and issues since going back to teaching in the classroom.  But that issue has gone completely away!  I was thrilled when I weighed on Thursday (4 weeks in) and I had lost 10 pounds, which exceeded my goal of 6 pounds a month. 

So I am going into month 2 with excitement and hope.  I have a few goals I want to reach between now and March:

-exercise 60 days in a row (total)

-lose a total of 20 pounds

-stay the same course!!

"People are fed by the food industry, which pays no attention to health...and treated by the health industry, which pays no attention to food." ~Wendell Berry

My brainy boys

The boys both qualified as 1 of 3 from their grades for the school spelling bee.  Last year they qualified, as well.  But last year Joshua won for the grammar school and Jackson missed his first word, "cloudy" which he spelled "cloudly", due to nerves.  In an effort to keep the humor going, he referred to every rainy day all year thereafter as a "cloudly day".  Glad he learned to laugh at himself!

Joshua, a little bit bummed still that he didn't hear the word correctly.  He recovered soon.

Grammar school competitors

This year the boys were better prepared.  Our prayer was that they would only miss a word if they did not know the spelling, and that they would show the love of Christ as either winner or loser.  Neither of them won, but our prayers were answered, nonetheless!  Jackson went out on the word "rosin" and Joshua's word was "frump" but he heard "flaunt" and spelled the wrong word.  I think they were good sports, and realized in the end that it was an honor to be in the spelling bee.  Praise to God for their gifts and talents!  My imagination could be entertained for days on end imagining what He will use these boys to do for His kingdom in the future, God willing!  What precious boys they are!

"I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine."  -Emily Dickinson

Logic school competitors

Jackson beside his friend who won!  (His little brother won the grammar school bee...so fun!

Basketball season

This basketball season has been a good one for Joshua.  I love seeing another side of him when he is on the court.  It takes a lot of encouragement and practice for him to be aggressive.  He is just so, VERY laid-back.  But we have spent some extra time with him this year at the YMCA, and he has made such improvement already. 

I love watching his intensity, yet he always has a big smile on his face during the games.  He really loves to play, and of course we love to watch him.  He is actually really good at defense, as he is learning to keep his eye on the ball and rebound, while really covering his opponent.  It's fun to watch!

Each game he has fouled a player once.  I love that he gets one foul!  One foul means he is being aggressive.  Two fouls is iffy.  Three fouls might mean he is a cheater.  Yes, ONE foul, makes me smile.  Did I mention I have NO problem with competitiveness?

I am very thankful that my two boys, one who is a bookworm and writer and the other who loves to build and needs time alone, are both really enjoying their respective sports this year.  With one in the throws of puberty and the other following close behind, I know it will be really important to have a healthy outlet for the overflowing testosterone.  I am so thankful that the Lord has provided them cross country and basketball, as sports have not been a big part of their lives on a consistent basis.  I am looking forward to a great season!

"In the dust of defeat as well as well as the laurels of victory there is a glory to be found if one has done his best." 

Eric Liddell

Booklist for January & February

Professional:
The Pattern of God's Truth, Gaebelein
Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning, Wilson (again)

Fiction:
Divergent trilogy, Roth

Personal:
5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son, Courtney
The Pleasures of God, Piper

How exciting would it be to read all of these books? My bedside table stack would be empty and I could restock!

Resolute

Resolutions are controversial. Some think they are a waste of time, or just fuel for disappointment. But I love to dream of what-could-be, and I love to set goals. I fail sometimes. But I succeed sometimes, too. I think it's exciting to reassess and start over.

1. Read a chapter daily in the Bible and another book from my booklist, at least.
2. Use my camera often. Blog at least once a week.
3. Go on some type of date, even for coffee, with my husband once a month, at least.
4. Take one of the children somewhere special once a month. Each child gets four special dates.
5. Follow my fitness plan. (Use my fitband to follow plan. 40 week challenge)
6. Be intentional with extended family relationships.
7. Spend more "fun time" with friends. Join a Bible study.
8. Try 4 big art projects this year.
9. Complete at least 5 house projects
-Paint powder room
-Hang chandelier in kitchen and Lydie's room
-Hallway collage
-Master bedroom makeover
-Hang more pictures in basement
*Maybe...paint kitchen cabinets* *
10. Complete all papers for level 1 classical education certification.

Are these attainable? Maybe not. But I'm excited to give them a try! Welcome, 2014!

"For last year's words belong to last year's language. And this year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. "

T.S.Eliot

My word for 2014

I am so excited for a new year!  For me, 2013 was a good year.  I have really enjoyed living back in the city.  I continue to enjoy teaching.  And I have enjoyed so many memories with my family, including a couple of wonderful trips to the beach and a trip to Disney World.  I love the ages/stages of my children right now.  Of course there has also been disappointments, trials, and exhaustion.  But overall, it's been a good year!

This is my seventh year to pick a yearly word.  It's like picking a reoccurring theme for the year, because once it is chosen, the Lord uses it often in my life.  This year my word is: Listen.  The idea is that I want to LISTEN to God eagerly, through prayer and His word and prayer.  Also, I desire to LISTEN to the people that God has/will place in my life and then serve them.  I hope this idea of listening will allow me to be more intentional and consistent in my time with God, have more one-on-one time with my family and friends, and in seeking personal conversations with those who need me to hear them- students, peers, children, non-believers. 

"Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.  I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David." Isaiah 55:3

::Good words::

“There is a kind of listening with half an ear that presumes already to know what the other person has to say. It is an impatient, inattentive listening, that despises the brother and is only waiting for a chance to speak and thus get rid of the other person. This is no fulfillment of our obligation, and it is certain that here too our attitude toward our brother only reflects our relationship to God. It is little wonder that we are no longer capable of the greatest service of listening that God has committed to us, that of hearing our brother's confession, if we refuse to give ear to our brother on lesser subjects. Secular education today is aware that often a person can be helped merely by having someone who will listen to him seriously, and upon this insight it has constructed its own soul therapy, which has attracted great numbers of people, including Christians. But Christians have forgotten that the ministry of listening has been committed to them by Him who is Himself the great listener and whose work they should share. We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak the Word of God.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community    

Anticipation::2013

Catechesis::2012

Delight::2011

Peace::2010

Satisfaction::2009

Courage::2008

New Year's Eve at home

This little girl is always the most excited!  Fireworks...squeal!

For New Year's Eve this year, we decided to stay home.  I considered driving to my best friend's house in Atlanta again, but we needed to be here.  So we put the fire pit in the driveway and had our own little shindig.



Trying a new way to (safely) blow something up with a firework.  Boys!  (and men!)

The kids enjoyed s'mores and fireworks.  The boys tried the little "poppers" in bottles of water, with their Lego men tied on, etc.  Boys + fire= experimentation.  Thankfully, Andy was supervising...often devising...with them.  We were outside a couple of hours enjoying the night. 

My favorite spot

Sweet Josh enjoying s'mores.

The kids were determined to stay up until midnight.  We came in around 10:00.  Andy and I were tired, but we stayed the course with the kids.  I was a little appalled at what was on television.   Last time I watched Dick Clark's New Year's Eve show it was not what I saw last night.  Yikes.  So anyone we piddled around until we finally made it until midnight.  Hooted and hollered and then we were all asleep in the bed 5 minutes later! Happy 2014!

Good-bye, bad guy!

Girlie time

The boys headed to the farm to hunt for a couple of days between Christmas and New Year's day.  So Lydie and I had some time just to ourselves.  We enjoyed exercising together and the Y, art projects, movies, some fun meals, and some shopping.  We had "slumber parties" in my room, going to bed late and waking early.  It was such a precious time.

Lunch at Panera together

Shopping for art supplies

I adore the young lady Lydie is growing into.  She is so thoughtful and kind, she is vivacious and creative.  I very much enjoy our time together!  I think she and I feed one another's need for affection and time together.  It's amazing how alike we are.  And the boys had a great time, too!  They were with their uncle and cousin and enjoyed so much the time outside.  They got home just in time for New Year's Eve. 


Dinner at Moe's, of course

What a way to say goodbye to 2013! 

Exercising together at the Y

An option for new shoes.  Lights, glitter, hearts...SO Lydie!

ArT day with my nieces

The girls came over and joined us for an art day!  This time together was part of our Christmas present to them.  While they were waiting for me to set up, they designed Barbie dresses

and performed a ballet/cheerleader play for me!

First costume: the rock star

Second costume: the ballerina

Third costume: the cheerleader

And last: A song about Mommy...in her robe

And then we made burlap initial signs for their doors.  I end of the day, Lydie and I agreed that we should do this more often!

"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."  Pablo Picasso