Baking on a cold day
Settlers of Catan board game::our family's new favorite
Family 5k with friends
Pillow forts
Friday, January 31, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
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.
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
Sunday, January 19, 2014
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!
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| Joshua, a little bit bummed still that he didn't hear the word correctly. He recovered soon. |
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| 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
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| Logic school competitors |
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| Jackson beside his friend who won! (His little brother won the grammar school bee...so fun! |
Sunday, January 12, 2014
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 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!
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
Saturday, January 04, 2014
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!
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!
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
Thursday, January 02, 2014
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.
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
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community
Anticipation::2013
Catechesis::2012
Delight::2011
Peace::2010
Satisfaction::2009
Courage::2008
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
New Year's Eve at home
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| This little girl is always the most excited! Fireworks...squeal! |
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| Trying a new way to (safely) blow something up with a firework. Boys! (and men!) |
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| My favorite spot |
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| Sweet Josh enjoying s'mores. |
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| Good-bye, bad guy! |
Monday, December 30, 2013
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.
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.
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| Lunch at Panera together |
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| Shopping for art supplies |
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| Dinner at Moe's, of course |
What a way to say goodbye to 2013!
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| Exercising together at the Y |
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| An option for new shoes. Lights, glitter, hearts...SO Lydie! |
Friday, December 27, 2013
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!
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!
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| First costume: the rock star |
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| Second costume: the ballerina |
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| Third costume: the cheerleader |
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| And last: A song about Mommy...in her robe |
"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls." Pablo Picasso
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve was such a sweet day this year. My husband was fighting a cold, but otherwise we were all well. What a gift! After the big, late party at our house the night before, I was a little tired. It seems like when I am tired, the house is quieter. My family seems to feed off of my energy, I think. We started the day at my parents' house to celebrate and exchange gifts with my brother's family and my parent's. My Mom always has us over for breakfast in our pajamas. So the morning of this party, the kids always get a new pair of pjs. Mom cooks a big meal and the kids are always really excited to see their cousins.
I usually do not record here what the children get for Christmas. It seems silly and insignificant. But I think it will be fun to see what they loved in the years to come. So, this year Lydie got American Girl stuff and Lego Friends sets. These are her favorite things right now! Joshua got a Creator lego set and a National Geographic robot rover. He is still building! And Jackson got a war video game, Rock Band, the record player, and money. Perfect for our teenager!
After enjoying all of our gifts, physically and otherwise, we let the kids play for a while. Rick had an emergency at work and had to leave, so we came on home. The kids played with their toys quietly all afternoon. I spent several hours enjoying Legos with Lydia Joy. Then we made peanut butter cookies and watched It's a Wonderful Life. That lead to questions about suicide and other matters which were unexpected! Wow, you never know when those big discussions will pop up!
Our new church had a candlelight service at 5:00. This service is my favorite event at Christmas time! We enjoyed beautiful music and candlelight, along with a sweet message of hope. Some dear friends of ours visited our church for the first time, which was a pleasant surprise! Afterwards, we ended up at a Chinese restaurant. Since we had hosted the night before, I did not have anything planned for dinner!
The children were so excited this year for Christmas morning! Andy read Luke 2 and we snuggled them in bed. After MUCH wrapping of presents and preparation, we were ready for bed, too! It was a wonderful, peaceful day. We did not do all of our traditions this year. But, it was so good! I am so thankful!
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| Girl cousins |
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| Poppy gave Jackson a "modern" record player. He loaned his records to Jackson last summer. This will be a lot of fun! |
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| Oooo, little does Lydie know she is going to get Saige's horse, as well. |
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| Jackson had just gotten a North Face jacket the night before and Ross was the first to compliment it that morning. And then...Ross got one, as well. Handsome! |
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| Oh the hours he will spend... |
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| She just opened the horse like Anna's. Oh the joy! |
After enjoying all of our gifts, physically and otherwise, we let the kids play for a while. Rick had an emergency at work and had to leave, so we came on home. The kids played with their toys quietly all afternoon. I spent several hours enjoying Legos with Lydia Joy. Then we made peanut butter cookies and watched It's a Wonderful Life. That lead to questions about suicide and other matters which were unexpected! Wow, you never know when those big discussions will pop up!
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| Legos in her playroom |
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| Licking the spoon during the movie |
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| After church, at dinner |
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| Love these two sweet boys! "There has been only one Christmas. The rest are anniversaries." W.J. Cameron |
Monday, December 23, 2013
Family parties
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
Luke 1:46-50
Luke 1:46-50
On the 14th, my Mom's side of the family got together at my parent's house...
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| My mom and aunt are the hostesses. They have a friend dress up as Santa every year. This year he was unavailable, so Andy got to be Santa. SO funny! |
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| Nana had two children, my mom and uncle. They got married and each had 2 children. And a few decades later...11 grandchildren! |
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| Ho, ho, ho! |
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| The girls created a musical show for us after dinner. They always do! And I love it! |
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| Greyce and Eryn singing together. So sweet! |
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| Anna's song |
On the 22nd, my Dad's side of the family got together at my Aunt's house and I forgot my camera!! Aggg! It was such a sweet night. Fun cocktails, great food, lots of catching-up with cousins, a fun "dirty Santa", and beautiful gifts. I loved the time we had for good conversations.
On the 23rd, Andy's parents and his brother's family got together at our house...
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| Papa with his 6 grandchildren |
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| Clay's gift. Looks like the others like it more than him! ha! |
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| Josh was SO excited to get this Disney Infinity game! |
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| A North Face jacket! This was the first year he asked for clothes for Christmas. Weird, but cool! |
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| Mimi enjoying being a guest and not a host! I LOVED hosting this year! |
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| Since the men were having a jam session in our basement after dinner, the kids and I decided to go ahead and give Andy our gift. Here he is waiting, anticipating... |
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| He has asked for a mandolin for years. (He had one that got broken when he was at a Youth Group function years ago. He was so excited and spent a while testing it out. I hope he enjoys it! |
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| I'm pretty sure he will! |
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!"
Hamilton Wright Mabie
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Lessons from fall; looking forward to winter!
Yesterday was the last day of fall. We finally trimmed the hedges and raked the leaves, just in time for Christmas! I am looking for a day to plant some pansies. The pipes are winterized, Christmas decorations are up, presents are wrapped, and I am feeling nostalgic.
After a week of parent conferences, new report card grades, a Nutcracker performance, a walk through Bethlehem program, and beautiful Christmas devotions, I am ready to take a look back at fall and record how the Lord is at work in our home and lives. We had some major events in our family this fall. Andy had back surgery again in November, the children and I began our second year at our classical Christian school, we put the farm on the market and Andy found a new job, and we found a new church here. It has been a good, often exhausting, season. In God's providence, he has eased the pain of selling the farm for us. (We will keep a small parcel for our own use.) For one, we have had several confusing and hurtful situations where people whom we employed and tried to help have not turned out to be who we thought they were. Painful, but also in a strange way confirmation of our need to find a new community. We have felt more deeply connected with our school, both students and faculty, and are so immensely thankful for the community of like-minded friends we have joined. This community has been my greatest encouragement, as I have several women who feel like life-long friends already. Also, my students and their parents are particularly precious to me. They are a constant source of joy and confirmation.
Andy has recovered very well again. I hated seeing him face another back surgery. But it has been 5 weeks and the results are promising. He has been patient and I truly believe it will pay off. I know the surgery and having to sell the farm must be extremely difficult for him. He felt like keeping the farm long-term was an impossible expectation, given his back issues. But he is facing this unexpected course with courage and faith, and he seems ready to begin his new job on January 6th. We marvel at God's grace in giving him a job in environmental consulting here in Birmingham so a move is not required for us. And his salary, along with mine, allows for a very comfortable budget for us. This is an unexpected blessing and will allow us to take some exciting family trips, develop a "nest egg", and enjoy tithing and giving to other ministries at a new level which is the very least we can do to further God's kingdom.
I still often feel the tug between ministry at home and ministry at school. It is an enormous adjustment to work outside the home while parenting. Most days I feel like it is doable. But sometimes it still seems extremely overwhelming and impossible to tackle. I think that my children enjoy having me at school with them so much that they would be very upset if I did not teach at their school. But when they are sick and my husband or my Mom have to take care of them until I can get home at 1:30, I want to throw in the towel. But then I take a step back and try to really assess the heart of the matter- what God is calling me to do, and how the children are progressing spiritually, emotionally, etc. I see them progressing along, growing in their faith and understanding, happy and stable, learning feverishly about God's world, forming healthy friendships and bonds with their mentors and teachers, and developing their gifts and talents. So I continue to carry on and pray and love them the very best that I can each day. I realize my main stress is not the amount of love, affection, and time I am giving to my family. But the very high, perfectionistic expectations I have for order in my home. And for now, I feel like God is calling me to invest in these many souls outside of my own family and let go of my (extremely) high expectations of organization at home.
The transition from homeschool to the classroom has been very natural. I have so much to learn as a teacher. But at the same time, I feel a deep sense that I am doing one of the main things that God created me to do when I teach. God has been gracious to give me a lot of support and encouragement from parents and others on staff. I cannot imagine a better working environment. I am constantly learning and growing in my knowledge and love for Christ. I am often encouraged with kind words and gifts. And I love who I work with, both on staff and the parents and students. It's truly, unbelievably ideal.
My three children are thriving. They are now in 1st, 5th, and 7th grades. Their academics are extremely challenging. But they are all capable of excelling in this type of academic environment. They have made all As so far this year, at the mid-way point. The boys qualified, along with 2 other students from their grades, for the spelling bee again this year. Their strengths and weaknesses are obvious already and we are working on learning all we can from both as to how God would use them in His kingdom. They each have "best friends" and really godly groups of children that love them. And they seem to all care much about loving Jesus and serving others, which I hope will continue and grow exponentially. We are thankful for where they are, what they are learning, and all of the guidance they are receiving. It has been a wonderful blessing, to put it mildly.
Looking back, I am thankful for how God is working in our lives. I am thankful for the gracious communities with which we are involved. I am thankful for the people we have met. I am thankful for the house he has provided, as well. And although I am laying here on the sofa, SO tired and excited for Christmas break, I am filled with gratitude for the all-day-long-never-stopping-until-bed work that he has given me to juggle. I want to live my life giving all that I possibly can to this family and those whom he puts in my classroom, by and through His strength and power. Looking forward to winter quarter and all that he has for us! To God be the glory!
After a week of parent conferences, new report card grades, a Nutcracker performance, a walk through Bethlehem program, and beautiful Christmas devotions, I am ready to take a look back at fall and record how the Lord is at work in our home and lives. We had some major events in our family this fall. Andy had back surgery again in November, the children and I began our second year at our classical Christian school, we put the farm on the market and Andy found a new job, and we found a new church here. It has been a good, often exhausting, season. In God's providence, he has eased the pain of selling the farm for us. (We will keep a small parcel for our own use.) For one, we have had several confusing and hurtful situations where people whom we employed and tried to help have not turned out to be who we thought they were. Painful, but also in a strange way confirmation of our need to find a new community. We have felt more deeply connected with our school, both students and faculty, and are so immensely thankful for the community of like-minded friends we have joined. This community has been my greatest encouragement, as I have several women who feel like life-long friends already. Also, my students and their parents are particularly precious to me. They are a constant source of joy and confirmation.
Andy has recovered very well again. I hated seeing him face another back surgery. But it has been 5 weeks and the results are promising. He has been patient and I truly believe it will pay off. I know the surgery and having to sell the farm must be extremely difficult for him. He felt like keeping the farm long-term was an impossible expectation, given his back issues. But he is facing this unexpected course with courage and faith, and he seems ready to begin his new job on January 6th. We marvel at God's grace in giving him a job in environmental consulting here in Birmingham so a move is not required for us. And his salary, along with mine, allows for a very comfortable budget for us. This is an unexpected blessing and will allow us to take some exciting family trips, develop a "nest egg", and enjoy tithing and giving to other ministries at a new level which is the very least we can do to further God's kingdom.
I still often feel the tug between ministry at home and ministry at school. It is an enormous adjustment to work outside the home while parenting. Most days I feel like it is doable. But sometimes it still seems extremely overwhelming and impossible to tackle. I think that my children enjoy having me at school with them so much that they would be very upset if I did not teach at their school. But when they are sick and my husband or my Mom have to take care of them until I can get home at 1:30, I want to throw in the towel. But then I take a step back and try to really assess the heart of the matter- what God is calling me to do, and how the children are progressing spiritually, emotionally, etc. I see them progressing along, growing in their faith and understanding, happy and stable, learning feverishly about God's world, forming healthy friendships and bonds with their mentors and teachers, and developing their gifts and talents. So I continue to carry on and pray and love them the very best that I can each day. I realize my main stress is not the amount of love, affection, and time I am giving to my family. But the very high, perfectionistic expectations I have for order in my home. And for now, I feel like God is calling me to invest in these many souls outside of my own family and let go of my (extremely) high expectations of organization at home.
The transition from homeschool to the classroom has been very natural. I have so much to learn as a teacher. But at the same time, I feel a deep sense that I am doing one of the main things that God created me to do when I teach. God has been gracious to give me a lot of support and encouragement from parents and others on staff. I cannot imagine a better working environment. I am constantly learning and growing in my knowledge and love for Christ. I am often encouraged with kind words and gifts. And I love who I work with, both on staff and the parents and students. It's truly, unbelievably ideal.
My three children are thriving. They are now in 1st, 5th, and 7th grades. Their academics are extremely challenging. But they are all capable of excelling in this type of academic environment. They have made all As so far this year, at the mid-way point. The boys qualified, along with 2 other students from their grades, for the spelling bee again this year. Their strengths and weaknesses are obvious already and we are working on learning all we can from both as to how God would use them in His kingdom. They each have "best friends" and really godly groups of children that love them. And they seem to all care much about loving Jesus and serving others, which I hope will continue and grow exponentially. We are thankful for where they are, what they are learning, and all of the guidance they are receiving. It has been a wonderful blessing, to put it mildly.
Looking back, I am thankful for how God is working in our lives. I am thankful for the gracious communities with which we are involved. I am thankful for the people we have met. I am thankful for the house he has provided, as well. And although I am laying here on the sofa, SO tired and excited for Christmas break, I am filled with gratitude for the all-day-long-never-stopping-until-bed work that he has given me to juggle. I want to live my life giving all that I possibly can to this family and those whom he puts in my classroom, by and through His strength and power. Looking forward to winter quarter and all that he has for us! To God be the glory!
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