Busy! September 4, 2008

The past two weeks have been like a whirlwind…busy, busy, busy! Too many appointments and preparations, to keep the peace in our home. It has felt as though we are coming and going all the time, with no time to rest and re-group together as a family. This busy life causes me to feel stressed! I have a longing to spend time with my Creator, be an encouragement to my husband and bless my children. 

Although we have been doing some schoolwork all summer to keep up on our skills, we officially started the 2008-2009 school year this past Monday. What a busy couple of days it has been! Creating lesson plans, picking up new supplies, laundry, receiving books that have been ordered, completing tasks around the house, laundry, attempting to complete tasks around the house, attending meetings, taking the children to doctors appointments and other various commitments that we have during the week, laundry, cooking, cleaning, praying, laundry, completing work, correcting work, yard work, garden sitting, laundry, errands, grocery shopping, menu planning, bible study, laundry.

My struggles this week were all around time (or lack there of) and my lousy attitude that did not want to choose joy. I found that there were mornings I did not want to get up as early as usual to get into the Word out of sheer exhaustion. Mornings when I longed for the children to sleep in so that I could get into the Word just a little later than usual- after I slept in a bit of course. Several times in which I found it difficult to stop and enjoy the moment of seeing my children make a new discovery – whether in their school work or other moments in our day that should have been enjoyable.

My life is full of the evidence of God’s handiwork. Why is it then that I have let crazy, busy times hijack my joy? I am praying that this is a new week…God’s mercies are new and His grace is sufficient to cover all the situations that pop up in my life. I will choose joy. I am thankful for all He has given me. I will take time to stop this week, no matter what, and slow down enough to enjoy those moments with my children that so quickly pass, to stop and leave notes for my husband that will encourage him, sleep well, enjoy my life, my Lord, His Word and ALL that He has blessed me with.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:11-12

Kalun turns 12 September 4, 2008

Superman Cowboy!

Kalun, you bring me a lot of joy! Thank you for always having an amazing sense of humor. You always have loved being in costume (which might explain the current *beanie* trend). I will never forget the first time you wanted to dress yourself for church. You were three years old, and came out of your room with bright yellow rain boots, bermuda shorts, a cowboy hat, dress shirt and a plaid vest (left over from a previous Easter outfit). When we got to church, one of the deacons pulled me aside with a kind smile and said, “You decided not to fight that battle this morning, huh?” I love you, son. Happy 12th Birthday!

Checking In September 4, 2008

Ahh, the busyness of this life…it steals away moments that sometimes turn into hours. This time, it feels as though days have been taken from me! After celebrating two of our children’s birthdays, having Grandparents here from out of town, and a myriad of appointments, we accomplished our first official week of the school year. Yes, it’s true! It was a rough start due to circumstances in our life, but the week went well (more on schooling later).

Thank you friends for the encouraging emails asking me to write a new post. I will have some new stuff up this week. We have a few situations in our life that are competing for attention at the moment. None of them are comfortable and some things are downright painful. Please pray for us as you are able.

I know that God loves me and takes care of me - even during trials. I pray that my Creator will find me here, obedient, and learning to trust Him more. 

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

Magazine Review – The Old Schoolhouse September 4, 2008

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine – Digital Subscription

Until recently, I had never read a digital magazine before. To be honest – I was hesitant. As a subscriber of The Old Schoolhouse magazine, I have always looked forward to receiving my copy in the mail. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised that the digital version was just as fabulous as the hard copy. I enjoyed the user friendly tools to flip through and skip pages. The color, graphics, ads and articles were just as amazing to read on the computer screen as they are in the magazine itself. If you are looking to control clutter in your home, or to reduce the amount of paper that gets delivered to your door, a digital subscription is a great choice! Best of all this magazine is an excellent source of encouragement and inspiration for homeschoolers!

Book Review – The Schoolhouse Planner September 4, 2008

The Schoolhouse Planner: Making a Plan for School and Home

This planner truly has it all! If you are looking for tools to assist you in organizing your home and school, while keeping all your family’s important information in one, organized, easy-to-use planner, this is the tool for you! This great resource includes every tool imaginable by way of forms and lists, calendars, personal information and the like. Each month offers a month at a glance calendar, along with great recipes, schooling and parenting ideas and articles. The many lists of famous composers, artists and other historical figures are sure to spark ideas for creativity.  I am always looking for ways to reduce clutter, and create systems that work. I am impressed by the types and amounts of forms included in this resource.  This will make record keeping simple, and keep families feeling organized throughout the year.