TTFN

It seems that blogs have a lifespan and this one is no different.  It was started with fear and trembling a long, long time ago.  The hope was to connect with other home educators and to record the happenings of a home educating family.  That was another lifetime ago it seems.  Now my kids are all teenagers and there are fewer things to document.

So, I am exploring the necessity of this blog.  It is painful to give up entirely, although that is the most likely outcome.  Blogs seem to be a thing of the past, really.  I read so few myself these days.  I have a paper journal that I record little happenings.  Do I need this blog?  I don't know.  Perhaps I will just let things go for awhile and see what happens.

If you stumble across this post and are a blog friend of mine and wish to keep in touch, please hop over here to my personal blog, and I will be glad to see you!

Easter Blessings

It has been a little quiet over here, just not a lot of news to report, I guess.  Tax season is almost over.  Jeff worked over 68 hours last week.  The rest of us are on spring break, which is a much-needed vacation.  We are enjoying a simpler week.

Yesterday's Easter celebration was wonderful.  Our church was packed and God was honored.  Afterwards, we were blessed to spend time with extended family.  Here are a few photos.

Goings On

March has arrived!  Winter no longer is much of a threat to us after the first week of March.  It can "act" up, but it doesn't have the same staying power that I dread.  When I get to this point, I feel as if I can breathe.

So far, March has been kind of a blur.  My oldest son turned 18 years old this past Saturday.  That is not possible, I keep telling myself.  I know that is what all mothers say.  It is just so true.  Where does the time go?

These days I spend my time driving my kids to and fro, working on the housework that never ends, making food for my family, and trying not to think of what life will be like when they leave me!   I know these days will pass all too quickly, as well.  Having my son turn 18 has left me a bit blue, I guess.  You want them to grow up, but then you don't want them to grow up.  Yet, I am so thankful for my children and how they are growing into mature people who love the Lord.  I could not ask for more!

Very February Indeed

Winter decided to show up, which is too bad as I was really enjoying the mild weather.  This week we have had snow, the wind, and cold to deal with.   As for our health, well, I am still fighting the sinus drainage cough.  Jeff has it now, too.  Grace got over it quickly.  The boys are well, thankfully.  But enough of the dreary part of winter.

I have slowed our pace way down to cope with our sniffles.  We are only doing the essentials. Thankfully this week was not essential heavy.  Next week, we have to be ready to go, go, go. I am praying that we are able.

We have been kept very busy with band contests, pep band engagements, keeping house, cooking, baking, creating, reading, watching BBC mini-series, and regular school projects.  Life is coming at us full speed.  I am thankful that I have learned to say no when needed.

Happy February!!

Another Grace- Filled Week

I am always thankful when another grace-filled week passes.  Nothing major transpired this week.  I recovered from my cold without a trip to the doctor, my prayers answered.  Jeff brought me roses, just because.  We had lunch with his mom, whom we will not see again until April, unfortunately.  The kids have been receiving excellent grades and are thriving in their schools.  Our oldest received two awards for outstanding musicianship at a college jazz festival.  The world is as it should be, at least for now, and I am content and giving praises to the One whom they are due.  This week has been another gift from Him.  Thank you, LORD.

What's Up?

Doldrums are here. And it has not even been a bad winter.  But they are here.  Mostly because of sickness, I would say.  First oldest son had the sniffles, now I have them.  It is nothing major, just enough to make me unhappy with winter.

Before the sniffles arrived, I got to go to another favorite antique mall with Jeff.  I love antique malls! I did not find a single thing that needed to come home with me, but I enjoyed every single moment of the hunt.  And, we did find a book for Grace that was on our list.  I think we looked at every book in the mall, too.  Oh, my eyes were almost crossed afterward!  I ended up coming home and ordering the book I was looking for.  Still a fun way to spend a cold afternoon.

For fun, we bought some Edison-style light bulbs on Amazon.  I think they look really pretty.  Sure, they were not totally necessary.  They add a subtle bit of finish to a hanging light.

The picture of Trevor was taken for his Rural King loving grandpa.  I found the orange sweatshirt on clearance when we went to get cat food last week and it was 10 degrees outside.  I could spend a lot of time and money at Rural King. Grace likes to visit the live rabbits.  I like to look at the chicken coops and dream about getting one for my cats.  :)

Grace is the subject of the next picture below Trevor's.  I loved how she brought her coloring book to a boys basketball game.  She only went to listen to her brother in the pep band and get a treat.  She is always keeping her hands busy, a good trait.

 Finally, a big beautiful Red Tail Hawk visited us, or rather our bird feeder.  He was so majestic!  I enjoyed his take-off from the fence.  He was so heavy that it appeared to be in slow-motion.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Jeff's 50th birthday.  Grace is in the kitchen baking his cake.  A big snow is predicted for tomorrow, too, just the worst present Jeff could want.  We will have to work hard to make his evening special.

Happy New Year