Whew! I need a vacation from my vacation! Tomorrow I’ll hopefully get "out" and check on all of my blogger buds. I feel as if I missed alot!
We’ve returned home from a combination year-end field trip/ sister’s retirement party/ visit with relatives vacation. Three states in eight days are hard, but it was worth it. The kids enjoyed Shreveport, Lousiana’s Sci-port Discovery Center with its new space exhibit (we covered astronomy this year). In my humble opinion, it was a great all-around children’s museum with a specific space section if you don’t live near a museum or designated space center. Having seen Space Center Houston, I was ever-so-slightly disappointed, but quickly rebounded while trying to keep up with three very excited youngsters.
As I stated, my sister retired from 34 years on her job, and her going away was the send-off of send-offs. People showered her with gifts and well wishes, and, as she expressed, it was nice to “get her flowers” while she could still smell them. She’s suffered through some health challenges, which I don’t doubt led to her retirement at a fairly young age, so we are planning another trip to help her get her house in order later this month. Speaking of health challenges, while on this same trip, I found out that one of my favorite uncles is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. I remember my grandmother suffering similarly, although the elders used the term ‘senile’ back then, and the thought of him no longer remembering me is more than I want to think about right now. I know God is able, but some trials of this life are so hard.
Now back at home, I’ve spent the week sleeping later and enjoying my own bed. We celebrated the 4th with a niece who drove in for the day. We gathered a group and saw fireworks in town, but the best (and probably the more costly) displays were right here in the neighborhood. Thank God it has poured down rain in the last week so the debris from the fireworks didn’t start a fire.
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you might remember my moment of panic (HA HA) regarding the progress of my toddler. I was fretting that I don’t spend as much time with her as I would like and I’m trying to make decisions about where/what/when to do on next school year simply to balance my time better. Well, color me stunned, pleasantly so, as I reviewed her phonics book from the beginning of the year up until now. The “before” picture was where we started last summer with the letter A, covered in construction paper. The “after” picture (and she’s gotten even better since) was a month or more ago with the letter R, covered in brown rice. She also knows all numbers between 1 and 20, can write several of them, and is pretending to read. We took a break from the Laura Ingalls Wilder series to enjoy Winnie-the-Pooh. I think she’s ready to get back to Laura, Mary, and the Ingalls clan. I’m encouraged, more than ever, to breathe easy. I can safely say that we’ll continue with A Beka for at least one more year—if it ain’t broke, then don’t try to fix it, you know?
BEFORE
AFTER
Catch up is really hard! I couldn't believe all I missed!
I love your new header how cute!
It sounds like you had a great time seeing all your family. and what great progress your little one has made! Good job!
I am glad you are back!
because of Jesus, Bobbie
Texas in October has always been a drean of mine, but not for your festival, for the Quilt Festival in Houston. Everytime I plan it, my family changes that plan bt having a new grandbaby or as in the case THIS year a Bat Mizphah! Someday I will go and when I do, I will also be going to the Holocaust museum in Houston as well. I sent a quilt to them a few years back for a children's project they had and a square for another quilt.
The blessing of homeschooling is simplicity and freedom. You ARE homeschooling now so log these days in as they do matter. When you have a slow start in the fall, you will have already done more than you imagined. All of the summer reading, field trips and family histories matter in so many ways.
Visit when you can !
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
I'm glad you had a nice trip, though exhausting. I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle! I have a dear friend with this disease who was the wife of my beloved Pastor (now with the Lord). It is difficult to see her deteriorate. I believe God showed His mercy in taking Pastor C. Home before she began to go downhill so quickly. It would have torn his heart out as she was his sweetheart! I will add your uncle & family to our family prayer list.
I enjoyed the quote you posted on my blog, and I certainly didn't find it offensive. In fact, it is very true. I remember back when I was attending a Christian school being taught that these men were *practically perfect* heroes of the faith. (I refer to it as them being Mary Poppins-ized — forgive the terrible grammar.) I certainly gained more perspective when studying things for myself rather than just relying on the "nice" facts in Christian textbooks. This is one of my many reasons for choosing to home school my daughter!
I LOVE getting a variety of viewpoints via comments on my blog, and I'm so glad you have felt free to offer some!! Thank you! I'm not into the whole "cookie cutter" philosophy…give me REAL people any day!!!
Stacey
I have been beyond remiss with checking friends blogs! It is nice to see how you all are doing :).
I'm really sorry to hear of the Alzheimers–that is so hard.
Thanks for stopping by and I'll try to do better checking in!
I awarded you the Blogger Reflection Award. Please stop by when you have a moment.
Blessings,
Keri
You have been nominated because You Rock!
Come by and see!
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Yep, looks like she's making progress. I think I need to remember to take some samples of the beginning and end of the year next year of each of my kids to compare. I'm sure that is encouraging.
Hope you are rested up now.
carol