Well, this time it's been over a month since my last wrap up post this summer! We have had the busiest summer I can remember. I'll try to share some of the fun here.
In my life this month…
My mind has been focused on getting organized and ready for school. The kids and I did a major playroom clean out and our basement is a much more pleasant space right now. If only it could stay that way for the long haul :)
I just began cleaning out the attic yesterday, but it is so overwhelming up there that I can only do 30 minute spans before I need to leave. However, in 30 minutes yesterday, I gathered a large bag of garbage, three large bags of toys and household items to donate and several cardboard boxes for recycling.
I have had the chance to crack open all the curricula and begin the first few weeks of lesson planning for all three test subjects. Right now, I am feeling most apprehensive about teaching Kindergarten, believe it or not. I guess it is the unknown that has me a little anxious. Trusting God will work all the details out.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Over the past month, we spent more time on the baseball field watching TS 1's team work their way up from a 0-5 record to a 9-5 record, ending up in third place in their division. Not bad, huh?
We spent three days at the beach with Tom's sister and her family. It was a wonderful, relaxing getaway.
We went to a local aquarium with my sister and her daughter.
My delicious little nephew stayed behind with our mom, but I have been visiting him as much as possible. He is at the cutest stage, smiling and cooing when you talk to him.
My dad and I took my three kids to the Six Flags I grew up going to each year with my family. It was a fun-filled day.
Next up was VBS! The theme this year was Sky, where everything is possible with God. My role is always to teach the kids the songs and motions, and to take the pictures for the daily slide show. I am truly blessed to serve at VBS. TS 1 was a crew leader for the first time this year, which he was very excited about!
The morning after VBS ended, we loaded (and I mean LOADED) up the minivan and headed to the mountains for a week at the Word of Life Family Campground. We had no clue what was in store for us, but it turned out to be the best family vacation we have ever had. In addition to time for relaxing and fun family activities, we each had a few hours of solid Bible teaching every morning and a few evenings as well. We all left feeling stronger and encouraged in our walk with the Lord!
My cousins had a celebration on what would have been their baby Jayden's first birthday this month. Much to my disappointment, we were not able to be there, but my heart and prayers were with them all day.
Last weekend, we enjoyed our annual church picnic. We all enjoyed a beautiful day with our church family. The boys were especially excited to have a softball game against the grown ups :) They won, of course!
My favorite thing this week was…
A date night in followed by a last minute decision to take in a movie. The kids were at Papa and Abuelita's for a sleepover.
Questions/thoughts I have…
Still pondering these questions: How will I manage home schooling all three of my own kids next year? Will I be able to give each one what he/she needs?
Things I’m working on…
The attic. Hold me.
And getting back into our routines- morning Quiet Time, breakfast, morning chores, evening chores, etc.
I’m reading…
I finished re-reading and taking notes on A Charlotte Mason Companion, as well as Jimmie Lanley's Notebooking Success e-book.
I am working through Beth Moore's Mercy Triumphs study, which is on the book of James. It is excellent so far.
As for our Read Aloud goals, I'm sad to report that we did not get further than Homer Price. We listened to about half of The Secret Garden on audiobook, but it never really captured their attention. I felt like I was forcing it on them, so I just let it go. Perhaps we will get into a read aloud groove in the fall.
I’m praying for…
My prayer partner and I agreed to pray for one another's specific requests everyday in August. It has been a wonderful experience.
I am also using this plan to pray for my husband everyday. It's almost impossible to follow the times laid out, so I usually combine a few of the prompts and pray a few times each day instead. It's been instrumental in keeping a positive outlook on my husband and our marriage. I encourage you to try it!
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
