Birthday Surprises

Today my husband turned 40. He is handling it a lot better than I expect to in a few years. :) I have spent over a week planning a surprise party for him. Why does party planning wear a person out so badly?! Anyway, the party went well. He wasn't completely taken back I don't think but he was surprised by who did come...as some had completely thrown him for a loop over the last week. That is what he gets for trying to pry!!

I also had a nice surprise tonight. One of our friends asked me a lot about homeschooling. She has asked before but has never taken the plunge. I have always wondered if I let my excitement over the whole homeschooling idea scare her away. I tend to talk too much about subjects that excite me. And homeschooling excites me...some times more than others! :) Tonight was different. She sounds more sure this time around. I am excited to be able to help someone get started, to answer the millions of questions that flood any person about to dive into this world of home education and to just be a friend. I have tried to think who helped me along the way and no one comes to mind. I have been sinking or swimming from the get go with my only lifeline being God--not a bad lifeline but no where in the Bible does it tell me which curriculum is best or the best place for discounted books or the laws within my state. A trusted friend to laugh with, cry with, pose questions and on occasion answer questions would be nice.

The Road Less Traveled

My sweet, little 2 year old is testing the limits...more than usual lately. As I mentioned earlier, I moved bookshelves around and ended up losing valuable space for our books. Anyway, due to my dilemma and the stack of books that stood as tall as her, she felt compelled to touch them. Being concerned that they would topple on her (I know I should have just moved them or stacked them into smaller stacks), I told her kindly, yet firmly that the books were off limits. She then turns her back to the temptation, cuts her eyes in my direction and proceeds to back into the books and (to top it all off) acts as though she has no idea what she is doing.

Oh, life with a two year old...!

Organizing

Prior to the end of our school year I had quite a to-do list for the summer. I wanted to organize the garage...if I had taken pictures I would attach and let you see just what a task that was going to be. I also wanted to organize the girls room. At the close of the year we had 3 twin beds in one small room and a very tiny closet for clothes and toys. It wasn't working very well. Then there were the books...how to better arrange them, sort through those that could be sold and basically ask for a miracle of getting them to all fit on the few shelves we have.

I am happy to say that most of what I set out to accomplish is almost complete. The garage which looks better than anything I could have imagined at the start, is just a bit of tweaking. I was able to find a bunk bed for the girls room and am in the process of getting my hands on a bookshelf for their room. It will house some books and baskets for toys, thus eliminating the need for Mama every time the girls want a toy because it is too high to reach. And the books...! I am pleased with the result of moving the bookshelves to different locations of the house and transferring "twaddle free" books to some and Mom and Dad's books to another. I lost space for our books and will be on the lookout for something to use for the rest of the books that are currently without a home. So while things are not 100% complete (and this does get to me for I love to be organized and everything in its place) I am happy that I am so much further along than 3 months ago. And let's be honest...summer break isn't quite over yet!

Off switch

I have had so much on my mind as of late. My mind races from one thought to another so fast that I can't see straight. Ever had that problem? And be forewarned...this post may not make any sense either.

So the first thing is the upcoming school year. I am struggling with the cost involved for all these books/curriculum packages and the year long "extras." Who knew this endeavor could cost a person so much each year?! And then the fear of "is this the right curriculum to use for this child" creep through my thoughts and make it all the more nerve wrecking. I am also thinking back on last year and how horrible it was (in my mind). I felt unorganized. I felt the kids were not challenged enough or maybe they were challenged too much and that is why they had such bad attitudes. This year we are doing more outside of the home...a first for us. I have enrolled my daughter in piano lessons (and trying not to have hurt feelings because she is so excited to be taught by someone other than myself!). I have volunteered to work in Awanas at our church. And teach in our co-op. I seriously feel overwhelmed already but at the same time a little hopeful (how that is is beyond me).

The other thing that preoccupies my mind is the very strong desire to build our house. I am tired of renting. I am ready to feel settled. But it of course isn't as simple as it sounds. The positives to building and moving "home" are great. However the funds are ever so small. If only....

And lastly is the ever present nagging about another baby. Should we? Shouldn't we? If you could hear the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts in my head, you would be as tired and worn down as me!

I have barely scratched the surface on all that runs around my head in the course of my busy day, but the beauty of all of this is that God is in total control and I really don't need or rather shouldn't worry about any of it. He will provide the funds for the school year even when it seems completely impossible from my view point. He has provided a home and for that I am thankful. I just need a high dose of patience for the other. And finally He is over our family completely. If He sees fit to bring another little one in our lives, He will do so and if not...well, that will be ok too.

Summer Season

OK. I am working through my book Seasons of a Mother's Heart...slowly but steadily. I have moved through spring and have begun "Summer-Season of Response." I absolutely loved what Sally said in her "Thoughts on Response Ten Years Later." It in effect summarizes the whole thought of this section of the book. Here you go...

It is important "that I take every opportunity to be a skillful and wise farmer of the souls of my children. I must faithfully and generously work the ground of my children's hearts, plant seeds of righteousness, and water those seeds with my love and prayers, because the season of harvest is ahead, when there will be no more time to plant."

That goes back to the whole kite flying thing. We must do what we can while we have them, in order to grow these precious little ones into adults that not only love the Lord but those around them. I do not want to rabbit trail here but does it really matter if our children can play an instrument or two? If they can speak several languages? If they can do calculus or play every sport known to man? Those things are fun and good and are important if that is a talent or need for their future endeavors...do not get me wrong! But I think if we miss as Sally says in this book, "building a strong home," then we miss building strong children who know right from wrong, acceptable behavior versus immature behavior and loving not only God but everyone else.

OK. The next post will not be so heavy! Course if I keep pressing through this book, I might have to share something! :)