Ponderings In The Field of Grace

What a day it was yesterday. We were so busy, and I didn’t even leave the house!

I’ve been working on being more consistent with school, so we really knocked it out yesterday. Everyone was busy catching up on projects, working on papers, and doing their workbooks. The Professor got a 100 on his math chapter test and a 93 on his grammar test. I was so proud of him. The grammar tests are usually very difficult for him, so seeing him do so well really was fantastic!

After school the kids pulled out my old Disney Trivial Pursuit game. They have been having a blast playing it. I cracked up when Sports Guy was reading a card and said, “Mom, who is this Springsteen guy they are asking about?”

While they were doing that I was working on a sewing project. I’ve been messing around with something for the last couple of weeks. I even made a stocking for Lil Princess. It wasn’t the greatest, but it turned out alright.

Once The Knight got home we settled in for a movie night again. Sports Guy and Lil Guy wanted to watch Phineas and Ferb’s Christmas Vacation Special while everyone else was pretty much glued to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. We got the Blu-Ray and I have got to say the movie and all the special features are awesome! One of these days I’m going to have a Harry Potter marathon and watch all the movies in either a weekend or a week.  The sneak peek at The Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 was exciting. We were shouting, “Ooo, that’s a scene from…”I swear I think The Knight and I were worse than the kids!

As you can probably expect things have been busy around here lately. We have been taking our time getting ready for Christmas and are enjoying hanging out with each other, for the most part anyway! The kids had friends over for the weekend which was great. We played, watched Christmas movies, colored in coloring books, played games on the computer, baked cupcakes, and cut down our Christmas tree. Everyone seemed to have a blast! The Professor then topped it all off by playing Lazer Tag with his journey group at church. While the Knight and I enjoyed a quiet dinner at Applebee’s.

We’re planning on working on the tree a little more tonight, and we’ve begun the Christmas clean-up for the house. So there is plenty to do. we’ve only got seven more days of school left before Christmas break. Everyone is counting down.

Hope you are enjoying this time of year as much as we are! Merry Christmas!

Today is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Even though I don’t feel like it…

Even though I don’t want to…

Even though I want to have a pity party..,

I simply can’t.

Why?

Because I’m sure HE…

…didn’t want to be beaten.

…didn’t want to carry that cross through town.

…didn’t want to die on that hill.

BUT HE DID…

…because HE loved me enough.

…because HE knew HE was the only hope I had.

…because HE felt my pain even before I did.

So how can I…

…stop because I don’t like it?

…quit because I don’t want to?

…whine because I didn’t get my way?

The last few days have brought a nip in the air here.  The kids have went digging for jackets in the morning, and their favorite breakfast beverage is hot chocolate once again. That can only mean one thing…Fall is in the air! We’ve opened the windows and let the fresh air drift in the house.  What a refreshing feeling.

The smells are delightful. There is a crispness to everything. In a strange way it’s like everything is brighter, fresher, newer.

I love this time of year. Days like these make you appreciate everything just a little more!

It’s the beginning of another week. So much is going on, just trying to keep up is going to be an adventure!  The kids are doing great. They are growing up so fast. It’s hard to believe how much they are changing. Since school started we’ve implemented a chore system. Between chores and school they have a lot of work to do, but they have been adjusting pretty well so far, and I have been impressed with the work they’ve been doing overall. They are good kids. Even Lil’ Guy is starting to pull some weight around.

This week we start co-op. I’ll admit I am nervous. We haven’t done co-op in three or four years. I’m hoping this time things will go a little smoother. It’s going to be crazy trying to get everything done and fit it in, but I think we can do it. We’re going to try and settle into the routine of that, then once we get back from the beach I think we’ll finally start science (for the younger three). That’s the only course they aren’t getting everyday now. We’ll start it up two days a week, and once co-op ends I think we’ll move it to everyday. At least that’s the plan right now…

Meanwhile, I think everyone is counting down the days until we go to the beach. We all need it. I don’t know what I am going to do once I get down there, but I can tell you it is going to involve a whole lotta  nothing. I am going to RELAX. The kids can play, and I don’t care if I leave the driveway of the house all week once I get the groceries! (Whether this actually is going to happen is a whole ‘nother story though!)

We’re three weeks into the school year now, and I think I am starting to get in a routine. In typical fashion though, things are going to be changing next week again. Those of  you who know me understand how I am. Busy, bustling schedules are not something I look forward to nor do I enjoy them…at all. So how I got myself into an insane schedule for the next twelve weeks is beyond me.

The kids school days range anywhere from 9-11:30 to 9-5 (with breaks in between).  With The Professor’s therapy appointments in the middle of the day on Mondays and Wednesdays and Co-op starting up on Friday afternoons I have a feeling things are about to get interesting.

We’ve also joined a small group at church. It meets on Monday nights. This past week was our first time there. Everyone was really nice, but I always worry about what people think of me afterward. We’re praying about where God would have us involved. We’re taking things slowly, so we’ll see. Hopefully this group will be a good fit.

In the meantime, I am also looking forward to the beach. We leave the day before Sports Guy’s birthday. We are so broke, but I really don’t care. I just want to go down there and relax and do nothing. We rented a house with a heated swimming pool. It’s about half a block from the beach, so not too far. I just want to walk on the beach,walk down to the pier, let the kids hang out in the pool, and read some books. I really don’t care if the van leaves the driveway the whole week after I go get groceries. I think The Knight and I are both just hoping to get our minds off work, school, money, etc. and enjoy time with everyone. I can’t wait. It’s going to be a great vacation!

I woke up this morning to a kiss and hug from my husband. It’s hard to believe we’ve been married for 15 years. It just doesn’t seem like it. I am incredibly blessed to be married to my best friend. Everyday I look forward to seeing him when he gets home.  He isn’t perfect, but he’s close enough for me!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Just got back from a bible study at a friend’s house. It’s interesting. We’re studying the seven feasts of the Jewish year. The first two weeks we talked about the Passover and how it corresponds with the death of  Jesus. This week we talked about the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Next week is the First Fruits celebration. We’re learning a lot as we go through this. I’m curious to see what’s in next week’s lesson.

I have to say The Knight has been wonderful about letting me go. He has been very busy with work. Yet, he makes sure to be home in time to watch the kids so I can go. It sure is nice having such a thoughtful husband.

Well, it’s late. I’ll catch up some more another time.

Things are busy around here. I’m taking a lunch break now, and then it’s back to school. We’re finishing up our first week, and I think things are going ok so far. Praying it stays that way!

Anyway, I’ve got loads to do before this weekend. We’re leaving for The Cove in Asheville on Friday. A whole weekend away with adults only. I don’t know what I am going to do! I’m getting ahead fo myself though. Before  I get to Asheville I have to go grocery shopping, pack up for us and the kids. But I think the biggest thing is I’ve got to get all of my school stuff for next week ready. Otherwise I am going to be in some serious trouble come Monday! I guess one of the good things about this list is at least I’m not having to get the house cleaned up too, because it’s already done! (I know I am still in shock myself!)

Well, lots still to do today before I go to Bible Study. Better get moving.

I’ve been getting things ready for school this year. We need to start this coming week. I’ve got a lot to do to get ready. This year I have three in elementary and one in junior high. Hard to believe how quickly the kids are growing up. We’re enjoying our last few days before they get back to work. Princess spent the night with a friend last night while Lil Guy had a friend spend the night here.

Sports Guy finished Basketball camp this week. He seemed to have a great time. We could tell a big difference between this year and last. He seemed to fit in better this year, and was more comfortable.

I’m pretty sure we’re going to sign up for a co-op one of  our support groups is offering. All the kids are wanting to give it a try. I’d like to do it to try and get the kids involved a little more with kids their own ages.  They need to have some friends to hang out with. I’m curious to see how things go. The last time we tried this it didn’t go so hot so I’m hoping this time will be a better. Here’s hoping anyway.