Ponderings In The Field of Grace

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.

Well, we started back with school this past Wednesday. The kids got back in the swing of things pretty well. I am actually in shock right now, because not only am I on target/a little ahead on grading and planning.  I am pretty much up to date on cleaning my house! (Go ahead and faint Lisa !)  Man, it’s hard to believe! I hope things can stay that way. I’m really going to try anyway!

As far as school goes, here is a look at what everyone is doing.

The Professor: BJU Hard Drive 7

• Math- Mathusee Zeta and Pre-Algebra, BJUP Fundamentals of Math
• Literature- BJU Explorations in Literature
• Writing & Grammar- BJU Writing & Grammar 7
• History- BJU World Studies
• Science- BJU Life Science
• Bibe- BJU Bible Truths
• We’ll also finish up Hey Andrew Teach Me Some Greek! Level 3 & 4 if we get time.

Sports Guy:

• Reading 3 & 4 BJU
• Spelling 3
• Handwriting 4
• Easy Grammar 4 and Daily Grams 4
• Math- Gamma and Delta Mathusee, math 3 & 4
• History- Story of the World Vol. 1
• Writing- Institute for Excellence in Writing Course A
• Science- Science 4 BJU

The Princess:

• Reading 2 &3
• Spelling 2 & 3
• Handwriting 3
• Easy Grammar 3
• Math- Beta & Gamma Mathusee, Math 2 & 3 BJU
• History- Story of the World Vol. 1
• Writing- Institute for Excellence in Writing Course A
• Science- Science 3 BJU

Lil Guy:

• English- Beginnings/ Phonics, Reading 1, Phonics and Grammar 1- BJU
• Handwriting- Write It Now! BJU
• Spelling- Spelling 1 BJU
• History- Heritage Studies 1 BJU
• Science- Science 1 BJU

I also did myself a favor this year and ordered Science Kits from Home Science Tools. So now, I don’t have to gather all the materials for everyone’s science experiments this year! Now I just have to order a microscope and I should be done with everything.

We’re also going to be attending a co-op this fall on Fridays. The kids are looking forward to it, so we’ll see how that goes. We tried doing one a few years ago, and it was okay. I’m hoping things will be a better fit this time. We’ll see.