Homeschool Journal Week

In my life this week…

 Isn't every week busy? Monday was gymnastics, Tuesday was two bible studies and I successfully made it to both (one in the morning with childcare and one at night). They were both powerful and spoke to me.  Wednesday I decided that I was going to do homeschooling in the afternoon and do some stuff in the morning, like shower! I also cleaned out our closet and put away ALL WINTER CLOTHING. I filled two tubs of snow pants, boots, coats, hats, gloves, etc. I can't believe how much that cleaned up the closets. It needed to be done.  Thursday I worked on a couple of bible studies, clothes, and played candy land a couple of times with the kids. Homeschooling of course in the morning. Meals always seem to take at least 2 hours a day to prep and make.

In our homeschool this week…

We actually got through a lot.  My prayer has been that I would be guided on what to teach Kate, to not bother with things that are unnecessary, etc.  I have felt "fatigued" in this calling now that it is May and in a few short weeks I will be done. I am starting to work ahead a bit so that we can get done on time. I do, though, think once or twice a week we will work on math and reading.....because it's fun and I think it will help her stay focused. It's amazing what she forgets in a short week. For example, if we are working on subtraction one week, and then we'll refresh and do some addition the next, she will forget how to add! I think also the funnest part of homeschooling is the devotion time. They are both asking a lot of questions and starting to apply to their daily adventures, too.  Not going to lie, it has been REALLY hard with Ella the last couple of weeks.

 Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

 Bible studies, gymnastics in Grand Forks, the store in town a couple times a week it seems (reload on bananas and apples!) We haven't been able to go outside at all this week....Kate has on Monday but the rest of us haven't taken a walk or done anything. It is so cold. I think it's supposed to warm up this weekend hopefully but it has been such a tease to have had those nice, warm days. Our church friends (there's about 5 couples) try to get together once a month to do something fun. Last month it was bowling, and this month we are going to a movie in Grand Forks.  I am really excited to get away.

My Favorite Thing this week was....

Going to the bible studies probably. Pretty much every morning I have a long devotion time (because I wake up early for it) and I get to eat my oatmeal nice and slowly, drink my coffee, and just enjoy time to myself. That has been so important to me. So every day that has been a favorite time for me.... and just being able to be with actual Christian women this week has also filled a small void in my life, too.  Devotions with the kids, doing "word-reading" as kate calls it.... those are up there too.

Things I'm working on.....
Self discipline in eating,  being more gentle in my tone of voice and words, meditating on the fruits of the spirit.  I'm also trying to do away with clutter. Geh. 

I'm cooking....
Pitas, Fish, lots of chicken it seems, Taco Pie, Shrimp, and I have no idea what's on the menu for today or the rest of the weekend!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…

Rustic Oat Bread

Chicken Pot Pie

 

 

 

better day?

 I was just going through some of my blog posts very quickly and saw this one.
I can't believe at 3 she could do this!   That was part of our "school" trial we did last year. We slept well last night, thankfully. Maddy got up at 7, which isn't too early but we went to bed late because it was finally movie night! I am really praying that we can get through the next couple of weeks. It's going to be awfully lonely for me and the kids and now that Maddy has (or we think she has) HFM (Hand foot and mouth) i'm praying Kate doesn't get it so she can continue to go to school. We can't bring them to church tomorrow, although Peter said he's willing to stay home so that I can go. So far no one else has symptoms. Also, yesterday was huge... I cleaned the kitchen! I mopped the floors and did all of the dishes. It looks finally normal. We're trying to figure out what we can do with the cabinets because we just don't want to redo the whole kitchen, but we want to make smart changes so that we can enjoy it and make use of the space. So, we need to be praying more about that. Yesterday was really a long day all-around.. i'm praying for a better day today.

almost done

Today really flew by. I left the house at 8:50 and got to BS at 9:30. BS was good today.  Really convicting, as always. I am hoping to do a couple this year, even if I have to do one myself!  Maybe my church will let me borrow one :) One thing I took away from BS was Isaiah 50: 4-5. She talked about really being a teachable student... always looking to be taught. That God gives us instruction to help those who are weary. If we choose to be in the word, and not rebel like it says, he will equip us with things to say - we are to be still and listen, wanting to be taught. How sweet is it, though, to wake each morning and listen cheerfully to what God needs to tell us, and not rebel and wait a few days.   Anyway, I am about to go to bed and finish the rest of day 1 of my study. Today was productive in the sense that I spent time looking and completing the girls' Christmas lists, added things to my cart for other gifts I plan to buy for Christmas, and ordered curriculum for the girls. I am excited to get started. I am mostly excited because it will really give me a structured routine to my day, which will be helpful during the long winter when we are inside most days.

Tomorrow I guess I plan to make a couple meals and most likely bring one out to the field, other than that, I hope to clean a bit and maybe make some headbands. I have no interest in being crafty these days.  It was hard for me to fall asleep last night so I am tired; I didn't even hear peter come in, which was around 3 or 4 last night. Countdown to beets being over is approximately 3-4 days, given that we are not shut down due to heat, (which is possible on Friday!)  Anyway, Beth Moore is waiting for me!