Care giving was a primary focus. Mom had a difficult week so added time with her was adjusted into our days {and nights}. A yielding heart to God’s direction and flexibility from each person in the family is both important components to handling curve-balls thrown into normal routines. For me, a knowledge and keen awareness of how life is truly just a vapor, does help accept changes to our schedule. In the BIG picture of life, we are not guaranteed another day, let alone another moment. With mom being sick these past couple of years and seeing first hand the mercy of God in that does make prioritizing what truly is most meaningful to be first, even when it is not convenient. To live in peace in the sovereignty of God in all areas of our lives…to make the most of each moment…to create memories and deep relationships with those He has put into our lives…to hope that I would be yielding to be used by Him for His glory in whatever capacity He calls me to…to be ready in season and out of season to share the Word which is the hope within me. These are the truths that I try to meditate on and allow to encourage me to do what is right.
What’s coming up this week…
the usual Orchestra practices, football practices and game, a much anticipated home school park day to take advantage of the glorious Florida autumn weather and an appointment with my mid-wife {looking forward to seeing how much Carolyne has grown}.
In our home school this week…
Carolyne continues to be a good nurser, is sleeping a bit better during the days and is greatly loved by all her siblings…not lacking love and attention. Liz and K continue to keeping us on our toes, provide MANY opportunities for training and give me encouragement on how great they are GOING to be as they get older…after their energy is refined. ;-)
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| Enjoying a good nap this past week... |
Alyssa continues to work on multiplication and division in ABeka 3 Arithmetic, is enjoying reading The Secret of the Maple Tree {and a myriad of other books…my bookworm} and has asked several times for our sewing time to make skirts…maybe during our Thanksgiving break.
Logan worked on science this morning making the earth out of Rice Crispie treats…Apologia Astronomy. It worked well for the most part ~ until covering the treat balls with melted chocolate…VERY messy and made them start to come apart…fun though and a reminder that learning is messy, but sometimes the mess makes it memorable. ;-)
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| Before the Crispie spheres were covered in chocolate...that was the messy part that was stopped after covering about six of them. Oh well, the mess was part of the fun and makes learning the layers of the earth memorable. ;-) |
As I type this post, Austin is in his private cello lesson then will be off to orchestra after that. He continues showing diligence in his studies in spite of helping with home projects, pitching in with younger siblings when needed and taking on several paying jobs this past week. I am pleased with how the Lord is using it all to further develop good character in him which will make him a better husband and father one day.
Zach took a small reprieve from work and studies this weekend to enjoy a weekend event our family enjoys twice a year. Good fellowship time, good music and just time away from his normal routine will hopefully give a boost to upcoming papers and finals.
Things I’m working on…
food storage areas. Mark has added adjustable wall shelving in our garage to maximize the space I have for my food pantry. The heavy duty shelf unit we had been using had a lot of wasted space and things just didn’t fit properly. With the new shelving I have increased my storage space and was able to adjust each shelf to the height needed to the food items I keep on it. I have been working on stocking my pantry for rainy days, taking advantage of sales {especially buy one get one offers} to stretch the ever decreasing value of our dollars. In this economy you never know what the next day will be like, so having extra on hand just makes good economic sense…we always need to eat. ;-)
I’m cooking…
This week’s menu:
Sunday: Out-to-eat BBQ after a full day of activities
Monday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, yellow rice, mixed veggies and biscuits
Old-fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies {yummy!}
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| Ready to be put in the oven... |
Wednesday: Shrimp Alfredo over bow ties, Texas toast and buttered peas
Thursday: Slow cooked BBQ chicken, pressure cooked potatoes, green beans w/bacon & onions
Friday: Meatball alphabet veggie soup, rolls
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| We enjoy this soup on cold days...it's expected to be highs of 67 on Friday, so a perfect compliment to the day. ;-) |
I’m grateful for…
#22 ~ messy learning
#23 ~ lives intertwined daily…homeschooling is an instrumental part of keeping our lives connected
#24 ~ laundry to wash…the day will arrive when the work load is minimal and I will miss having the dirty laundry drawers filled
#25 ~ Fall Jamboree traditions…a weekend full of folk and gospel music, good friends, barn dancing, special treats
#26 ~ a boy who beams with delight as his feet dance the Broom Dance, Virginia Reel & Gypsy Dance to name a few
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| A more confident boy he selects 4 girls to dance with on the Broom Dance...too funny. |
#28 ~ thorns…a reminder of how such a small thorn causes such discomfort…a picture of how little sins cause big pain…great life lessons.
#29 ~ hard work…good character being sown through doing the hard things
#30 ~ pumpkin cookies and a cold glass of milk
I’m praying for…
the Light to shine in this dark world…that we would not miss our opportunities to speak truth into the lives of all He brings into our paths and that our lives would reflect His love, mercy and grace…the world all around us needs Him so.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
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| Visit Joy here for a list of great Thanksgiving resources to enhance this upcoming holiday...she has a lovely blog and her post is an encouragement to have a heart of gratitude. |
Blessings ~
Linked with:
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| Visit Ann here |
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| Click here to meet Sue |
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| Meet Laura here |
I enjoyed this post very much! Especially Liz and K! I need to look at this situation in the same light...Opportunity to train. Thank you Jarnette for sharing! :)
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