Lately

I thought maybe I should post this here, since it's too long for a facebook status. Apparently, that's what all my random thoughts end up as, these days. Blogging just seems like it was for another lifetime. I miss it, but am overwhelmed with trying to find time to do it. Same story, different day.

This week though, just seemed like the time to bring the blog back. Or attempt to do so anyway. I'm starting with the super easy list of things I'm thankful for. (No sense in being ridiculous or creative in my almost brand-new-all-over-again endeavor!)

- Homeschooling is going pretty well so far this year. We are easing into it, which is our norm. The past few years, we start with just a few subjects and work up to a full schedule after 3-4 weeks. I'm not sure if it's intentional, or we just can't bear to let summer really be over, so have to slowly warm up to the idea that school is really a priority. Not, sleeping in, goofing off, piddling around, and having fun all day long. sigh....Not that school is never fun. We DO enjoy it. But, it's a routine. And, I tend to not be so great at those. More on that fun subject later!

Anyway, Isaac and Abigail are working on being cheerful with daily schoolwork, in our new makeshift classroom in the basement. Elijah is SUPER enthusiastic and quite distracting, as he is eager to do preschool work. Owen is an absolute tornado constantly making messes, wanting to climb in desks with bigger siblings, and basically, ruins everything we start, so James nicely takes him upstairs/outside/away as much as possible so we can have some uninterrupted time. It is super difficult when he's having to sleep after work all night, or has class/homework, etc. and can't help with Owen. He is a sweet, precious 18 month old. But, he's 18 months old. That doesn't help school. At. All. But, I remember when Elijah was the same age, and things were getting easier, and then, I found out I was expecting Owen. So, at least this time around, it's just the four kiddos to juggle, and this phase will soon pass too.


- We are loving our new home. It's just amazing to me, basically every single day, when I wake up and walk through our kitchen to get ready for breakfast, that the view from that large picture window is ours. For all of my adult life, I have yearned and prayed for a home someday with woods around it, like the home I grew up in. I wanted those big chunky, quartz rocks, sloping hills, a long driveway, grass to play in, trees to climb, a garden spot - basically the same setting that our sweet home on Rocky Ridge Road was.

the long driveway

back yard from lower left end of house

our new home

You know, I don't know why I didn't expect God to give it to me. It sounded greedy and pretty doggone specific. But, He did. He even threw in huckleberry bushes just like we had, just by our driveway here too,  just like on that hilly home place from my childhood. Isn't that amazing?!

The few acres we have are plenty for us. We are settling in well, still unpacking, culling junk, moving furniture around, and adding on a room for Isaac. We are daily grateful, and tell God how awesome He is. To have a safe, spacious home, with the land we do, and to also have a dear friend in our former home, which suits her needs just fine, really is exceedingly, abundantly more than we could've imagined. Then, last week? We met a neighbor family, who lives up the street four houses. They homeschool. They're sweet believers. And they have EIGHT kids. How happy are we?!! We have already played together, and look forward to growing that relationship more. It is just the icing on the cake of this neighborhood.

Abi with Henny Penny

This past week, friends gave us their two hens and chicken coop. We have longed for chickens for a few years, but had no time to commit to build a safe place for some, and just knew it didn't need to be a priority. When the Smiths offered their coop too, then we knew it was time to add another animal to our menagerie. I can't explain the joy it is to hear the sweet clucking sounds from these girls (Henny Penny and Little Red Hen) during the day when I'm out in the yard, and to gather fresh eggs from them. 7 eggs in 7 days = we are THRILLED! 

- My sweet parents just really are a blessing to me. This past weekend we were able to go spend a little time with them to celebrate my Mom's birthday a day early. We have always had a close relationship but this past year, after James' parents have died, I think I'm more aware than ever of what a precious, valuable role they play in our lives. I want more time with them and hate that there are 2 hours separating us. We long for the day they may be able to move closer to us, but that may be a while. They're wonderful examples of sacrificial giving, to many others, not just my family, and their Christ-likeness is such a testimony to us of hanging on to faith during the hard times, and reaping the benefits of a marriage and life based on His plan. I'm so very grateful.

Father's Day with Granddaddy

Gramma's birthday eve