All I have to say is...

ROCK ON GIRL!

Journeying

There came a time about 3 years ago when I realized my life, no, our life wasn't always going to be the same. Since that time, I am learning more and more how much life truly is a journey. A journey of one season of life to another. A very wise-beyond-her-years friend of mine named Rhianna tried to warn me of this before they returned to America for a short furlough. She tried to make me see that the time we had then was so special, only once in a lifetime kinda stuff. Our two little gems, Emmy and PJ, who were best friends would probably never again have the same amount of time together to be best friends as they had then. And, to be honest, neither would we. Since then, I've seen this lived and re-lived. I am starting to get it. I am starting to understand the journey...that moves from one person or place to another. And, how there is only One person who has promised to be there always and never to leave us.
While we were in Pennsylvania I had a wonderful visit with a wonderful woman of God. I've known her for my entire life, pretty much, at least since I was two years old. This woman is one of my mom's bestest friends in the whole wide world and by default has become very dear to me as well. She loved me as her own, she was there the day I received Jesus Christ as my Lord, she encouraged me through all my growing up years to follow after Christ, she prayed with and for me and she continues to this day. The same love she showered on me was immediately poured out on each of my children on the day of our visit. And, our conversation turned to this idea of life being a journey. Her journey has led her into some hard places. And yet, she rejoices in her Redeemer.
Our journey has led us to some hard places and no doubt, if we continue to follow the Lord, we will be led to harder places yet. I am trying to enjoy the moments. The everyday with the people God has woven into that day for this season. I am trying not to pretend that things will always be this way or that way and I am really trying to remember that life is just a vapor, that things can change in the blink of an eye. That a loved one could be gone forever and life would forever be changed, having to live with the hollow in the heart that such a loss would leave. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am trying NOT to take people for granted. I am trying not to take places for granted...for they, too, change (though they are definitely not as important as people). And this thanksgiving, this gratitude gives way to joy and contentment with wherever God places me.
I hope that this lesson of life will remain with me, that it will grow and become part of our lifestyle. That we would be a blessing wherever God leads us.

Gearing Up

To the left is a picture of the kids and me at Seneca Lake in NY. I made them pose Thai style (doing something silly).

We're back in FL and after spending a couple hours on Wednesday organizing and getting things put away with my fabulous sister-in-law, Nancy, I felt much more ready to organize and figure out scheduling and such for homeschooling.

There is much I'd like to do this year and I start each year with high expectations...which I am trying hard NOT to hold myself to. (I know that sounds bad but when I do I end up being a bad, bad mommy and then no one is happy and no one is happily learning!

So, here it goes...the list of "subjects" we are going to try hard to cover in the next 180 days (starting Monday). I just want to say that when I get to the hard days I'm just pleased to get through reading, writing and math!

*Scripture Memory and catechism

*Math U See Beta Book

*Writing with Ease

*LOGOS grammar

*Reading, reading, reading books of all kinds!

*The Story of the World (Midieval Times)

*Apologia Astronomy

*Thai language study

*Art

*Music

Yes, I am adding Thai language study this year. I am really excited about it and I think PJ is open to it as well. Last year when we returned he wanted nothing to do with speaking Thai. Over the course of the year, however, he has grown to enjoy learning more Thai words and things we speak. I think part of the reason he didn't want to speak is because he didn't want to stand out from all the other Americans, who obviously don't speak Thai! Often when a TCK (third culture kid) comes back to their "home" culture they feel like they don't fit and so do or don't do things that will make them stand out even more. Speaking Thai would definitely fit into that category!

Paul will be teaching PJ Astronomy this year. I am excited for them about the time they will have together doing that.

I still have to figure out how it's all going to work. I think often it's a day by day routine rather than schedule that is helpful. I was recently reminded to spend time early with my smaller ones and then begin schooling PJ. That way everyone's emotional tanks are full and hopefully once "school" starts they will be happily playing or doing "school" work too!

Calvin, as you may recall, is four. I am not pushing anything on him as far as school goes. We will continue to work on letters and writing and counting and numbers, but I am not going to force him into it, even though he is willing. I learned from PJ that it would have been best not to rush the whole schooling thing...they'll get it eventually, but MY eagerness (and expectations) got in the way. Those are hard lessons learned...and ones I pray I won't repeat with Calvin and Adele.

SO, that's where we're at. You can pray for me as we begin this year. We do have a few things to finish up from "last" year...a few math lessons and some history. God is good and He is faithful, praise Him for that! =)