Here is my look forward to 2013 from last January. It's a pretty extensive and exciting list. I accomplished a lot of that list including daily time with God, reading 52 books, eating and cooking good food, making my marriage a priority, going on a Disney cruise, and maintaining a debt free lifestyle while increasing savings.
There are also some areas where I didn't quite make my mark. My bee hives are a wreck. I didn't accomplish my goal with Operation Christmas Child. I don't have a working system for jobs, family time or serving others.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, I'm going to revise, edit, adding and subtracting to make a working plan for 2014. It might also be a great idea to look at this list more than once a year to remind myself of my intentions for the year.
1. continue to spend daily, personal time with God.
2. read at least 52 books.
3. develop a community relations team for Operation Christmas Child by adding one member and one event from each of my target counties.
4. participate in sustained physical activity/exercise at least three times each week.
5. maintain a healthy diet, heavy in fruits, veggies, and healthy choices.
6. continue to provide my family with meals that are healthy and, as much as possible, home made.
7. date my husband and nurture a relationship that will last for another 25+ years.
8. pray with Rob and for Rob daily.
9. create a planned family night each week.
10. enjoy family meals as often as possible.
11. celebrate Kady's graduation from high school.
12. SHOOPA!
13. provide opportunities and encouragement for family time that is physically active.
14. continue to pray for and with my children each day.
15. nurture closer relationships within our family by providing quality time, activities, and opportunity for interaction.
16. provide quality, personally matched education for each of my children.
17. continue to look for the best curriculum and educational opportunities for my children.
18. encourage reading, writing, independent learning, and personal growth in my children.
19. develop a plan for chores, jobs, compensation and cooperation that works for our family.
20. maintain a debt free lifestyle.
21. increase retirement contributions to 15%.
22. continue at current level of charitable giving.
23. continue college savings for all four children.
24. celebrate our 25th anniversary
25. be intentional about sharing time with friends.
26. complete one family act of service each month.
27. develop five year plan for the farm which includes raising turkeys, chickens, and grapes.
Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Resolutions Until the New Year
Today, I spent a large part of my day proving that the cold water in the left sink of the master bath worked. I also dealt with an appraiser, three realtors, two insurance people, our moving coordinator, our loan coordinator and the director of the soon-to-be-local farm extension. I sent e-mails, talked on the phone and answered questions from all of the above and my husband.
What I really should have done today is teach. I should have done math and science with H11, S8 and M6. I should have read a few more chapters in our advent book. I should have helped them complete another history lesson.
For the pasttwo months (who am I kidding?!) FOUR months, our schooling has not been what I'd hoped. We are getting the majors and sometimes doing the fun things but so much is just sliding. The littles are not suffering. M6 is learning to read and her math skills improve daily. S8 is amazing. He's conquered multiplication and division. He loves to read and history is his favorite subject. They learn new things every minute and if I don't teach them, they teach each other. The biggers are probably feeling like they've won the jackpot. My expectations are high but my enforcement is low. As long as they keep their heads down and I stay distracted, as I have been since August, they have little to do. H11 is a writer so she writes and reads, willingly. She'd be happy with books and paper to the exclusion of all else. On many days lately, she's been living her dream. K14 is on again and off again. She's listened to all of Augustine's Confessions. We've worked through the first 30+ chapters of The History of the Medieval World. She's completed the first section of Analytical Grammar. My daughter, who couldn't tell me what a noun or verb was at the beginning of the year last year, is now a master at sentence structure. Physical Science and Latin are limping along from lack of a motherly push. Again, my distraction working to her advantage.
I know that being hard on myself is not to my advantage. Taking myself to task and finding fault in the handling of my children's educations makes me want to go crawl back in bed. So much of what is occupying my time and attention these days is not rewarding in the slightest. I haven't gotten a single word of affirmation from any of the realtors, inspectors or coordinators that make demands upon me. Refusing to give myself a break is not loving or helpful.
To combat this negative attitude, I'm making some resolutions. These resolutions begin now and last until the new year: I will acknowledge and be thankful for each bit of learning that is done, even if I haven't done the teaching and the teaching is not intentional. I will recognize the value of flexibility and use it to my advantage rather than bemoan the fact that things refuse to be routine and scheduled. I will read to my children as often as possible and will say that it is enough, for now. I will help my children celebrate the birth of our Lord in a way that focuses on the gift and the sacrifice and the people we love. I will refrain from beating myself up for not doing more and being more. I will laugh at every opportunity and smile even more often than I laugh.
My hope is that with the new year we will find a more peaceful and productive place. I also pray that with the new year, I retain the lessons that I am struggling to learn at this time and in this place.
What I really should have done today is teach. I should have done math and science with H11, S8 and M6. I should have read a few more chapters in our advent book. I should have helped them complete another history lesson.
For the past
I know that being hard on myself is not to my advantage. Taking myself to task and finding fault in the handling of my children's educations makes me want to go crawl back in bed. So much of what is occupying my time and attention these days is not rewarding in the slightest. I haven't gotten a single word of affirmation from any of the realtors, inspectors or coordinators that make demands upon me. Refusing to give myself a break is not loving or helpful.
To combat this negative attitude, I'm making some resolutions. These resolutions begin now and last until the new year: I will acknowledge and be thankful for each bit of learning that is done, even if I haven't done the teaching and the teaching is not intentional. I will recognize the value of flexibility and use it to my advantage rather than bemoan the fact that things refuse to be routine and scheduled. I will read to my children as often as possible and will say that it is enough, for now. I will help my children celebrate the birth of our Lord in a way that focuses on the gift and the sacrifice and the people we love. I will refrain from beating myself up for not doing more and being more. I will laugh at every opportunity and smile even more often than I laugh.
My hope is that with the new year we will find a more peaceful and productive place. I also pray that with the new year, I retain the lessons that I am struggling to learn at this time and in this place.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Slow Forward Movement
It's done. Official resignations have been made. In an effort to keep a wonderful employee, the current employer offered a two year assignment in Pernis. As tempting as that may be, we aren't ready to risk that they would send all of us and not just Rob. I suspect two years of missing Rob would do us all in. So, we move forward with moving forward.
I've talked to our relocation coordinator, our packing coordinator and our mortgage coordinator. I've fired a realtor and hope to hire one or two more this week. I've been pre-approved for as much money as I can carry out of the bank. I've cleaned out M6's room and added to the pile of stuff in the garage. I think we'll be having an all-you-can-stuff-in-a-bag-for-$3 yard sale soon.
It's been a busy weekend for us. They all are really. We spent Friday night having pizza with neighbors. Who knows how many times we'll get to share time and food with these wonderful people? It's best to take advantage of every moment. Wine flowed, laughter rang and it was a wonderful night.
Saturday brough football and band. We experienced a loss on the football field and a gold rating in the band competition. The evening continued with a stop at the Red Box and a movie watched in the van when the dvd player went on the fritz. Sunday we communed with the world and followed with a meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant. If Jesus had been Hispanic would we commune with margaritas and tortilla chips? After lunch Isaved more than I spent at Kohl's. They were having a sale.
Some effort was made at cleaning up and cleaning out rooms. Letting go is hard.
The week stretches before us. Who knows what will happen next? We seem to be moving forward, slowly. Or perhaps we are just flying by the seat of our pants. Our prayer is that we are moving in God's will and glorifying God with every step we take.
I've talked to our relocation coordinator, our packing coordinator and our mortgage coordinator. I've fired a realtor and hope to hire one or two more this week. I've been pre-approved for as much money as I can carry out of the bank. I've cleaned out M6's room and added to the pile of stuff in the garage. I think we'll be having an all-you-can-stuff-in-a-bag-for-$3 yard sale soon.
It's been a busy weekend for us. They all are really. We spent Friday night having pizza with neighbors. Who knows how many times we'll get to share time and food with these wonderful people? It's best to take advantage of every moment. Wine flowed, laughter rang and it was a wonderful night.
Saturday brough football and band. We experienced a loss on the football field and a gold rating in the band competition. The evening continued with a stop at the Red Box and a movie watched in the van when the dvd player went on the fritz. Sunday we communed with the world and followed with a meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant. If Jesus had been Hispanic would we commune with margaritas and tortilla chips? After lunch Isaved more than I spent at Kohl's. They were having a sale.
Some effort was made at cleaning up and cleaning out rooms. Letting go is hard.
The week stretches before us. Who knows what will happen next? We seem to be moving forward, slowly. Or perhaps we are just flying by the seat of our pants. Our prayer is that we are moving in God's will and glorifying God with every step we take.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Knowing When to Begin
All of the changes and challenges of life begin somewhere. Some begin accidentally. Others begin with great planning and anticipation. Whatever the beginning, change and challenge are part of the world we inhabit and I usually am able to embrace change and challenge and roll with it. In fact, normally, I can work up to jumping into situations with enthusiasm and optimism. I'm a planner but not a procrastinator. Waiting even for a good reason does not come easily to me.
If you've read some of my past post you know that we've been waiting for some life changing decisions to be made and to make some ourselves. In one sense, our waiting is over. We have plans to change locations, job paths and lifestyles. In another sense, we are still waiting. DH is in Australia for a month and I am home with four children. We're anxiously waiting for his return. We have a house to sell and a house to buy. We're waiting for relocation information to begin sorting through what must be done and with whom so we can receive all of our relocation benefits. We are waiting and praying for direction concerning homeschooling our oldest dd.
I'm hoping that all this waiting won't have dulled my sense of knowing when to begin. I've set idle for so long I'm afraid my ability to move with purpose may have atrophied. I've been collection farm information and unwanted items and storing them neatly for later use. I know my new found knowledge will be helpful as we start our farm. I know that lightening the load we move will make things less complicated and time consuming later. Both tasks are necessary but they don't truly feel proactive. I desire to do something that will bring us closer to our next stage of life. I want to search out the perfect realtor and then the perfect house. I want to clear this house of all that won't be making the transition and watch it pass happily into its new owner's possession. I want to pick paint colors and plan new rooms and spaces for my family to fill. I want to pour over seed catalogs and breed information. I want to move forward.
I'm praying that the time to begin is soon and that all will fall into place quickly and easily. But most of all, I'm praying that I know when to begin.
If you've read some of my past post you know that we've been waiting for some life changing decisions to be made and to make some ourselves. In one sense, our waiting is over. We have plans to change locations, job paths and lifestyles. In another sense, we are still waiting. DH is in Australia for a month and I am home with four children. We're anxiously waiting for his return. We have a house to sell and a house to buy. We're waiting for relocation information to begin sorting through what must be done and with whom so we can receive all of our relocation benefits. We are waiting and praying for direction concerning homeschooling our oldest dd.
I'm hoping that all this waiting won't have dulled my sense of knowing when to begin. I've set idle for so long I'm afraid my ability to move with purpose may have atrophied. I've been collection farm information and unwanted items and storing them neatly for later use. I know my new found knowledge will be helpful as we start our farm. I know that lightening the load we move will make things less complicated and time consuming later. Both tasks are necessary but they don't truly feel proactive. I desire to do something that will bring us closer to our next stage of life. I want to search out the perfect realtor and then the perfect house. I want to clear this house of all that won't be making the transition and watch it pass happily into its new owner's possession. I want to pick paint colors and plan new rooms and spaces for my family to fill. I want to pour over seed catalogs and breed information. I want to move forward.
I'm praying that the time to begin is soon and that all will fall into place quickly and easily. But most of all, I'm praying that I know when to begin.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Still on Hold
In the last month we've been hurrying up to wait. We are on week three of our wait and I have to admit, I'm sick of being on hold. A month ago we began planning for a move and major lifestyle change. We were excited and energized. We set wheels in motion, cancelled some plans, rearranged commitments, began to dream and then...nothing. Three weeks later still more nothing.
We have been trying to use the time to focus and to pray for guidance, for wisdom, for peace. Over the last week we've pretty much been praying for any news. No news is no longer good news and we are ready to move forward or back but just to move.
With a home full of children and their various activities, my idea of waiting may seem pretty active. We are still doing school. We are still involved in and signing up for additional activities. We are still making plans for this place in the future. We say things like, "Next month we'll ..." or "At Christmas time, we'll ...." and those sentences include people and places that can be found only in our current location.
The leisure of waiting has enabled time for cleaning out and paring down. I've got four more boxes ready to be moved out of the house. After we go through the summer clothes, the load will be even lighter. I love the idea of streamlining, of only having what is necessary instead of what is present. I no longer have four full file cabinet drawers. I think I might only have one very full drawer if I put it all together. There's a chance the file cabinet itself might be the next big item to be moved out of the house. I think the red chair may go with it and perhaps a bed, and futon. I'm sure there are several sets of towels and sheets that are no longer necessary. It's amazing all that we have and how little is really necessary.
And so, I pass my waiting time by emersing myself in the everyday. By paying attention to the blessings and the plenty, I destract myself from the desires and hopes of the future. It's not a bad place to be really. Full of hope and promise. Savoring the moments that make each day rich. Maybe being on hold isn't such a bad place to be.
We have been trying to use the time to focus and to pray for guidance, for wisdom, for peace. Over the last week we've pretty much been praying for any news. No news is no longer good news and we are ready to move forward or back but just to move.
With a home full of children and their various activities, my idea of waiting may seem pretty active. We are still doing school. We are still involved in and signing up for additional activities. We are still making plans for this place in the future. We say things like, "Next month we'll ..." or "At Christmas time, we'll ...." and those sentences include people and places that can be found only in our current location.
The leisure of waiting has enabled time for cleaning out and paring down. I've got four more boxes ready to be moved out of the house. After we go through the summer clothes, the load will be even lighter. I love the idea of streamlining, of only having what is necessary instead of what is present. I no longer have four full file cabinet drawers. I think I might only have one very full drawer if I put it all together. There's a chance the file cabinet itself might be the next big item to be moved out of the house. I think the red chair may go with it and perhaps a bed, and futon. I'm sure there are several sets of towels and sheets that are no longer necessary. It's amazing all that we have and how little is really necessary.
And so, I pass my waiting time by emersing myself in the everyday. By paying attention to the blessings and the plenty, I destract myself from the desires and hopes of the future. It's not a bad place to be really. Full of hope and promise. Savoring the moments that make each day rich. Maybe being on hold isn't such a bad place to be.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Weekly Recap 8/9-8/13
It's amazing how quickly this summer has gone. We've had a week of vacation at the beach, two weeks with a child at camp, a week with grandparents visiting, two weeks with two girls away at visiting grandparents, a week of vacation bible school, a month of Dad out of town and a week of Mom out of town. In the last two weeks alone we've visited with two aunts and three cousins at the Indianapolis zoo, traveled to and from West Virginia, put Grandpap on a plane to be with Grandmomma and our newest cousin in California, picked two daughters up in Iowa, visiting with more aunts, uncles and cousins there. It's been a busy summer and we've all enjoyed it so much.
Next week we'll begin school again. The children have spent the last few days stock piling sleepovers and time with friends. It's too bad we can't really save all the friendship and fun up for the lean days of fall. I've spent this week finalizing plans and getting weekly assignments down on paper. I've ordered our first month of books from the library. As of noon today, the librarians were aware that school is starting again soon. I was down to nine books on my account. With today's order, I've got over 200 books on my account. By Tuesday, they will all be ready to pick up and cart home. I love my library! I've made the last minute adjustments, chosen which critical thinking skill books to use, organized my shelves and tidied my binder. As far as planning goes, we are in great shape.
I'm not sure how next week will play out. The public schools here begin on Tuesday. I hate to start school on the first day of publis school. It seems like that should be a day of declaring our independence from someone else's schedule. Thursday is M5's birthday. We don't have school on birthdays. Those are family holidays. Maybe a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule will work. Maybe just a Wednesday, Friday schedule. The best part? We get to decide. And whatever we decide will be just right for us.
Next week we'll begin school again. The children have spent the last few days stock piling sleepovers and time with friends. It's too bad we can't really save all the friendship and fun up for the lean days of fall. I've spent this week finalizing plans and getting weekly assignments down on paper. I've ordered our first month of books from the library. As of noon today, the librarians were aware that school is starting again soon. I was down to nine books on my account. With today's order, I've got over 200 books on my account. By Tuesday, they will all be ready to pick up and cart home. I love my library! I've made the last minute adjustments, chosen which critical thinking skill books to use, organized my shelves and tidied my binder. As far as planning goes, we are in great shape.
I'm not sure how next week will play out. The public schools here begin on Tuesday. I hate to start school on the first day of publis school. It seems like that should be a day of declaring our independence from someone else's schedule. Thursday is M5's birthday. We don't have school on birthdays. Those are family holidays. Maybe a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule will work. Maybe just a Wednesday, Friday schedule. The best part? We get to decide. And whatever we decide will be just right for us.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Beginning Again
I ventured upstairs to our learning center this afternoon for the first time in a few weeks. The bottom four stairs were stacked with books and papers. All the things we've gathered around the house but have been too lazy or hurried to put away were waiting for a ride to the top. On the top step, there was a mouse trap that my youngest daughter told me she was building. I didn't pay enough attention and as a result there is a jar of peanut butter in the trash and I'm sure that somewhere in our house are some very well-fed mice. The mice have been well fed for awhile and are probably not happy that I removed their buffet. I really need to learn to pay better attention when my children say things like, "Mom, we are going to make a trap for the mouse."
After cleaning up the mouse trap and carrying all the stragglers up the stairs, I spent some time organizing the shelves for the beginning of our school year. I'm not done but it feels great to have gotten a start. Considering the fact that school is scheduled to start in a few days, I probably need to do more than start.
I also spent some time putting together a weekly schedule for the year. I didn't fill in every subject for every child. Last year I planned out each little thing. This year I know that for several of our subjects I don't have to plan every little thing. We can start with lesson 1 and work our way to lesson 140 without making a grand plan. We just do what comes next. It's nice to know how that works and that it does work. Since, K13 will begin high school this year, I've spent a lot more time writing plans and creating a syllabus for each class. I want to be ready. I want to be sure she's ready for whatever future she chooses.
I don't have a definite start date for school. I know that K13 will begin her classes at the high school on Wednesday. I know that we all start Community Bible Study on Thursday. I know that we'll be celebrating a birthday next Thursday and Friday. I suppose we'll work school in between the fun things we have planned. Isn't that one of the luxuries of home school?
I find myself excited about the new year and a bit fearful. Latin didn't go so well last year. This year we are trying it again with all four children. M5 has made it clear that she only wants to do school that is fun. I know it won't all be fun but it still needs to be done. S8 can't wait to learn about the middle ages. Knights and vikings are sure to become a passion for him. H11 is a hard one to peg. She can be a joy or a terror and very often is both in the same day. I pray she finds something to love in our studies this year.
I pray for all of us. I pray that we will be blessings to each other and to those around us. I pray that we will learn and grow. I pray that we will glorify God. I pray we will make it through each day with kindness and compassion. I pray we will ask for forgiveness and forgive with grace. I pray.
After cleaning up the mouse trap and carrying all the stragglers up the stairs, I spent some time organizing the shelves for the beginning of our school year. I'm not done but it feels great to have gotten a start. Considering the fact that school is scheduled to start in a few days, I probably need to do more than start.
I also spent some time putting together a weekly schedule for the year. I didn't fill in every subject for every child. Last year I planned out each little thing. This year I know that for several of our subjects I don't have to plan every little thing. We can start with lesson 1 and work our way to lesson 140 without making a grand plan. We just do what comes next. It's nice to know how that works and that it does work. Since, K13 will begin high school this year, I've spent a lot more time writing plans and creating a syllabus for each class. I want to be ready. I want to be sure she's ready for whatever future she chooses.
I don't have a definite start date for school. I know that K13 will begin her classes at the high school on Wednesday. I know that we all start Community Bible Study on Thursday. I know that we'll be celebrating a birthday next Thursday and Friday. I suppose we'll work school in between the fun things we have planned. Isn't that one of the luxuries of home school?
I find myself excited about the new year and a bit fearful. Latin didn't go so well last year. This year we are trying it again with all four children. M5 has made it clear that she only wants to do school that is fun. I know it won't all be fun but it still needs to be done. S8 can't wait to learn about the middle ages. Knights and vikings are sure to become a passion for him. H11 is a hard one to peg. She can be a joy or a terror and very often is both in the same day. I pray she finds something to love in our studies this year.
I pray for all of us. I pray that we will be blessings to each other and to those around us. I pray that we will learn and grow. I pray that we will glorify God. I pray we will make it through each day with kindness and compassion. I pray we will ask for forgiveness and forgive with grace. I pray.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Not Just Any Ice Cream
We are home, not a decision has been made but we did find that ice cream that I predicted. It's good to accomplish something even when everything else is still up in the air. The ice cream came from an unexpected source, one of our favorite places in the Parkersburg area, Holl's.
For those of you that haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Holl's you just need to know that it is a chocolate lovers paradise. It's set up like a jewelry store displaying each chocolate in a loving and delicious way. It's the first and only chocolate store I've ever seen give chocolate the staging and respect it deserves. Chocolate is truly showcased at Holl's in a way that sets in apart. Not just the display but the chocolate and filling combinations. There is no fluff here, no mallow, no artificle colors or flavors. Chocolate, milk, dark and white, and the very best fruit, caramel, and for some, nuts are the only ingredients necessary.
If you are fortunate enough to visit Holl's during strawberry season (true strawberry season, not trucked in strawberry season) then the chocolate dipped strawberries are to die for. They must be eaten relatively quickly. I personally prefer not taking them out of the parking lot but one can wait up to two hours, if possessing incredible will power.
If you miss strawberry season, it's possible to find many other outstanding favorites and spend more than $50 on chocolate in less than 15 minutes. Trust me, I've done it. However, the point of this story wasn't to wax poetic about chocolate or sing the praises of Holl's, it was to tell you about finding the ice cream.
We pulled up to Holl's this afternoon and were intrigued by the sign hanging on the front claiming gourmet ice cream bars. We love ice cream and have had some excellent ice cream. Our local favorite is Graeter's and I doubt you can find better ice cream anywhere on the planet. I must admit I was sceptical about gourmet ice cream bars. I scored my $50 worth of chocolate and was preparing to leave when my beautiful children asked in their most angelic voices if they might please, have an ice cream bar. Being their mother's children they, of course, requested chocolate. Being a chocolate loving mother I could not refuse their precious request. Out of the store we came with two gourmet chocolate ice cream bars and I must admit that they were delicious. Chocolate chocolate chocolate, cold and creamy, on a stick. Heavenly. Score another one for Holl's.
As I said earlier, we are still waiting at the crossroads. No changes to report yet but lots of possibilities. And delicious ice cream. I am blessed in so many ways and those ice cream bars are my reminder to pay attention to the blessings even when I'm not sure what's coming next.
For those of you that haven't had the pleasure of experiencing Holl's you just need to know that it is a chocolate lovers paradise. It's set up like a jewelry store displaying each chocolate in a loving and delicious way. It's the first and only chocolate store I've ever seen give chocolate the staging and respect it deserves. Chocolate is truly showcased at Holl's in a way that sets in apart. Not just the display but the chocolate and filling combinations. There is no fluff here, no mallow, no artificle colors or flavors. Chocolate, milk, dark and white, and the very best fruit, caramel, and for some, nuts are the only ingredients necessary.
If you are fortunate enough to visit Holl's during strawberry season (true strawberry season, not trucked in strawberry season) then the chocolate dipped strawberries are to die for. They must be eaten relatively quickly. I personally prefer not taking them out of the parking lot but one can wait up to two hours, if possessing incredible will power.
If you miss strawberry season, it's possible to find many other outstanding favorites and spend more than $50 on chocolate in less than 15 minutes. Trust me, I've done it. However, the point of this story wasn't to wax poetic about chocolate or sing the praises of Holl's, it was to tell you about finding the ice cream.
We pulled up to Holl's this afternoon and were intrigued by the sign hanging on the front claiming gourmet ice cream bars. We love ice cream and have had some excellent ice cream. Our local favorite is Graeter's and I doubt you can find better ice cream anywhere on the planet. I must admit I was sceptical about gourmet ice cream bars. I scored my $50 worth of chocolate and was preparing to leave when my beautiful children asked in their most angelic voices if they might please, have an ice cream bar. Being their mother's children they, of course, requested chocolate. Being a chocolate loving mother I could not refuse their precious request. Out of the store we came with two gourmet chocolate ice cream bars and I must admit that they were delicious. Chocolate chocolate chocolate, cold and creamy, on a stick. Heavenly. Score another one for Holl's.
As I said earlier, we are still waiting at the crossroads. No changes to report yet but lots of possibilities. And delicious ice cream. I am blessed in so many ways and those ice cream bars are my reminder to pay attention to the blessings even when I'm not sure what's coming next.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Crossroads
It seems that life has come to a crossroad again. I love the possibility of a crossroad but the actual decision making can be a problem. I remember in high school when my best friend and I would go out driving on a weekend. We'd take enough money for ice cream and a quarter to flip when we got to a crossroad and couldn't decide which way to go. Often we ended up nowhere, sometimes we got lost but we had each other. We always laughed and laughed. We always found ice cream.
As a grown-up, a quarter usually isn't part of my decision making process. Especially when the decision involves moving or changing jobs or selling/buying houses or uprooting children or anything like that. I've got a different best friend with me for this journey. A quarter seems kind of irresponsible so instead we make lists and drink wine and pray and talk. We dream through possibilities and trouble shoot potential problems. We pray for ourselves, for the children, for the people that will be affected by our choices, for the future whatever it may be.
We may return from our journey this weekend without any real changes to prepare for. Reaching the crossroad, we may decide to stay on the current path and not to make a turn. We may decide to take a very different turn and that would change so many things. Whatever we choose, we will do it together and we will probably find ice cream somewhere along the way.
As a grown-up, a quarter usually isn't part of my decision making process. Especially when the decision involves moving or changing jobs or selling/buying houses or uprooting children or anything like that. I've got a different best friend with me for this journey. A quarter seems kind of irresponsible so instead we make lists and drink wine and pray and talk. We dream through possibilities and trouble shoot potential problems. We pray for ourselves, for the children, for the people that will be affected by our choices, for the future whatever it may be.
We may return from our journey this weekend without any real changes to prepare for. Reaching the crossroad, we may decide to stay on the current path and not to make a turn. We may decide to take a very different turn and that would change so many things. Whatever we choose, we will do it together and we will probably find ice cream somewhere along the way.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
2010-2011 Curriculum and Planning Complete
I am thrilled to announce that, for the most part, I have finished planning our 2010-2011 school year. Of course, planning has little to do with what actually happens. I know that all my best plans may go horribly astray when we actually get started with school. For now, I'll just enjoy my perfectly planned year and delude myself with the notion that all will go according to plan.
We will all be participating in our Community Bible Study program this year. The topic is The Acts. It's nice that the bible study will go along with our history to some degree. That worked so well for us last year. The children also plan to participate in the homeschool choir and drama group. Everyone enjoyed that last year and this year we are going to try to do a production of The Sound of Music.
K13 is taking three classes at the local high school this year: Algebra, French I and Band. At home she'll be taking English 9, Medieval Literature, Medieval History, Physical Science and Latin.
H11, S8 and M5 will be taking all their classes at home with the exception of private music lessons. We are following The Well Trained Mind recommendations. The style and goals are really in line with what we want for our children and our homeschool. If you want to see the details you can find them listed in the sidebar under Curriculum 2010-2011.
My challenge over the next few weeks will be to find the literature I need for K13 and explore what is available through our local library systems pertaining to the Middle Ages and our physical science topics. I'm thrilled to have so much done and a month of summer left.
We will all be participating in our Community Bible Study program this year. The topic is The Acts. It's nice that the bible study will go along with our history to some degree. That worked so well for us last year. The children also plan to participate in the homeschool choir and drama group. Everyone enjoyed that last year and this year we are going to try to do a production of The Sound of Music.
K13 is taking three classes at the local high school this year: Algebra, French I and Band. At home she'll be taking English 9, Medieval Literature, Medieval History, Physical Science and Latin.
H11, S8 and M5 will be taking all their classes at home with the exception of private music lessons. We are following The Well Trained Mind recommendations. The style and goals are really in line with what we want for our children and our homeschool. If you want to see the details you can find them listed in the sidebar under Curriculum 2010-2011.
My challenge over the next few weeks will be to find the literature I need for K13 and explore what is available through our local library systems pertaining to the Middle Ages and our physical science topics. I'm thrilled to have so much done and a month of summer left.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Summer To Do List
This summer I would like to:
1. relax - by relax I mean read lots of good books, spend time in my hammock, enjoy my family and feel refreshed and renewed
2. take time to really write not just write a bit - writing tends to be what happens last in my world. I'd like to find a place that writing will fit and stick it there in a permanent way.
3. learn to make pasta - I'm not interested in spaghetti or long snaky noodles. I want to learn to make pouches and pillows and stuff them with delightful treats. I want to learn to shape pasta and seal the edges to keep all the goodness inside.
4. enjoy my garden - so far my garden has been a delight. I do find myself holding my breath wondering if it's all going to turn out all right. I want to be able to take delight in each and every plant and vegetable and glory in the entire process. I don't want to be fearful of what might not do well and focus on what isn't producing.
5. nurture those around me - my husband, my family, my friends, my children. I desire to take special care of each and everyone of them this summer. I'd like to find a place and time to share with them individually how much I appreciate them and what blessings they are to me.
6. live with intention - choosing rather than falling back on the path of least resistance or doing what I've always done. There are well worn paths that bring nothing but misery. I don't want to wander down those again.
1. relax - by relax I mean read lots of good books, spend time in my hammock, enjoy my family and feel refreshed and renewed
2. take time to really write not just write a bit - writing tends to be what happens last in my world. I'd like to find a place that writing will fit and stick it there in a permanent way.
3. learn to make pasta - I'm not interested in spaghetti or long snaky noodles. I want to learn to make pouches and pillows and stuff them with delightful treats. I want to learn to shape pasta and seal the edges to keep all the goodness inside.
4. enjoy my garden - so far my garden has been a delight. I do find myself holding my breath wondering if it's all going to turn out all right. I want to be able to take delight in each and every plant and vegetable and glory in the entire process. I don't want to be fearful of what might not do well and focus on what isn't producing.
5. nurture those around me - my husband, my family, my friends, my children. I desire to take special care of each and everyone of them this summer. I'd like to find a place and time to share with them individually how much I appreciate them and what blessings they are to me.
6. live with intention - choosing rather than falling back on the path of least resistance or doing what I've always done. There are well worn paths that bring nothing but misery. I don't want to wander down those again.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Winding Down
Our school year is coming to a close. Officially we have three and a half days left. Unofficially, I'm as terrified of the end as I was of the beginning. What am I going to do with the time that won't be consumed with the focused effort of school work? How am I going to convince them that all the fun, educational activities I've planned for the summer aren't really "school"? What is summer going to be like for us?
I have dreams of the five of us learning to make pasta, pastries and all kinds of bread. I picture us lounging on the hammock, reading Shakespeare aloud and listening to classical music. I fantasize about learning to navigate using the stars and making our own maps using what we learn during our night time observations. And then I take a deep breathe, open my eyes and look at my real children and my real life.
Who knows what this summer will bring? What I do know is that we have all been structured long enough and it's time to relax. Yes, I have some plans and I'll follow through, but not for a bit and not in a militant way. I've spent much of this school year marching the kids toward the goals we'd set. Completing the assignment, the curriculum, the designated number of days. The learning was valuable but the attitude was sometimes frustrating (and frustrated).
I hope to learn how to shepherd my children this summer, not march them. My desire is to make plans that include them and then follow through in a way that proves enriching for all of us. I intend to invite them to set out with me and see where we go. I can't wait to learn more about the stars and Shakespeare. I am anxious to see where their interests will take them this summer. Will they share my interest in astronomy and Shakespeare or set out on their own? Will our activities follow a new and uncharted path between my ideas and theirs? I have no idea what our time this summer will look like. I do know that whatever we do, we will be spending time doing it together and that is what makes the time worthwhile.
I have dreams of the five of us learning to make pasta, pastries and all kinds of bread. I picture us lounging on the hammock, reading Shakespeare aloud and listening to classical music. I fantasize about learning to navigate using the stars and making our own maps using what we learn during our night time observations. And then I take a deep breathe, open my eyes and look at my real children and my real life.
Who knows what this summer will bring? What I do know is that we have all been structured long enough and it's time to relax. Yes, I have some plans and I'll follow through, but not for a bit and not in a militant way. I've spent much of this school year marching the kids toward the goals we'd set. Completing the assignment, the curriculum, the designated number of days. The learning was valuable but the attitude was sometimes frustrating (and frustrated).
I hope to learn how to shepherd my children this summer, not march them. My desire is to make plans that include them and then follow through in a way that proves enriching for all of us. I intend to invite them to set out with me and see where we go. I can't wait to learn more about the stars and Shakespeare. I am anxious to see where their interests will take them this summer. Will they share my interest in astronomy and Shakespeare or set out on their own? Will our activities follow a new and uncharted path between my ideas and theirs? I have no idea what our time this summer will look like. I do know that whatever we do, we will be spending time doing it together and that is what makes the time worthwhile.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
In Which I Contemplate the Best Laid Plans
I've been planning. I'll admit, I'm a planner so my planning is no great shock for anyone that knows me. I plan my day, week, month and year. I plan meals, chores, activities, curriculum and vacations. Planning helps me feel in control.
This week I've been planning for my in-laws visit, spring break, our trip to Florida and our curriculum for next year. I've looked at local activities, prices for Disney passes and meals and astronomy and algebra books. My planning knows no limits.
The thing with my planning is that I've lived long enough to know that my efforts at control may very well be futile. I really only have a plan, not a promise of completion. God has plans too. Plans that totally supersede mine. And mostly, I'm thankful that God's plans are perfect. Sometimes, I'm able to be thankful after the fact, rather than in the moment.
Still, I plan. I think God likes that. I think that God loves me enough to know that my plans aren't an attempt to control God but rather an attempt to make the very best of any situation God has for me. Having a plan enables me to be flexible rather than frazzled. Having a plan gives me a place to begin and a direction in which to move.
Often my plans go in ways I never intended. Last summer I had a plan for the perfect 20th anniversary trip to Europe for two weeks. I ended up enjoying a lovely cruise for 5 days and an emergency appendectomy. I am so thankful that God knew the right plan for that part of my life.
I expect God to keep directing my plans. Right now, it feels like we are at a turning point, a cross road. It feels like change is coming. My first response is to plan. My second response is to pray. I think reversing that might be a better impulse. So, I think I'll pray for awhile and see what God has planned.
This week I've been planning for my in-laws visit, spring break, our trip to Florida and our curriculum for next year. I've looked at local activities, prices for Disney passes and meals and astronomy and algebra books. My planning knows no limits.
The thing with my planning is that I've lived long enough to know that my efforts at control may very well be futile. I really only have a plan, not a promise of completion. God has plans too. Plans that totally supersede mine. And mostly, I'm thankful that God's plans are perfect. Sometimes, I'm able to be thankful after the fact, rather than in the moment.
Still, I plan. I think God likes that. I think that God loves me enough to know that my plans aren't an attempt to control God but rather an attempt to make the very best of any situation God has for me. Having a plan enables me to be flexible rather than frazzled. Having a plan gives me a place to begin and a direction in which to move.
Often my plans go in ways I never intended. Last summer I had a plan for the perfect 20th anniversary trip to Europe for two weeks. I ended up enjoying a lovely cruise for 5 days and an emergency appendectomy. I am so thankful that God knew the right plan for that part of my life.
I expect God to keep directing my plans. Right now, it feels like we are at a turning point, a cross road. It feels like change is coming. My first response is to plan. My second response is to pray. I think reversing that might be a better impulse. So, I think I'll pray for awhile and see what God has planned.
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