Appreciating the small things

Catching up today on many tasks from the back burners. Just about everything on my list is finished. I have spoken with friends, answered emails, done the laundry, taken time for reading and time for writing, conferenced with John on his daily progress, tidied the house, and so many more small things, including" bossing the boys around" to complete housekeepping tasks. Is that spelled correctly? It looks funny. Even if it's wrong, I like it.

I've recently read The Teacher Who Couldn't Read, by John Corcoran. It is one of the most inspiring and enlightening books I have ever read. Last month I was fortunate to meet John. He touched my heart with his humanity and his message for literacy. You know how some things really reach you and you know you have to do something about it? That's how I feel about helping people to read. We can all improve. That leads to my next topic of excitement. Very soon I will be attending a three day training seminar in the EBLI method of literacy instruction. I've been talking with Nora Chahbazi, the founder and president of EBLI -Evidence Based Literacy Instruction. Nora and I share a similar vision to help others read. Stay tuned for progress.

One of my goals is to get a camera so I can start posting pictures of what we do here and there. Wish I could show you the interesting bug, Audrey and I found the other day. When I find out what it was, I'll add a link. My interest in all things living has been part of me since forever. That interest is renewed these days as I prepare for a nature study that John and I will be doing as part of our new co-op experience. Today, we still need to go outside and just sit and observe for a few minutes, and then come in, or stay out, and record what we saw. We'll be doing that any minute now. It is one of those small things I appreciate so much. More later.

Learning Every Day

I have always loved to learn new things. I am a "show me and I can do it" learner. Some things come easier than others, but I must confess that being a blogger of grammie age, has its limitations. Thank heaven for my sweet, sweet daughter Lisa, who is my blog tutor. We just had a wonderful six day visit. Audrey and I read books, drew with markers, did the same puzzle about a zillion times, took a walk and collected acorns, rocks, and a leaf, played with stickers -she puts them EVERYWHERE, sang funny songs, laughed and tickled, dressed and undressed the dolls, over and over and over, played with bubbles in the bath, and cuddled and rocked at bedtime. Oh the wonder of toddlerhood! What a blessing to see the world and learn through the eyes of my granddaughter - awesome!

My daughter is also constantly teaching me something of value. This time, it was about patience. Lisa has a one month old baby boy in addition to the afore mentioned tiny tornado. Baby Jack is what we used to call a "demanding" baby. He wants his mama, all the time. Lisa does what we mothers do and puts her babies' needs first. It's okay if she doesn't get her shower until the hubs gets home. It's okay if she gets nothing else accomplished on her own "to do" list, those babies are top priority. My precious daughter already knows that these times are treasure. And, she still found time to help me with this blog.

Life is about learning, all the time. I love it!

Audrey and Jack

Beautiful Sunday!

This moved me today... "Everyone is worthy of friendship, everyone is valuable." Ernie Harwell

Mixed Emotions

I am so excited! Today I am preparing for a trip to see my daughter and her family! Lisa is expecting her second baby in just a few days, and I get to go and help with my granddaughter, and spend time with the beautiful family. I can hardly wait to see my girls! But, it is also a bit difficult for me to leave my husband, son, daughter, and friends. I just said a tearful good-bye to Number One son, who will celebrate his 18th birthday and attend two proms while I am away. I am such a crybaby when it comes to the separation moment.

Thankfully, my traveling companion is my precious Second son, who just said, "If you're okay Mom, I'll go finish packing." He knows his emotional mother. Earlier today, we stopped at our local library to find some good stories to keep us entertained on our 9-10 hour drive. We chose; The Scarlet Letter, Huckleberry Finn, and Frankenstein. Should be very interesting, and fits well with our study of American and British Literature. We both look forward to the time together.

God is doing so many wonderful things in my life right now! Among these are some new adventures with homeschooling. My very dear friend Sheri, who is definitely a soulmate, and I are following His leading and her vision to help fellow homeschoolers. We are starting with a support group for parents and teachers (much needed in our area), and planning a small co-op for September.

I can't remember when I have felt so excited and so sure about things happening in my life! All for His glory.

So, back to packing and preparing. Till next time - L

We are blessed. Daniel is home and happy to have been serving in Mexico. He is reading a book on understanding relationships, Positive Personality Profiles, by Robert Rohm. This book addresses personal communication styles. Since Daniel wants to study psychology, this is a good one. I have read it several times over the years and found it beneficial in understanding why people act the way they do. It has helped me understand me better too. It is based on the DISC model.

John is in his 15 year old world. He is a terrific son, a quiet communicator. Right now he is experiencing some angst due to his missing writing notebook. Yes, it has just disappeared into oblivion. We have looked everywhere! In this precious book, he has several chapters of a marvelous story. He has spent hours upon hours writing. He and I make special trips to Borders to have a coffee treat and write. Actually, he is handling the loss better than I. He says, "I guess I'll have to start over." "I remember most of it and I can make it better!"

Maybe I am the one with the angst. It's just that he hasn't always loved writing and I am sad that this passionate effort is missing. Where oh where are you notebook?

And my girls... Amy is meeting her boyfriend's parents tonight. They drove all day to meet her. We meet them on Saturday. We'll see...

Lisa is happily pregnant with her second baby, my first grandson!!! 18 month old Audrey has transitioned into the "twos", just like her mother did!!!!! Lisa is tired at the end of the day. I can hardly wait to go spend a month with them. Coming soon!!!

My children will always be my life, no matter how old they get, or how far away they live. I am blessed.

Enjoying a fun crafternoon!