And just like that...

I turned 43.  My husband had a few days off because we had originally planned to be traveling, but then life happened and those plans fell apart.  But sometimes things fall apart so that better things get thrown together.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE when my husband is home from work.  Every day when I wake up and realize that he is off - it is like Christmas morning, birthday hot chocolates, and a snow day all rolled into one.  Although we had a TON of errands to run, we did it together.  Although we were here instead of relaxing on a beach, we had a great time.  The only downside is when Monday rolls around and he has to go back to work.  That is like a doctor appointment, pop quiz in a class you are failing, and an overflowing toilet all rolled into one.  I need to remember to plan a special day from now on when he goes back to work because as much as I love him being home, I really think our girls love it even more.  Like maybe have a leisurely breakfast of cinnamon rolls and then select a favorite read-aloud for the afternoon and plan to have popcorn or something yummy while we are piled all together on our couch.

We are in the book of Zechariah right now in our Bible reading.  You know what?  I kept waiting and trying to start our year through the Bible in January, promising myself that this year, this is the year, that we would stick to it and not miss a day and read the Bible cover to cover.  You know what happened, right?!?  Inevitably we would get sick or some catastrophe would happen (I feel like we are a walking ad for weird chaotic dramatic stuff) - and we would fail.

Every.single.year. 

We made it out of Genesis one time I think. 

Not good. 

My kids know the events of Creation REALLY well :), but are clueless about the history of Israel's journey deeper and deeper into sin and God's faithful presence throughout.  They cannot appreciate the gift of Jesus if they don't truly grasp how unworthy we are and how much it truly cost Him.  So, this summer I finally picked up my worn, faded, and falling apart Daily Walk Bible (I got this a few months after my oldest was born, and she will eighteen years old next spring).and saw that on August 1st, Jeremiah was due to start.  We plowed right in, spending just a bit beforehand briefly recapping what each book is about in the old testament.  I googled and found some great information for quick recaps, but looking back I can only find two of the sites I used this one and then this one.  Anyway, we have read pretty steadily, only skipping a day here or there.  We are shooting for more days than not (perfection isn't going to happen) and a bird's eye view of the overarching story of Who God is and what He has done for us.  It.has.been.amazing!  We have talked more about the Bible these last two months than ever before, and even though I have read the Bible cover to cover multiple times, I am learning just as much, if not more than they are.  I love that.  I love how God's Word is alive and active in our lives.

We are also still (yes, still!) reading Heidi, Monsters in the Hollow (#3 of Wingfeather Saga), and we just started Harriet Tubman - from the authors of Christian Heroes Then and Now, this one is a Heroes of History.  If I had to recommend a set of books for a homeschool family to invest in, it would (TOTALLY) hands-down be the Christian Heroes Then and Now and Heroes of History.  I also have loved the Story of the World four-book series, the Kingfisher Atlas of World History, Mathworksheets4kids website, The Spalding Method Writing Road to Reading (we continually come back to this method - we have tried just about everything out there for dyslexia intervention, and this one has been the one to work...it takes a TON of effort on your part as the teacher, but I am on my third kid with learning disabilities/dyslexia - hers is severe/profound - and the Spalding method is the one that we see progress with).  I also would recommend Science Grade ___ (I think they go up to grade six?), Interactive Notebook and lots and lots and lots of experiments.  Buy the pre-made kits or look online for DIY ones, (you can totally do this on a tight budget), but it really, really REALLY makes a difference when they get to get their hands around (literally) a concept and can see the concrete reality of an abstract idea.

However, if I had to start over again I would start with one thing - A Year of Playing Skillfully.  This is the MOST amazing preschool (& kindergarten as a second run through to get your money worth) program that I have found.  It is SO incredibly special and worth the investment.  I am sad it wasn't on the market when my girls were little.

My girl’s dog

 He started having seizures again last night and it was a super long night and a longer day today ☹️  I know for some this may seem silly with all that is going on in the world, but if you can please take a minute to pray for this doggie.  He means so much to my girl.  She also has epilepsy and a looong list of health issues, so he’s more than just a pet to her.