Crunchy Peas

every last drop

We are still savoring sun-warmed tomatoes fresh from the garden.

Eating dinner on the deck under the mister.

And hanging out in the pool for a bit each afternoon.

We can, however, feel the air changing and the see the daylight fading. It is always hard for me to say goodbye to summer...the winters seem to last so long here.  I dread things like wearing socks, going days without seeing the sun, and navigating the slippery roads.

For now, we are squeezing out every last drop that remains of this summer. I'm not ready to let go.

what i remember

As we greet this day I am surprised at how the anniversary has affected me. I knew I was deeply impacted by the events on 9+11, but coming back to the actual day, the actual time 10 whole years later-- I've taken pause.

Emma was almost 6 months old when the attack happened. It was the first time that I, as a mother, realized that the world that I was bringing my sweet baby up in was not nearly as safe and idyllic as the one I had known as a child.  I considered the idea that maybe her world would not include the same freedoms, the same safety.  I felt naive for having believed that I could bring children into the world and protect them. I felt tricked by Evil. 

In the days that followed I took comfort in the images I saw of people pulling together, strangers acting heroically on behaf of other strangers, people of all kinds being strong and courageous in the face of great tragedy, a president who rallied and promised justice, a nation that pledged to waste no time in rebuilding, and a Savior that remained in full control seated at the Right Hand.

Today, my heart is full of thoughts and fervent prayers. It goes out to all of those that lost loved ones on this day 10 years ago. It is also a heart deeply greatful to those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice to protect our freedom, and the freedoms of the next generation.

a new beginning

What Emma will be studying this year:

All About Spelling

Writer's Express

Various literature selections from Ambleside's year 5 list

Saxon 6/5

Winter Promise: Children Around the World

Winter Promise: Animal Habitats

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing

Piano

Dance

What Hannah will be studying:

All About Spelling

Dictation/Copywork (selections taken from her literature)

Various free reading books from Ambelside's year 2 and 3 lists

Right Start Math (Hannah has tried Saxon before and hated it- we'll see how she likes this one instead)

Winter Promise: Children Around the World

Winter Promise: Animal Habitats

Classically Cursive

Piano

Dance

What Laurel will be studying:

All About Spelling

Dictation/Copywork (taken from her literature)

Various books for free reading from Ambelside's year 0 list

Right Start Math

Winter Promise: Children Around the World

Winter Promise: Animal Habitats

D'Nealian Printing

Violin

Dance

*Feel free to chime in on what you are studying this year and ask any questions about what you see listed above.

Our first few days have been mostly good. I did panic a little when I saw the school bus pass by our house the other morning. I'm finding myself very tired at the end of this first short week. As I look on into the future of the school year I feel overwhelmed.  How will I continue on at this pace? How will I avoid burn out? Am I short-changing anyone? What am I not covering? Is there a way to balance it all? 

The only answer I am able to come up with is this: God gives enough for each day.  Tomorrow will worry about itself- each day has enough trouble of its own. I can't look that far ahead. My vision is blurry and inaccurate. God sees, knows, hears, cares, comforts, and provides. I remember the manna. I am just going forward trusting that there is enough of Him to sustain me- moment to moment. One day at a time.