In my life this week…
I am learning what it means to let go and really, truly LET GOD.
In our homeschool this week…
It’s been really weird! We’ve had nice weather, then buckets of rain, then nice weather again… hard to stay focused when lightning is shooting across the sky and thunder is rolling. I’ve felt very scattered but we have actually gotten a lot done so I’m satisfied. I signed the boys up for Time4Learning again. We are going to try it out in light of the recommendations that were made after the boys’ developmental evaluations.
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Despite what certain homeschool experts might say, your kids need to have friends. So do you. Make an effort to connect with others so that your kids can practice their social skills do kid stuff, like play kick ball, go swimming, and play Red Rover. While they are doing that, you can have some adult conversation. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
I am inspired by…
People finding freedom in Christ, rather than in church. I’m still working through how this looks and feels and functions.
Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
This week we have had a definite lack of a certain someone, as my husband has been working out of state. It’s always a bit of a challenge, although I am used to it, but I don’t like it a lot when he’s gone. Being a part time single Momma is tough!
Today we have a potluck lunch with our homeschool co-op (the big one we were part of this year), and then tonight we get to watch one of the girls who grew up in our church’s youth ministry get married! It’s going to be a great day! 
My favorite thing this week…
It’s been kind of a tough week, and honestly the most positive thing about it has been how this little book, Jesus Calling, has hit me square between the eyes each day. If you don’t have a daily devotional book, you should really check this one out. The readings are quick, the Scripture readings are deep, and if you’re like me, God will use it to meet you right where you are.
What’s working for us…
After a hard couple of weeks with D1 taking hours and hours to get his math done, this week he’s decided he wants to really focus and get it done. Wednesday he even finished in 45 minutes! He was SO proud of himself (and he got 91%!) I am so happy for him.
Questions/thoughts I have…
How how how do we keep our kids’ hearts both with us, and with Jesus, as they grow up? A couple of our older kids are really struggling right now with their faith, and we don’t want these boys to go through the same thing. What do we do differently?
Things I’m working on…
Seeking God first.
Figuring out how to set up Time4Learning again for the boys. It’s confusing but I remember last time that once I figured it out, it was simple to keep track of for them. Right now, I’m stumped.
Praying about where the Lord is leading us.
The final choosing of carpet, flooring and countertop granite for our kitchen remodel! 
De-crapifying our basement/schoolroom. Since we put the boys in separate bedrooms, E’s photo studio was cleared out to make room for a boy. His light boxes and all that stuff is piled up in the school room, along with a lot of I-don’t-know-what. Think Hoarders. That’s how bad it looks. Couches and table piled with 2-3 feet of stuff. No clear pathway to the exterior door (think fire escape route blocked.) Yes, it’s really that bad. How? I have no idea. It’s time to get serious about it, and then teach my kids to clean!
I’m reading…
Still working on Joyce Herzog’s Learning In Spite of Labels, because I haven’t had any time to read lately and so my bookmark has been 2/3 of the way through it for 2 weeks. Also still reading Plan It, Don’t Panic, so I can figure out how to better lay out a meal plan.
I’m cooking…
stuff from scratch, pretty much. Not completely, but I have actually made good dinners all week! They included Spinach Ravioli and salad, and homemade Chicken Noodle Stew. I need to go through my recipes and choose about 24 of my family’s favorites to put into a monthly or bi-monthly meal plan.
I’m grateful for…
good friends, both locally and friends I have made as a result of my blog. Some of those friendships, initiated on blogs, and forged well at the first and second Relevant Conferences, have grown over the past year or two and I just wish I lived close to these ladies!!
I’m praying for…
direction. Please join me.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Tell me once again to who I am to you
Tell me lest I forget who I am to you
I belong to you…
Jason Gray is my new favorite artist. I love, I mean love this man’s music. Don’t give me churchy, give me real.
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I like your homeschool tip. Yes, we all need friends. I just have to get a bit more serious about making commitments to actually maintain these friendships.
I laughed at your Hoarders comment.
What Maths curriculum are you using? Just curious.
)
The Paper Maid
I know all about that part time single Momma stuff.
We had to go through that a couple years ago before my hubby was officially transferred. I am praying for ya because it is difficult!! Glad I got to stop by and see your place this week. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Jen recently posted..MHJ Summer Weeks
Jen: My husband covers a large territory (3 states) servicing and repairing scales (truck, cattle grain, etc.) We've grown used to him having to work out of town during the busy season, but that doesn't mean I like it! Okay, I'll admit sometimes I do ask him if it's time for him to leave again.
Hugs is all I can offer in response to your question about what to do differently. I am in the same boat as you.
Cooking from scratch can be a challenge but so worth the effort. My aim is to begin cooking from scratch again next week. Keep up the great work.
Your advice is spot on. Thank you for sharing it.
Popping over from The Homeschool Mothers Journal.
Blessings
Chareen recently posted..HSMJ 22 – Griping about Blog Giveaways …
So true that our kids need friends and so do we. I have been so thankful this week for my friends.
Meal planning is so worth it so I hope you find success with it.
Sharla recently posted..Rainbows Even When There’s No Sun
Oh yes, I 'm praying for direction pretty much daily! And it is hard to figure out how to help our kids though those times of struggling in faith, but I think they have to wrestle with it a bit before they can make their faith truly their own.
Jamie {See Jamie blo recently posted..{Beautiful Things} Another week of summer