Finished with School! (well...almost)

The boys' tutorial ended this week, and I can't even TELL you what a relief it is to have our last assignment sheets for Veritas behind us! Mind you, it's a wonderful program, and their Daddy and I have been very pleased with what they've learned, with the amazing teachers, and with the great group of kids they've made friends with. It's just that it's a lot of work - for them and for me - and we're glad to be able to put it behind us.

I say almost finished, because everyone still has math to work on over the summer, and the boys need to finish their science curricula for the year. But we're taking the rest of this week off (except for summer reading) and enjoying being free.


Daddy offered to take the kids out last night and let me have some 'alone time' at the house. But I really wanted - no, needed - a run, so we all went to the park together. We grabbed $5 pizzas and had a goofy dinner together, then he watched them on the playground while I ran. The run was balm for my soul... 2 1/2 miles of uninterrupted thought (and a little prayer.) I saw a glorious pink sunset, heard some owls, and even Peter Rabbit hopped out and ran beside me for 100 yards or so.

It gave me time to reflect on my heart struggles recently. I've been feeling pretty stressed, and pretty disappointed in myself for feeling stressed. Vicious cycle. But last night, I gave it all to the Lord, remembering again that I can do nothing on my own, but can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Can I get an Amen!? Anyone else feeling this way at the end of a long school year?

What's in store for summer, you ask? (or maybe you didn't. then it's just a bonus.) June is pretty full. There's VBS at church, #2 son's (13yo) youth group trip to Mission Adventure Camp, and the grand finale, our Make A Wish trip. Remember how I told you that our daughter has a rare blood disorder? Well, Praise the Lord she is still doing well, but in the meantime the Make A Wish Foundation granted her a wish, so we're heading to the mountains of Wyoming for a week at a Dude Ranch! yeee haaa! Should be tons of fun.

I'm hoping for a quieter July and some time to enjoy the lazy days of summer, sipping lemonade by the pool . We'll see. Think I've said that before.

Before I go, I wanted to share an article called "Joyful Parenting" by Peter Leithart. A friend shared it with me, and it was both convicting and encouraging. Here's a tease:

Joy in parenting is a gift of God. It doesn't come naturally. It is not a product of the flesh. Wherever you find a joyful Mom, you can be sure you're seeing the Spirit at work.

I'm praying the Lord will help me be a more joyful mom. Find the rest of the article here.