Doing the Next Thing

What's been going on, you ask? Well... on the one hand, it feels like a whole lotta nuthin! On the other hand, I've been incredibly busy with daily life. You know the drill, the kind of busy where everyone gets fed, clothed, cleaned, and tutored each day and you fall into bed at night - only to get up and do it all over again. The weeks fly by, and poof! It's Thanksgiving before you know it! That's ok, though. We've laughed, loved, learned, and served. K (2) continues to keep us in stitches with the funny things she says and does. The latest is her announcement that "I go bafroom you" each time I say I have to go to the bath*room. She runs in, lifts the lid, and stands ready to assist me in any way. Future attendant at a 5-star hotel? The Big 3 have enjoyed their enrichment classes, culminating in a medieval feast for M (9) and some pretty amazing President projects for S (14) and C (12). A's (4) obsession with the human body has been replaced with Spi...

I am so not a decorator! I post these pictures only to show you that it is possible to have beauty ( i.e . Hidden Art ) in your home with no talent and no money! Yesterday was a rough one around here and I was feeling a little blue come dinnertime. I decided a pretty table would make our plain ole weeknight fish-and-broccoli dinner a little more festive. The flowers are summer's last blast from my neglected yard; the napkins are cut from a fabric remnant I keep meaning to do something with; the aspen wood vase was last year's anniversary present from My Sweetie. In about 15 min, the table - and my attitude - got a makeover. Return, O my soul, to your rest;for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7

In the description at the top of my blog, I have these words: "Thoughts on the joys and struggles of one Mom's journey..." Well, here is a bit on a struggle I'm having at the moment - the computer. I know from reading other blogs that many of you share this struggle. I've posted about it before. But I was convicted, once again, that too much of my time was being spent here. You may have noticed I'm posting less. If you have your own blog, I'm sure you've noticed that I have been visiting less. As Dr. Richard Swenson, author of the book Margin , says, "Progress means more and more of everything, faster and faster." Computers, cell phones, blogs, networks, email, voicemail... all fabulous tools, but also all time-suckers. And each new thing competes with the rest of our life for the same 24hrs. In a radio broadcast Swenson did on Focus on the Family, he recommends unplugging as a way of simplifying, allowing us to maintain balance and margin in...

I just had to share a glimpse of recess today at the Next Thing house. I went out to check on the kiddos and here's what I found: -M (9) with a plastic knife and cup, cutting of sprigs of boxwood, pretending they are herbs for her "soup" -C (12) hammering an old piece of crumbling concrete, just because. He said, "Mom, can I just keep hammering? It's fun." -K (2) taking great delight in running in an out of the bushes - Laughing at herself when no one is looking -S (14) watching over things and using sticks to make speed bumps for A (4), who is racing down the grassy hill on his tricycle like Evil Kenevil --and then... S taking his turn going over the speed bumps on A's little bike It doesn't always look this happy, but I love it when they are all using their imaginations, enjoying each other's company, and (for the big boys) ignoring the world's notion that they're too old to "play." Thank you, Lord, for this sweet vision of...

As narrated by A, 4 years old: Ketchup is tomatoes. They open the top of the tomato. They get the liquid out. They stir the liquid up and mix it, too. And then they put flour in and pour it into the ketchup bottle and then it's done. That's how ketchup goes. Didn't you always wonder? For more Tiny Talk, go visit Mary's place !

You were the wiggliest of all babies when you were in my tummy. You were the tallest newborn we had, measuring 21 long inches when you were born. Your precious hair was so fine and white, it was almost invisible. You were loaded with personality from the very beginning. It warms my heart to see you growing into a compassionate, generous, curious young man. So happy birthday to my Creative, Observant, Loving, Intelligent, and Noble son of my heart! I love you! --Mom

For those who are interested, I'm going to post my curriculum plans in several stages, to make it easier on both the writer and the reader. If you are not interested in curriculum in the least, I won't be offended if you skip this post altogether! I'm still ironing out much of this and expect a few things will change (other than math & science) through the year. Budget has been a big issue in planning this year, so I'm hoping to add some things second semester that I just couldn't afford right now. First up, Big Brother, S (almost 14): 8th Grade Bible - finishing Old Testament Survey from Logos School Materials Catechism - memorizing Shorter Catechism Spelling - Apples 2 Grammar - S is still finishing some random lessons we missed in A Beka's Grammar and Comp. I from 7th grade. He's doing this because 1. I want him to focus more on writing than grammar this semester; and 2. I'm still thinking about/saving $$ for grammar for him. I'm considerin...