{The Week} Field Trips, Life, and Dreams of Spring

In My Life This Week...

We had a good, busy week of homeschooling, a field trip, work, and life in general. We were out of the house on Monday for our field trip, Tuesday for Classical Conversations, and we stayed home Wednesday through Friday. We love being at home in the cozy warmth, when the weather is bitter cold, and we dream of the spring days to come.

Here are a few snippets from our week.

1. Father/Daughter bonding time over Saxon Math. 

2. Malachi took a nap after a busy morning of reading and projects. He usually does not nap, but he filled his mind with so many good things that he took a quick break.

3. Zolie loves to sing. I must love this photo because I included it twice this week.

4. Brother + Sister = Best Friends

New Developments...

This week I began a new monthly column, The Classical Home, with Homeschool Mosaics. Please stop by and read my introductory column and let me know what you think. I would love to hear your feedback!

I am enjoying being part of the Mosaic Reviews team too. The kids are giddy every time the UPS man delivers a new resource to our house. They flipped out and ran through the house squealing this week when the Ultimate Apologia Planners arrived.

Places We're Going and People We're Seeing...

On Monday, we celebrated President's Day at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. This was our very first visit to Conner Prairie, and we want to visit again in the spring, when all of the buildings are open. Briyah wore a pioneer outfit that was given to her by a dear friend who volunteers at Conner Prairie. Her favorite moment was visiting with Mary Todd Lincoln.

In Our Homeschool This Week...

We worked on Week 17 of Classical Conversations. During our fine arts session, the students learned about Michelangelo and painted a project. The younger Abecedarian class painted while lying down on the floor. The older Journeymen/Masters class painted lying down under a table. It was such a unique project, and provided a small perspective of how Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. One of students in my class brought me a beautiful hummingbird and flower painting.

I'm Cooking...

A dear friend blessed us with a massive box of produce this week. I was able to share a few peppers with my sister, my mother-in-law, and I still had enough left to whip up a yummy dinner. We tried out the delicious Southwest Stuffed Pepper recipe from Oh, Sweet Joy!

I'm Grateful For...

I am so thankful for the many blessings of life, even when we face uncertainties and obstacles. I try and pause and take in all of the simple moments (usually through snapshots on my iPhone), where I am surrounded by so much joy, life, and love.

Piles of laundry can be a joy. Dirty dishes can be a joy. Noisy, stubborn, independent kids can be a joy. Even sick days, unfinished tasks, stacks of bills, meager resources, and disappointments all provide an opportunity to witness God work ALL things together for the good.

These things are the common things of life that mean we are alive, and every single moment is a time to cherish. Sometimes I forget this. Actually, quite often I forget this. I don't want to forget, and I don't want to miss the joy.

Here are a few of my favorite things this week:

1. One of my favorite times of the day is when Zolie cozies up to me in the little red rocker. She loves to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Jesus Loves Me," and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."

2. Malachi is such an adventurer and he loves to climb trees.

3. My sister enjoys baking bread and Zolie loves her mommy's cinnamon challah.

4. We were so surprised when the UPS delivered a gorgeous Gardenia and box of chocolates to our house, from Paula and Nancy, at A Journey Through Learning. I am so blessed to work for these lovely ladies on a part-time basis. This is my first Gardenia and it smells amazing. My dining room is filled with the scent of springtime.

5. The kids were so inquisitive and they counted the blooms on the Gardenia. We are so hopeful for the buds to bloom into beautiful flowers.

What brings you joy?

Rachel Martin at Finding Joy, encourages me through her writings. Do you read her blog? Five Ways To Be A More Intentional Mom is just one example of her encouraging posts.

I'm Praying For...

Several friends have battled the flu and serious illnesses. Some friends are facing tests for health issues. Other dear friends face changes in employment or are hopeful in new positions. We have so many friends and acquaintances in need of prayer.

We are praying for Daisy's family. My heart just breaks for Kate, Daisy's dear mom, and her entire family.

From Kate:
"My final request to all who read this blog: love. Love your babies, your husbands, mothers, sisters. Love each day like it’s your last. All you mamas out there, you have been entrusted with the precious gift of a human life who depends on you. Enjoy your gift. Breathe in the scent of your child’s hair, breath. Let them cook with you and make a mess of the kitchen. Play hide and seek with them, build sand castles with them, take them on picnics, read to them! Listen to them, value and respect them, never shame them. Your words they will carry with them their whole life and you have the power to give them wings or stunt their growth. Motherhood can be tough but it’s worth it. It can be exhausting, boring, tedious, but never for long. You blink and they’re grown. It has been my honor and privilege to love Daisy these last 8 years. I’m thankful for every minute; the joyful and the terrible alike."

God bless and comfort this precious family.

Making Steps Forward...

1. I am enjoying the wonderful books and resources that have arrived from several publishers and companies. I have reviews coming up for Mosaic Reviews, New Leaf Publishing Group, and Cross Focused Reviews.

2. I have two courses (8 week length) starting mid-March at Liberty University. These two classes are for my minor in Christian Counseling. My major is Education, and I have completed all of my education coursework, except for a capstone course in student teaching. I have 17 credits left before graduation, and if all works out, I will finish up Summer 2013. It still seems so far away from now.

Need to Make Progress...

1. My daughter is working away on her Project Life 2013, while mine is still sitting on the shelf collecting dust. We split the lovely Seafoam kit by Becky Higgins. I want to find some time to work on this. I have plenty of photos, journal notes, and I just need to set aside some creative time!

Do you work on Project Life? If so, I hope you aren't letting yours gather dust!

2. I have not made any progress at the gym. It is pitiful, really. My brother and daughter have made great progress by working out several times a week. I have not gained any weight. I have not lost any weight. I am just stagnant.

I am so tired of being overweight! But, am I tired enough to do something about it? I either need to get up and go to the gym at 5:30 a.m. or I need to go in the evening after my niece and nephew go home for the day. God willing, at some point, I am going to make some progress. Much of it depends on me to have the discipline to work hard, stick to a plan, and make continual healthy choices like stop eating Girl Scout cookies that are brought home by our daughter. It is hard to resist those Samoas and Thin Mints. I am just being honest. Oh sure, I can eat just a serving size. But, eating a serving size three days in a row sure is not helpful!

I think weight loss is my biggest obstacle for 2013. I am tired of failing in this area.

What is your biggest obstacle? Let's pray for one another, friends.

Linking Up With:

Friday Favorite Things

Homeschool Mother's Journal

Collage Friday

Weekly Wrap-Up