Proof That I'm an Awesome Homeschool Mom

Just in case anyone ever thought I was sitting around eating bonbons all day.

 Science experiments that don't work but are pretty none-the-less.

                   Science experiments that are not remembered except for the great bug-eyed photo-op.

Stories that are read with a 30 minute follow-up to organize the animals "just right". You would never know they fought about it the whole time.

The really cool globe puzzle stayed together for at least 30 seconds.

Gracious daughter capturing forever mom's loss at RISK.

My brilliant idea of a game right before bedtime to help them relax...

A full day's worth of "Lego guy" building that silly mommy took apart and put away that same night. I felt bad on that one.

This one makes me really cool! We all stayed up until midnight watching the full lunar eclipse.

Cookies I promised to make with the kids for our "Winter Tea Party" only to pass off all the work to the 2 oldest girls. They did a much better job than I would have!

Field trips in the back forty. 

Actually, these are just a few things I am really, really grateful for. My family and my time with them. Can't imagine life without them. Thank you munchkins for the happiness you bring to my life!

Counting Blessings

So I was doing pretty good with reading the bible everyday and keeping up with the 90 day plan. But then I ordered a book. And it arrived in the mail really fast. I just took a peek at the first chapter. Before I knew it, I had finished the whole book and now I'm officially a good week behind in my bible reading. But I'm not upset about it at all. I can't believe how amazing the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp is. Skip on over to Amazon and order it. It's under 10.00 and if you order a couple of extra copies to give away you'll get free shipping. There will be no regret on this one. Her writing is beautiful and speaks so perfectly to the deep purpose understanding that, I believe everyone goes through at some point in their lives. The struggle to find beauty in failed dreams, hope in unexpected disasters, and genuine gratefulness while exhausted has been one of my biggest struggles. I found it wonderful how every time I was reading and a question or "yeah, but" popped into my mind, on the very next page or next chapter she addressed it. Some serious life changing can happen while reading this book! I think it's really beautiful that so many women have been touched by the message of counting gifts. Simple and profound all at the same time. Should be easy but it is hard in practicality. That's why we need it so badly. It reminds me of a Jewish thought that Messiah might come if  all of his people would keep Shabbat together, at the same time, just once. Can you imagine the beauty in the world if everyone would give thanks for all things, for one day, together? I can't imagine either.