Fall ball 2016

This school year Ashlyn is a junior in high school

and Abby is in the 7th grade. 

They have so enjoyed the opportunity they've had this fall

to play volleyball.

Being a small homeschool program, 

they have to play literally the entire game of every game

on the schedule.

They have both improved so much this year,

and we've seen some concrete leadership growth in Ashlyn.

For this we are so very thankful.

Grant is in the 8th grade this year,

and Garrett is in the 5th grade.

Because there are so many young boys in our program,

the pastor of the church has a burden to see these boys

grow in wisdom and leadership as well.

He is developing a mentorship program for young men,

and part of this is building a basketball team.

This is the first year that both my boys have

had the opportunity to play basketball competitively,

and they are growing and learning

and enjoying the physical activity.

Our fourth field trip this fall: Chisholm Trail Pioneer Days

When the air began to turn chilly, and the light low and golden in the 

bright autumn sky, we took a trip back in time.

To visit life in the 19th century.
When cowboys and longhorn cattle traveled the wide open spaces of Texas.
When the Confederates were shooting at the Yankees,
and Abraham Lincoln was in charge at the White House.

What a fun morning we had!!

Best way to prepare for Christmas? The Night Before Advent Party 2016

I have to admit, the day following Thanksgiving, I was far from being filled

with the Christmas spirit!!

In fact, Scrooge and I had about the same attitude.

BAH-HUMBUG!!

Do we really have to climb up in the attic and drag

down a bunch of boxes, collect all the leaves and pumpkins decorating

the house, and clean up??

All while still bloated from the turkey and green bean casserole?

I mean, what's the stinkin' hurry?

We had just walked the halls of the hospital a couple days before,

to say goodbye to a precious friend who's Christmas picture from

last year is still hanging on my refrigerator.
The cancer had returned.

And though we had prayed and prayed that she would go

into remission for a second time,

it was not to be.

She went home to Jesus that night.

The night before Thanksgiving.

It's hard to celebrate when you're wiping tears from your eyes.

But that morning I was reminded that Sunday was to be the first day of Advent.

That time of waiting.....hope!

Anticipating a coming.

Looking intentionally.
Of preparation.
I was inspired by this {click here} to actually throw a little party.

So we did.
We had so much fun whipping things into shape, setting out the 

simplest things, just to prepare our hearts and mind 

for what this season is all about anyway.

When we are grieving the loss of dear one's, watching the world around us

burn up and blow away, walking through frightful valleys, drowning

in loneliness, shouldn't we gather together and look to Jesus?
Anticipate His coming?
Talk about ways we will be looking to BE a blessing

rather than simply RECEIVE all the blessings.
About ways we can give more!!
We set up our Jesse Tree and pulled out the ornaments that will

go on that every day as we talk about Jesus' geneology.
His family tree that pointed the way to His coming

and ultimate death on Calvary's tree.

This was not complicated, nor did it cost a lot of money.
I just picked up some canned hot chocolate mix with some fun fixings.

Store bought cookies took off a lot of stress too.
This wasn't about excess and "rockin' around the Christmas tree."

Simple. Sane. Sacred.

One thing that we did to cap off the evening that we've never, ever

allowed before was to present our children with

their first gift of Christmas!
It was a total surprise for them because they beg and beg every year

to open a gift early and we've always stood firm.
They absolutely did not see it coming and the squeals of joy

were delightful!

I think we've discovered a brand new family tradition.

Family and Consumer Science Class: Senior Saints Thanksgiving Luncheon 2016

Again this school year, I have had the delightful privilege

 of teaching the high school girls of our little homeschool assistance program 

a Family and Consumer Science Class.

Last year, we focused on Foods 1, and Beginning Sewing and Crafts.

After talking over their interests at the end of the year last school year,

the girls decided that they wanted the advanced versions 

of each class this year.

So this fall we're learning Textiles and Clothing Construction, 

and after Christmas we'll explore Foods 2!

We were once again asked to prepare and host a Thanksgiving Luncheon

for the senior citizens of the church,

and what fun it was to pull it all together.

We had a slightly smaller crew than last year, 

but these girls worked so hard

and used their creativity to make this a beautiful event!

The girls did all the set-up and decorations.
It turned out so lovely!

On the morning of this event,

they were very focused on working as a team

and making each of their guests feel welcome and cared for.

What a blessing Miss Amanda was to us this year in working

with our girls, preparing so many of the dishes,

and keeping things organized in the kitchen!!

 

"Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it 

in serving one another as good stewards

of the manifold grace of God."  1 Peter 4:9, 10

What a blessing to watch these girls grow as we guide them along,

and learn skills in hospitality and gracious food service!

"Honor widows who are widows indeed."  1 Timothy 5:3