Can it Be? Josh is 5.

Josh turned 5 this week when I almost wasn't looking!

We decided long ago to have the 'big' birthday parties (meaning more than one kid invited) every five years. Just too much work and too many kids! So... this was Josh's Big One this year.

He chose to have a Swimming Pool Party.

He invited 4 families (when you home school they come as an unit). So total, there were 15 children.


We had a hot dog cookout for lunch and then it was pool time.

Don't forget the cake!

Happy Birthday Joshies!

Intriguing

So a friend emailed me this recipe for making your own laundry soap... has anyone done this before? I'm very curious...

Ephesians 5: 8, 14

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord... Therefore He says:

“ Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”

Highlights and Lowlights of the Summer

The summer has come fast and furious and I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible as it already seems like it's already over! Here are some highlights and lowlights so far:

Highlights:

My parent's came for a visit and the kids loved their time once again with them. My mother's ability to never stop loving on the kids while still managing to clean my house amazes me. I don't ask, she just does.

They watched the kids while my husband took me one evening to a rock concert. We had a great time. Just to go somewhere together without kids sometimes is such a treat!

During their stay I also attended a 3 day Practicum for Classical Conversations. I've decided to be a tutor this year. The conference was very exciting as it reminded me our home school goals and how to strive for excellence in this Classical way. It was exhausting. Including travel time it was from 8-5 and I came home admiring all the working mother's in this world wondering how they do it!!

We have so enjoyed our pool. We put an above-ground pool in our back yard last year ( an Esther Williams from Craigslist!) and have soo enjoyed it in this hot hot weather lately.

My handsome hubby has been given a great compliment at work. I'm so proud of him and know that he is such an excellent man. In this economic struggle I know that we all hold things loosely, yet I want to pause to be thankful what we do have, knowing that can all change momentarily.

Some lowlights:

Weaning Judah. I had such a hard time with this! I know it seems silly to many, but since Samantha, I cherish each stage more and therefore that finality of this baby stage was difficult! I cried for a week but he did just fine.

Kid's waking up in the morning covered with bug bites. In our wooded lot with all the rain breeds many mosquitoes. Poor Judah, swells up so it looks like a ping pong ball is under his skin. Learning more about bug sprays and using mouthwash as a spray...?

Bunnies eating my strawberry plants. Peter and Benjamin are losing their cuteness in my eyes fairly quickly!

My 'second parents' from home are struggling. This fine couple was such a great part of my growing up years. They encouraged me in Christ in so many ways. They introduced me to Hillsdale College, where I attended, graduated and even got married from. She is struggling with Alzheimers and it's breaking our heart. Realizing the need to get up there to Michigan to say our goodbyes has been very difficult.

Beachtime

Our trip this year with these dear friends, was to the deep South this time...to their territory. We had a wonderful week at Hilton Head enjoying life on the beach.

The first two days were sunny and bright. The colors were brilliant and the flowers were amazing. The trees, however, were my personal favorites.

On day three, the rain began and the temperatures dropped. But the beauty never left.

Keeping the kid's busy with walks in the rain, trips to the park and indoor activities, we kept the fun rolling. Well, perhaps ALL was not fun for them. We kept them busy with a few chores too...

The last day was sunny and bright and almost everyone got sunburned. We went home thankful for such great friends and hope for more opportunities of memories with them!

How To ... by Sophia

(I found this on Soph's stack of writings, too funny not to post!)

How To Be a Friend
by Sophia age 8

When a friend comes over
For play, talk or tea,
Be careful with your manners,
Be the best friend as can be.

When two friends come over,
Don't run, yell, or shout,
This is politeness, friends,
And don't leave one friend out.

When three people visit,
Now this is a challenging quiz!
If they are badly rude,
Show them what a polite friend is.

Now, when four people visit,
My, what challanging fun!
Now don't pick a favorite,
Include everyone!

When five people visit,
And three ask one rude question,
If it's rude, change the subject,
(Even though you might have a suggestion).