Here and now

I often think about what I need to do, where I need to go, when we need to leave, what we should be doing next. I have a never ending laundry pile, dishes that need to be washed, history lessons that need to be read, piano lessons that need to be given, games that need to be played, verses that need to be memorized. As I think of all the never ending tasks that must be done, I realize I am thinking too much. I need to be content where God has placed me here and now. “Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’.” (Hebrews 13:5)I call on the Lord. I need Him. I pray, "Lord, I am Yours. These children are Yours. This day, hour, minute belongs to You. May You do what You will. I am meerly a vessel in Your hand. Thank You for the grace You've given me. May I see You in this day... every hour, every minute."
#406 sunlight peeking through the gray storm clouds
#407 creative kids painting and building
#408 skating with Macy on our "mommy/daughter date"
#409 anticipation of the eggless cake to come out of the oven
#410 morning drizzle on the sidewalk
#411 God's divine influence upon my heart
#412 banana smudged handprints upon the window
#413 long kisses before Matt leaves
#414 giggles at nap time
#415 healthy, active and quite coordinated 3 year old BOYS
#416 reading about the promise of a Savior as we study the book of Isaiah
#417 little hands learning to say "I love you" in sign language

Knitting a scarf

After three lessons, the knit stitch is becoming familiar to Madi. This has been a learning experience for both of us. I have seen my grandmas knit and crochet for years and have never learned how to do anything, but desired to teach my girls. A year ago, Hunter learned from his grandma and quickly made scarves with his big knitting needles and thick blue yarn. Now it is our turn. Our friend, Kim, taught us at our Keepers of the Faith meeting. When Madi was learning and making some mistakes, we would try to fix them. This eventually would lead to pulling it all apart and starting over. After much practice and mistakes, she now has a recognizable scarf and is really enjoying knitting.

Ending the School Year

I can't wait for school to be over for Madi. We sent her to our Christian School for Kindergarten so she could learn to play and have fun with friends. She missed so much of "just being a kid" since she was in the hospital for so long. She did great this year. She has friends and enjoys playing. This will be an experience we will never forget, but now that I know I am homeschooling next year, I can't wait. I am so excited and want to get started right away. I look forward to her being home everyday and seeing her learn and grow with me. I have been praying about curriculum and schedules. My friend, Debbie, is also homeschooling her son next year. Since we are new to this we will be planning together. Her son is Madi's best friend. We are so eager. We continue to research and want what is best for our children.