All Packed!

Film Buff takes off tomorrow to Florida, to visit with his aunties, cousins and uncles, then his Auntie L is taking him and two of the oldest cousins to Ireland! They will stay in various places and see wonderful things. He'll also get to visit his Uncle A, and see him teach his college art class at a Florida university. What a lovely opportunity. Uncle A's wife, Aunt T, actually made Film Buff his very own video on youtube, in which she gave excellent travel tips and best wishes. Everyone has really embraced him--I am so grateful. We rarely see Dh's side of the family (these particular siblings, anyway) so it is very nice that they are offering FB this gift, of a wonderful trip and TIME.

I repacked his stuff just now--we got clothes for a week into a very small suitcase--I'm proud of myself! lol Here's hoping he has a great, great time.

Pray For China During the Olympics

I followed a link to Voice of the Martyrs, a wonderful organization that deals with the Persecuted Church around the World. They are giving away free prayer wrist bands for those who want to pray for China during the Olympics this August. (Here's the link)

Want to join me? Leave a comment if you are going to be in prayer. Even just one time can make a difference. I don't know how prayer to Jesus works, but I do know he cares, and I do know he desires all to come to him, so why not pray?

First Day of School Outfit

She's picked out her dress to wear the First Day of School. We got shoes, too, but they are a little big--who knew finding black flats would be difficult?

Red Dress

Have Backpack, Will Travel...to 3rd Grade

Here's Nature Girl's Land's End backpack. Love it--sturdy, not too heavy, lots and lots of pockets!

Backpack

Wish I knew how to include a photo from a website, but this will do.

I can heartily recommend Land's End for so many things--Film Buff has had his backpack for 5 years--no rips, tears or significant wear.

Great Math Worksheet Site

I have long looked for supplemental math worksheets that have math facts in a vertical format, with 100 on the page. I ran across this awesome site today--

Math Fact Sheets

I am going to have Nature Girl work on facts the rest of the summer, so she can go to ps with them down pat. She is looking for things to do and sees it as fun.

We've been talking a lot lately about school and what it will be like. We both know there is change coming--I've tried to inspire confidence in her. Having fluency in math facts will help give her a boost.

A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Library...

I am so tired of not being able to find modest skirts and skorts for Nature Girl! We have tried just about every where. I don't fancy the Little House look; we both want skirts and skorts that go just to the knee. We've tried Land's End (excellent for so many things, but their skorts are too short), LLBean, JCP, Sears, Kohl's, Hanna Andersson, Gap, Gymboree...ARGHH!

I ended up taking NG to the library today. We needed some books and I wanted to look at some of the Teaching Company dvd's on Shakespeare and other lit. Found what I wanted, for the most part. But what was funny was that I saw a sweet-looking young girl, probably 14 or so, wearing an attractive summer skirt--she had homeschool written all over her, not to promote the stereotype. I actually approached her, admiring her skirt and asking if I could speak to her mom--I know, ballzy me. She kindly led me to her mom, and I ended up having the nicest conversation with her mom. Liz told me she absolutely emphathized--and gave me the names of two thrift stores in the area that often have a good selection of girls' skirts and dresses.

We went to one later, bought a nice pair of jeans (a little pricey for a thrift store, but not too bad), and are now convinced it's an option for other wear.

I don't understand why it's so darned hard to find good quality clothing for dd that isn't black, doesn't have some logo on it, doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and doesn't make her look like a little tart. I'm going to ask C if she'll sew some skirts for dd!

This Will Not Sit Right With Some

I just read a lovely short story called, "When Queens Ride By." I had seen it in the Vision Forum catty, and was pleasantly surprised to find it posted on a homekeeping blog.

I feel I have a better, grander and more doable vision now, of a role I want to embrace. Not everyone will agree--that's fine by me. This is mine--my good moment. No one has to validate what I am feeling after reading this story.

You may enjoy it.

When Queens Ride By

Back Again

Hi All,
We have not restarted school, but I decided to restart my blog entries. We've done a little school here and there, mostly from Apologia Zoo 3. Film Buff is off on a mission trip, will come home for a week, then jet off to Ireland, courtesy of a nice auntie. We take off for a visit to where we moved from 7 years ago soon after that. He's supposed to be working on 50 Great Short Stories, edited by Crane, but has only read about 5 of them. He says he'll take the book on the plane--sounds ok by me.

I have accepted a position as a part-time preschool teacher for the fall, which means Nature Girl will go to 3rd grade at the local ps. I'm kinda nervous, kinda excited for her. I think much of the textbook curricula will be redundant, but she will have other things to learn--I just want the "hidden curriculum," as they say, to not be too hard on her. I am going to take this year by year. I would love it if she could stay in ps until 6th grade, then come home for Jr. High and the first two years of High School. But we will have to see.

There's a chance I could get my certification, and make some $ by homeschooling other people's kids, along with Nature Girl. Not sure if this would work. Ideally, I'd tutor after school about 10 hours a week, but I'd have to find my own clients, and I'm not sure I can really do that.

We'll see! It's hard not to want to plan curriculum for NG next year. There are some fun things we could use. I don't think a year of school will harm her, but I want to minimize any damage it might cause. That will sound weird to those of you who do not homeschool--I am mostly talking about the social stuff that happens at school. She is quite sweet, has no doubts about God, and still watches Big Comfy Couch and Mr. R. I don't want that ridiculed.