Dirty-dog delay

There are various issues which might cause a delay when one attends a public or private school away from the home, right? Maybe it is snow, rain, fog, power outage....these don't occur often here in Arizona. When one attends a homeschool however, there are an array of different situations which might arise that could delay school. We have experienced many...... laundry, dirty dishes, diapers, broken dishes, or discipline to name a few.

Today we experienced a delay I am not sure has transpired before......but there is a first for everything! We were all up early and had a great breakfast, did our chores, and assembled in the living room for our history reading. It was lovely - one of those mornings homeschooling people like to make you think happen every day...... when really it is only about once a month!

It was the normal routine.....older kids get their coloring books and pencils/crayons....Jonathan get settled with a quiet toy on the floor......Aslan decide where he is going to park himself in the middle of everything. Shortly after he positioned himself we all began to smell a nasty waft of air that was not pleasing to the nostrils! For several ... almost 20 minutes we tried to ignore it.....but then grasped the reality that we could no longer avoid this distraction. The teacher could not read nor could the students concentrate! School could not continue in the living room until the dog was bathed! Great guns, you've got to be kidding me!

So, the children were dismissed to work on other individual work while the dog received a quick shower.....luckily he accepts these baths contentedly. There you have it - a first maybe in all of homeschools - a "dirty-dog delay".

Aslan drying out in a lawn chair in the backyard......

On the road......and home again

We were on the road last week for a short trip to New Mexico and have returned rejuvenated and encouraged! We left at 6am in the morning and the desert was simply beautiful as we drove out of town......

Shortly after arriving in Albuquerque we went to visit cousin Archer and play at the park.......

Sweet boy

Archer and momma Sarah

Peek a boo!

Then we indulged in one of our favorite treats: Dion's pizza and salad......

The next three days the kids enjoyed playing with Grandma and Grandpa Miller and family while I worked at the IEW (Excellence in Writing) booth at the New Mexico Homeschool Convention and Merl attended talks and shopped for curriculum.......more on that another post.

It was a busy and quick trip - but great family time together enjoying the New Mexico weather, family, school planning, etc.

It's always a welcome sight as we pull into the last 30 minutes home......

Saying good-bye

Even when someone dies at 97 years old.....it is hard to say goodbye.....my Grandpa Spence, who passed away a few weeks ago would have been 98 on May 19, 2010! My Grandma Robison died at the age of 96 a little over one year ago, and her husband, my Grandpa Robison died just short of his 99th birthday a few months ago. Regardless of their advanced ages, their deaths seemed premature. Grandma and Grandpa Robison lived out of state, but up until about 10 years ago lived within visiting distance of me.

Grandpa Spence was a big part of our lives here in Arizona. He loved hearing about what the rest of us were doing - and always had something to add to the conversation. I am thankful that I visited with my grandparents as often as I did the past 40 years they have been a part of my life. Sometimes I would try and ask Grandpa about when he was younger and listen to his stories about life.

This past weekend as my family gathered to remember him I was wishing we had brought out the old pictures, journals, and writings by him BEFORE he'd died so I could converse with him about them. Too bad they were packed away in boxes instead of out where I would have been prompted to talk to him about them. How many times do we gather as families and talk about the weather, sports, or ourselves instead of asking about our heritage?

I am thankful for the way my extended family (and Merl's family for that matter) works to stay connected. It is A LOT of work and effort - and at times we even get irritated with one another. But it is worth it - our time here on this side of eternity is short. Relationships ARE worth it - and letting my own self-centeredness or absorption get in the way is a waste! Visiting with cousins and relatives, I realized it is worth it to make time for an extra email, phone call, or even road trip.

As I reflected on how much I miss Grandpa I felt at peace that I had done the best I could to love him. I may not have always talked as much as I could have to him, but I tried to connect with him. My family has always felt it is important to express our love to one another each time we talk. People might think it is silly, but I cannot remember ONE time in my whole life I have left my parents or grandparents house and they did not stand in the driveway and wave goodbye.

I recalled the last time I saw Grandpa before he died....... I was thankful that even though I had done it maybe one hundred times before......I walked him out to the car and gave him a kiss good-bye. We don't always know when it is the last......

Grandpa Spence as a youngster

Grandma and Grandpa Spence were married 73 years!

After both lost their first spouses, Grandma and Grandpa Robison were married and celebrated 59 years of marriage

soccer days

In March Madison and Ryan began their second soccer season......we have enjoyed a church soccer league that is right down the street for the past 4 or 5 years.....close by, good schedule, and easy to be with friends. This year we decided to work it so they would play on the same team. We did not enjoy running back and forth between games last time and thought it would be a good experience for them to be involved in an activity where they would work together with the opportunity to be an encouragement to one another.

Can I just say that I LOVE watching the kids play sports? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Doesn't matter that it is not track which is my first passion - doesn't matter if it is baseball, swimming, basketball, football, or soccer - I have delighted in them all! I am trying not to be too vocal on the sideline.....but I have to admit I feel better when I yell -(encouragement of course!). I would so enjoy competing with them! I am attempting to put my energy into taking good pictures and video......at least when I video I am motivated not to yell so I don't have to hear my annoying voice on the recording!

Madison we have discovered is quite the goal keeper!!!! She is is aggressive with coming to the front of the box and picking up the ball when she can - and then quick kicking it down the field - and boy can she kick! The first game after I told her how impressed I was with her kick she replied with a smile, "You can thank Ryan for that - all those days in the backyard he wanted me to punt the football to him so he could run it back - he had to teach me how to kick it."

Some kicking action - but her drop kick is the real impressive one.....

She saves it!

Madison still plays mid-field once in a while - but the coach has discovered that forward is the place for Ryan who is ALWAYS looking for a chance at the ball and an opportunity to dribble downfield for a score! So fun to watch his intensity.....

Here he is JUST before he scores his 1st of 2 goals in this game!

I have to acknowledge that the "non-competitiveness" of the league is testing my patience. This ambitious mom just loves the thrill of a faster paced game! And I don't feel any need to live out "unachieved" dreams of my own through the kids - I was blessed to be able to play college sports......I guess I am just fanatical about seeing our kids have fun, work hard, and compete. Love it......

an unexpected event

OK fine.....some mildly astonishing events are suitable with me..... gifts of coffee, chocolate, diamonds......surprise parties.......yes - even surprise parties! But who would be courageous or daring enough to attempt this feat? Seriously, I thought Merl might think it was a stretch to suggest a different place for birthday lunch.....knowing my inflexibility. I did not think he would attempt this! Brave man he is......and wise......as he brought my mom and dad into the situation to help.

Even though it is sort of a tradition to surprise someone on their 40th birthday.....I had completely written the possibility off, figuring Merl would not attempt to surprise me, the queen of figuring things out! So let's give credit where credit is due...... I really didn't have an idea I was being had until right before we left to have a "birthday dinner" at my parents' house. As we were getting ready to go I began to think it was mighty strange that my mom did not ask what kind of birthday cake I wanted or what I'd like to eat for dinner......which is fairly routine. I questioned the kids a little bit which made them act a little suspiciously......although up until that point they had been completely normal! Looking back I am realizing they gave away absolutely NO pieces of information - totally tight lipped! Impressive. When I inquired about an errand Merl said we were going on I caught a slight smile from him (he later said he just can't lie to me!). So when the van went the absolute opposite way from my parents' house I said, "We are not going to Chandler." And he said, "No, we are not! A few of your friends wanted to help celebrate." To which I responded, "Oh sure they do, since they are younger than me!" (Well lots of them anyway!)

So then I started to panic a little.....what in the world was going to happen? I knew I would probably start to bawl and besides - didn't even check my hair before we left! There were trillions of people at the park so I couldn't tell where our group was and as we got closer my brain was not able to process the different people I saw fast enough since they were from all facets of my life here.....I was honestly 100% shocked at all the people who began to sing Happy Birthday - which of course caused me to tear up.....The big 'ole group had signed signs the kids had made for me and I was also handed a button to put on:

The number one statement of the night was in general: "Knowing you do not like surprises I was really wondering how this would turn out....." I do have to admit that I did punch Merl in the arm twice as we walked up the sidewalk - I'm sorry - I do have a violent streak.....

So.......the verdict is in.......surprises are not so bad, I guess. Lighten up and let people love you, I am thinking (for those of you like me who think you would be mortified in this type of scenario). What a delightful combination of people I love so much! I so enjoyed visiting with everyone! I am humbled to have such amazing friends and family.....I am richly blessed.

books and coffee

I had ideas about what I wanted to do with the few days I'd have in San Antonio with Merl. It was the perfect combination of time alone and time with hubby. Honestly - I have to say - save going to such nice plush places for later in your marriage......or when you are "older" and more appreciative. I qualify as "older" now that I am approaching one of those milestone birthdays.....If I had stayed in a nice resort like this when I was younger with no children - I am sure I would not have relished in it quite as much! Since we really did not go away for a honeymoon - I thought, so this is what a luxurious honeymoon is like! Never stayed at a hotel which provides you with a bathrobe before......yes I could get used to this......but anyway back to reality.....I will not be getting used to this......my flannel bathrobe is lonely with the dog at home!

In any case, I hauled a lot of books and paraphernalia with me because I wasn't sure what I'd feel like doing. Homeschool planning, meal planning, budgeting?.....Uh - brought all the stuff but NOT! Whoa - didn't even want to surf the internet! I had big dreams of driving out to Fredricksburg on some hill country roads I remembered from our trip here 12 years ago in May and taking pictures. So on the first day that is what I did - drove and hunted for great shots. Only problem was......not quite spring here so everything was fairly brown. After many hours on my "not so scenic in March" route, I returned to the hotel with only a couple nice shots in camera and the day alone was almost gone......A friend had given me some great advice just a few days prior...."When traveling on business with your husband.....get your worrying, phone calls, etc. out of the way while hubby is in his conference. Then when he comes back, be refreshed and ready to spend time with him." Good counsel.......I tried to push the disappointment of a not so successful photo day away.....guess I was meant to have a nice drive.

This trip, I perceived, was going to be one of reading and coffee. Works for me! Finished one book and started 2 others......now for all you fiction fanatics - calm down and prepare yourself.....reading fiction in my free time stresses me out! It freaks me out! Therefore, I brought one juvenile fiction book with me....Pollyana, since Madison is reading it for book club. Just couldn't bear to crack it! When I have time away it rejuvenates me to read other things.....so here is a look at what I spent time reading - aside from my Bible and photography books. I highly recommend all these.....even though I am not finished with them all....

Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson is about Sally Clarkson's personal journey to discover how to live a life of grace and joy in the Lord.

Say Goodbye to Whining by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller My word - please don't let the cover scare you! Get over it....it is a great book giving practical suggestions for building honor in your family.

Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel....has challenged my thinking. It is written by a local author whom I met many years ago and respect. He asserts that many of the parenting books on the market tell moms and dads what to do and how to do it but are rigid, fear-based books that leave a large number of parents feeling directionless. This book is about the needs we are trying to meet in our children and the delivery system for how we meet them.

My time of good books and coffee, luxurious time with the husband, and magnificent accommodations has come to an end.......back to reality, but I brought my books back with me!

revival

Out of town + quiet time alone + my camera + books + coffee + gorgeous hotel + good food + some time with husband (notice emphasis on some) = Renewal, rejuvenation, refreshment, restoration, recovery......revival.

Sometimes I don't notice how broken - or dispassionate I honestly am until I get away. How easy it is to go through the motions - swept up in the daily events, routines, and difficulties. Truthfully, most of the time I only get away for a few hours. I am realizing this is definitely not enough time to be fully restored.....physically leaving the city is - helpful. Staying at an amazing hotel is not required......but highly recommended!

The Lord truly blessed Merl and I with an opportunity to get away together......Merl had a business trip to a conference in San Antonio planned - and when I saw the hotel it was being held at - well - what a shame for him to stay there alone? Gracious friends and loving grandparents encouraged us to go - offering to keep our kiddos. I was excited about going until about a week prior. A shock to me, I started to be sad about leaving my children. Usually I am looking for the unusual opportunity to "miss them". But this was the first time we would leave any of our kids for more than 1 or 2 nights. I worried about the dog, Jonathan at night, my friend having 7 kids to take care of. Writing up directions for the children, asthma treatment, packing - forget it! "This is not worth it", were my thoughts.....Then a few days before we were set to leave, our friends' 19 yr. old daughter had a heart attack and was in critical condition in the hospital....didn't seem right to be planning a blissful getaway. After Emily's astounding beginning toward recovery I felt joy in my packing.

Then, on the morning we were to leave - only hours before my parents were to pick up our children....my grandfather (97 years old) died. He was married to my grandmother for 73 years. Lord, are you sure you want me to go? "Yes" - was the heavenly and earthly answer. Incredible friendships give you this freedom. As rearrangements were made for our kids, I tearfully finished packing - pushing through my reluctance to go. This was not the joyous day I had imagined. But the Lord already knew what this day would hold - he is sovereign, absolute, and unlimited. He is trustworthy.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "I will be found by you,"declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,"declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jeremiah 29:11-14

The Lord had heard the cries of my heart this past year - feeling burdened by the daily, relentless routines of life.....I lacked the joy I had once delighted in. I had based my joy on the circumstances of every moment - rather than on my perception of God's daily companionship. This had caused me to be dry and weary.....but the Lord was with me - He knew this - He knew I would seek Him and He again would reveal Himself to me in His grace.

Although renewed.....I have to admit.....I am a little reluctant to board the plane home. It is difficult there - hard work - lots of hats to wear. Having been away with 3 days of no cooking or cleaning, free time, and plush surroundings......I realize this. However, a top of the line Marriott , Starbucks everyday, hotel bathrobe, and blissful time with the husband is not real life - long term. It is just a stop along this journey - my pilgrimage toward authentic joy that comes from God, the Source of joy.

"Joy is an issue of the heart. Joy is not found in performing for people or in doing all the right things for God. Nor is joy in the absence of difficulties or problems. Joy is found in the presence of God in the midst of all circumstances, in delighting in the life he has given."

Sally Clarkson