Friday's Fave Five #107

I missed out on Friday’s Fave Five last week because we were on our way home from Williamsburg last Friday.  Having had no internet access for the last several days of our trip, made for a busy Saturday last week – trying to get caught up with everything.  So, I’m catching up this week - - -

(one) the Historic Triangle in Virginia – Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.  What an awesome vacation destination!  My only complaint is that there’s no way to possibly see it all in 4-5 days.  However, we were given season passes that don’t expire ‘til next fall; so hopefully we can go back.

(two) Fall is here in  PA.  And despite the fact that this last week has been hot, Hot, HOT, today is a bit cooler and feels more like fall.  I love the colors and scents associated with fall.  We got our decorations our yesterday and started our fall decorating.

(three) a clean living room floor.  I spent the better part of yesterday morning on my hands and knees scrubbing our hardwood – a task that, I’m ashamed to admit, doesn’t get done nearly often enough.  Now, to do the rest of the house . . .

(four) Ian broke his leg last week.  And, though I’m not exactly thankful for a  broken leg, I am thankful that it’s ONLY a broken leg.  It could be so much worse.

(five) some fun projects have been revealed!  This past week, not one, but TWO, of my “special projects” for work have made their way to the virtual shelves of the Schoolhouse Store for sale!  Be sure to check out the new Student Planners and a fun new unit study series call The Curiosity Files.  I’m proud to introduce both of these product lines because – after months of hard work, sweat, and tears – it’s fun to see them available to the public!

(six) the Special Projects Team!  I am so blessed with amazing people to work on my team at work.  My assistants, Brenda and Jodi, are both amazing – they are efficient, professional, and lots of fun to work with.  And I’m lucky to have a great team of contributors to The Curiosity Files, along with designers for the various projects that I head up.  Just a bunch of great people who have blessed me so much this past year!

(seven) little things.  Yes, sometimes even the little things in our lives mean the most, don’t they?  Like, for example, this past week I was stewing about a purchase that I had made – almost $100 – and it turns out it’s something I didn’t need and will not be able to use.  And, it’s non-returnable.  A friend suggested praying about it.  A few days later, I got an e-mail from someone inquiring about some of the curriculum I have for sale here on my blog.  $50 worth.  I don’t think that’s a coincidence. 

(eight) a church family who cares.  The calls, e-mails, and cards with sweet thoughts of/for Ian this week have been such a pleasant surprise.  He loves getting his very own mail!

(nine) school.  I’m thankful for the ability to homeschool my kids and for the great curriculum that we’ve got in our line-up this year.  I love learning right alongside my kids.  Looking forward to a trip to the National Civil War museum this week, to tie into our current Civil War study.

(ten) and last, but certainly not least (I saved the best for last) – the Bible.  I finished my Bible in 90 Days (in less than 90 days).  Going into it, I questioned whether or not I could stick with the schedule, but I was determined.  And that determination paid off.  What a sense of accomplishment.  I’d encourage anyone who has considered doing the Bible in 90 Days to GO FOR IT!  Now, I’m on the lookout for a great study to do to keep up with my reading.

Friday's Fave Five #105

I think I missed Friday’s Fave Five last week.  Wonder if that means I need to post Ten this week?  Hmm . . . Anyway, here are some of the things that I’m especially thankful for this week - - -

{one} a family gathering with Brian’s family last Saturday.  It’s always good to get together with his family and catch up.  It’s especially nice to see all the little ones that have been added to the family in recent years. 

{two} a family gathering with my family on Monday.  We got together at my grandparent’s home (they are no longer living) and had a cook-out around an open fire.  The kids loving playing in the “stream” (which is mostly dried up due to lack of rain).  It’s nice to make new memories there, to add to all the old ones from my childhood.

{three} music – I know I’ve probably mentioned music in past posts, but I just love it!  Gracie started her fall session of both violin and piano this past week.  It’s fun to listen to her practice and improve each week.  Ashley’s excited at the possibility of starting voice lessons, which is something she’s been wanting to do for quite some time (praying that works out).

{four} books – I love to read!  Lately I’ve had opportunity to read some books “just because” rather than the ones that I have to read to review.  It’s been kinda nice.

{friends} God has abundantly blessed me this past year – with plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends from far away.  I think He’s helping to compensate for the loss of Sue in my life – whatever the reason, it’s been such a blessing!  My friend Wendy purchased tickets to come and visit us for a week in November!  SO looking forward to that!

Friday's Fave Five #103

Friday again, and time for my favorite meme! 

1. Great field trip yesterday!  We got to meet a fellow Crew mate, friend, and my new assistant, Jodi from the Homeschool Desk, yesterday!  Who says homeschoolers are unsocialized?  Our kids hit it off like they were long, lost friends! 

2. We picked up our homeschool portfolios from the school district office this week.  It’s always nice to know that’s over for another year.  And getting positive comments on them makes it even better!  I blogged about it here.

3. The opportunity to take part in a really fun giveaway here on my blog – and the possibility of winning family tickets (and a night in a hotel) to the Creation Museum (we were there not long after it opened and would LOVE to go back.  If you haven’t already, please enter! 

4. The planner in me has been enjoying making very specific daily plans for an upcoming trip to the Historic Triangle in Williamsburg in September.  Gotta love plans!

5. Having the knowledge that God is on the throne and He is always in charge – even when we are hurting or confused, or feel like we can’t take much more. I’m thinking of some specific friends who are dealing with some hard things this week.  So thankful we have Jesus in our lives – I cannot quite imagine what life must be like for those who do not. 

Friday's Fave Five #100

Suzanne @ Living to Tell the Story is celebrating the 100th edition of her Friday’s Fave Five meme.  I’m going to celebrate with her  because, although I came upon this meme late and don’t get to participate every week, it’s been such an encouragement to me. 

Looking back on the past weeks and being able to reflect on the blessings has been a great exercise.  Like Suzanne said, some weeks it’s hard to narrow it down to just five; while other weeks it may be hard to find five things.  No matter what the mood for the week, though, finding the five blessings always proves to put a smile on my face and make me feel better about my life.

So, here are five things that I’m thankful for this past week - - -

1. Last Sunday, Ashley was baptized.  What mom wouldn’t  be proud?  She stood up front at church and shared her testimony, prior to being baptized.  She’s now a member of the church.  She’s a great girl, and I’m so proud that she’s mine.

2. Last Saturday, we joined in our town’s 200th anniversary celebration by participating in some fun events, including a bus tour of some of the historical sites in our area.  The tour ended at a place called Ridge Rock.  From that vantage point, I could look down and see my house quite well.  I have to admit that I’m often frustrated with my house and wish for a newer and/or bigger house.  But something about that tour and seeing my house from “the air” made me glad that I, at least, have a house to live in, and that we’ve been able to make it a home. 

3. Brian and my dad left on Monday morning for a week in Iowa.  We miss them, but I’m thankful that they have been able to make this trip several times over the past years, that they have fun, and that they get along so well.  (They’ll be home Sunday night – late!)

4. God’s timing.  I’ve been reading through my Bible, following the Bible in 90 Days schedule.  I started a few days before the target start date, and by Wednesday I was almost finished with the book of Psalms.  A few weeks ago, not even really giving it much thought at the time, I ordered tickets for my mom, the kids, and me to see Psalms of David at Sight & Sound.  The  timing couldn’t have been any more perfect, as the Psalms were so fresh on my mind. 

5. And last, but not least, I’m thankful to Suzanne for faithfully hosting this meme.  There has  been a lot of less-than-pleasant things going on in my life over the past several months, and her encouragement to find my blessings has been so wonderful!  Here’s to another 100 weeks!

Friday's Fave Five #97

I have to say that this is probably my favorite meme to participate in because, even when I’ve had what I’d consider to be a crappy week, it encourages me to reflect back and find just 5 things that have been positive.  I can usually end up thinking of more than 5, which is great – it just means my week wasn’t really as bas as I thought.

(one) I’m going to steal Suzanne’s #5 here.  Gracie is, all of a sudden, really into nail polish, and it’s so much fun.  I’m a toenails only nail painter too (polish never stays on my fingernails for more than a few hours).  We’ve got some really fun summer colors – I have a purple Sally Hanson one that’s pretty and Gracie picked out some Funky Fingers brights at Five Below yesterday.

(two) Yesterday we went on our first field trip of the school year.  I was in need of some time away from the house, and it was just the ticket.  (Pictures later in another post.)

(three)  While at Five Below, we picked up some squirt guns.  I forgot how much fun they could be!  Gracie and I filled up 5 of them last night and went outside and attacked Brian while he was mowing the yard.  Of course, we squirted each other too!  It was great fun – not to mention refreshing!

(four) Our blackberry bush is just filled with berries.  I was going to attempt to make jam – and still hope to – but decided to pick a bunch last night and make a blackberry cobbler.  The berries were so sweet that the sugar called for in the recipe made the cobbler actually too sweet.  These berries are HUGE!

(five) Ice packs.  This seems kinda silly, but Ian fell on the stairs this afternoon (hardwood) and cracked his lip open and it swelled up HUGE!  Thankfully, we have a nice little Lightning McQueen icepack that he willingly held on his lip for probably an hour – the swelling has gone done (it’s still big!)  Bless his little heart!

Friday's Fave Five #96

Despite the insane heat we’ve been experiencing here in PA this past week, I can find some things to be  thankful for ---

{one} A  great time spent with family last Saturday. My Aunt & Uncle host us for a picnic in honor of the 4th each year.  It’s always a time for Gracie to pick blueberries.  My Uncle has a nice fire ring and we roast hot dogs and marshmallows for s’mores.  This year, we even got to see fireworks, as one of their neighbors was setting them off (and they may very well have been the “illegal in PA” kind – because they were pretty nice ones! 

{two} A sweet family from our church who hosted us for a visit on Sunday evening.  Although we have been attending this church for over a year now, it’s hard not to be a little gun-shy after our past experience.  So, we’re just hanging back and taking things slow.  It was nice to know that someone cared enough to share  their evening with us, and desire  to get to know us better. 

{three} This week was the official kick-off of The Bible in 90 Days reading program.  Though I cheated and started a few days early, I’m counting it among my blessings for this week.  I’m really glad that I decided to splurge and order the special Bible because it’s so much simpler (and less distracting) to read.  So far, so good – I’m keeping up!

{four} On Wednesday evening, after 2 days of majorly intense heat, friends from our old church (who are more like family, really) called us to invite us to come and spend some time in their pool that evening.  What a blessing!  Talk about a refreshing way to end the day!

{five} I am sitting here at my computer right now, and above my head I hear the sound of violin and guitar duets.  This is something new that I’ve not heard before and it’s rather nice.  I feel like I’m at a country hoedown or something.  The fact that my girls are both adept enough at their respective instruments to put the two together now is exciting!

Friday’s Fave Five #95

I missed participating in this meme last week because I was on my way to Tennessee.  I missed it!  So, I’m back this week, sharing five things that I’m thankful for this past week ---

1. Our trip to TN.  Ashley and I had opportunity to spend the weekend in TN, visiting with my boss and her family, and spending some time discussing some great new things for TOS.  We had lovely weather and great traveling conditions (including borrowing my mom’s new Corolla for the trip). Ashley even made a new friend while we where there:
2. On our way to TN, we stopped and had lunch at Chick-fil-a.  Yes, this makes me happy because we don’t have a Chick-fil-a in our area (we have one about an hour away). But, the fun part was meeting up with Jolanthe from No Ordinary Moments and Homeschool Creations. We had a great time chatting over lunch and getting to know each other better.
   
3.  My mom quit her job this week and though that doesn’t directly relate to me, I’m happy for her!  Her job was really starting to stress her out, so I’m hoping that she can relax and enjoy her retirement.  
4. Peaches.  I bought a 1/2 bushel of peaches from a guy I like to call our “traveling produce man”.  They are YUMMY!  So far this week, we’ve had peach struedel with ice cream and brownie sundaes with peach topping (that probably sounds kinda gross, but I’ve discovered that brownies and peaches go pretty well together)!
5. Music.  Seems like we get to listen to a lot of music between Ashley playing her guitar and Gracie playing the violin and piano.  The girls and I all have ipods and Ian has a hand-me-down mp3 player.  Our lives would just be pretty boring without music. 

What are you thankful for this week?  Click the  button above to see more Friday’s Fave Five posts. 

Friday Fave Five #93

I’m a day late with posting my Friday Fave Five – but I didn’t want to let the week go by without sharing some thankfulness ---

1. My Gracie celebrated her 10th birthday on Wednesday! You can read more about her birthday and all the people who played a role in uniting her with her forever family here.

2. The weather has been simply beautiful in PA this week.  Temps in the 70’s, a nice breeze – perfect for open windows.  I’m told today is supposed to a real scorcher; so I want to be thankful for the  week we had leading up to the heat!

3. My front porch.  Though we live along a main road and truck exhaust makes it dusty and dirty all the time, it really is a great place to sit in the evenings and read.  Watching the people who walk by is an interesting experience as well.  (LOL)

4. All of the members of the 2010-11 Homeschool Crew have signed up on our forum.  Considering that this year our Crew has doubled in size to 250+, that’s a pretty amazing feat!  Now, if the rest of the year goes this well, we’ll be in for smooth sailing. Once we get our new blog template set up, I’ll really be a happy captain!

5. I had a wonderful day with my kids and my mom yesterday – we went and did a bit of (late) birthday shopping, had lunch at Red Robin, and went to see Toy Story 3.

If you would like to see what great things made others’ Friday Fave Five lists, please click on the button above.

Friday's Fave Five #91

I know I’m blogging a lot this morning, but I can’t get let the opportunity pass to share about 5 of my blessings from this past week. 

1. My job at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and the opportunity to spend last week in Florida and work the TOS booth at the FPEA convention.

2. Disney World!  Need I say more?  I can’t help it – I just LOVE that place!

3. New friends!  I need to make a post just about the way God has been blessing me lately, but for now, I’ll just share a few pictures (some are repeats, some you’ll see in future posts about Disney, etc.)

4. My kids! Wow, I’m blessed! And I’m so glad that God has called us to homeschool so that I can spend so much time with them

5. My hubby. He’s been working so hard this week to make up for the time he missed last week so that we could vacation in Florida. Hopefully he’ll be able to get off early this afternoon and come home for a much-needed nap!

To participate in Friday’s Fave Five, or to read more lists of blessings, click on the button above. 

Friday’s Fave Five #85

I am LOVING this meme!  What an awesome exercise each week – to look back on the week before – and come up with JUST FIVE THINGS that were a blessing to you or that made you happy!  Even when you think you’re having a horrible week, I’m sure you can come up with five little things.  Doing so will make you feel better – I promise!

1. Living in Pennsylvania.  Yes, I said it.  I know I’m often envious of my Florida friends – especially the ones who live really close to my buddy Mickey – but I’m so glad it’s spring here right now and not snowing! 

2. Family time on Sunday.  We went to the mall after church for lunch and were enjoying each other’s company so much that we didn’t even realize that we had been waiting so long for our food until the waitress came to the table, apologized, and said that the managers were covering our meal for us!  Free lunch – can’t beat that! 

3. Homeschooling.  I’ve been purposely spending more time with my girls this week – trying to “kick things up” a bit so we can finish school before we leave for Florida (3 weeks from today!)  I realize how much more we/they can accomplish when we’re all working together – and I’m convicted that I need to be a better steward of my time. I’m still trying to learn how to juggle school, work, and life.  But, despite all that, it’s such a blessing to have my kids home with me!

4. A trip to the library that yielded positive results.  See, I don’t like the library – I never have. I don’t like getting books that I have to give back – I’m a confessed bookaholic and I like to keep books!  The few times we’ve gone in for things we need for school, we can never find them and get so frustrated.  But, this time, we got several books that Ashley can use for her research paper – and Gracie and Ian loved playing in the new/updated children’s area.

5. Music.  I love music and have passed that on to my daughter Ashley who listens to music non-stop (to the point that it’s actually annoying sometimes) – and who has taught herself to play the guitar!  Gracie, too, has an appreciation for music and enjoys both piano and violin lessons – which require hours and hours of practice each week. And, Ian – he’s our little singer – he’ll just start singing songs and we’ll wonder how he knows them (such as “I’m Still Yours” by Kutless) – too cute!