So, I finally figured out why I keep disappearing from time to time.  When life is too overwhelming to process, and my sinful side is showing, I disappear for a while.  It gives me time to collect myself and to reset my focus.  I have still been reading blogs, so I don't feel out-of-the-loop.  But, I have needed time to reconnect with God while asking for answers to all kinds of questions.  Of course, I don't have all the answers yet, but I am walking with God instead of hoping to have my way.  It is a much better feeling than where I have been, so why do I keep going off on my own?  Sin nature, I guess.

     Well, our school year is over and we are transitioning to summer.  Or at least I think we're headed to summer.  Illinois still hasn't proven that warm weather is here to stay.  My kids will be reading and practicing music this summer.  Dd (almost 13!) is playing saxophone in a summer jazz band and preparing for fall flute IMEA junior auditions.  She will also do a one week volleyball camp at our church.  She can't wait for me to get her Core 100 Instructor's Guide (I will order it next week) so she can begin reading her new books.  Ds (almost 11) will continue piano lessons, finish reading the Kingdom's Series, and has already begun on his Core 3/4 readers (and we've started the read alouds) for next year.  He will probably do two weeks of basketball camp at church.  Ds 3 1/2 is fully potty trained and has begun reading three letter words!  We are starting on the Bob books.  He likes to kick the soccer ball around with me and wants to learn how to bat this summer.

     I am looking forward to this year's ICHE conference this weekend.  I hope to see some of you there.  I will be in Transcript Boot Camp and shopping at the Rainbow Resource table on Thursday.  I am hoping to be recharged and rest a little.  This spring was a little too hectic for my liking.  I am also going to try a couple of workshops on writing with high schoolers.  We haven't done enough writing and find it to be a painful process in our house.  I haven't found a program or direction that I truly like.  Anybody out there have a favorite curriculum or method that works??  I'm sure I'll have a great time hanging with like-minded Christian moms and dads.  Dh is letting me stay at the conference with some girlfriends.  It is such a gift. 

      Well, I'll be sure to update as life happens.  Have a blessed day!!!