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Life has proceeded at a full and steady pace since my last entry. We've survived through some major rain and windstorms, losing out power for 56 hours, the transition back to school and so much more! Both children began taking Spanish at the local community college about 3 weeks ago. It has been a fantastic learning experience for all of us. The kids' professor is a wonderful, Christian mom. It feels so odd to have 4 hours away from the kids twice a week. I know that many moms go through this when they start their 2 or 3 years old at preschool, but I didn't experience it until my son was nearly 16 and my daughter was nearly 14 1/2. The funniest thing that has come out of this so far was both kids showing me their completed first homework assignment for the class. It was well-written and thorough, but I noticed that neither one put their name on their papers. When I asked them about it, they looked at me as if I were speaking a foreign language..why would they need to put their names on their papers? They'd never done this at homeschool in the past because I knew their writing and their writing style. Another big development this year has been Abbie's diagnosis of severe chronic asthma. Managing all the different medications, inhalers, and testing has been a definite adjustment. She had her first very severe asthma attack where we rushed her to the hopital for oxygen. We now have a home nebulizer, which we haven't had to use but are thankful that we have. Both children received fun roles in the Spring Musical, Into the Woods Jr. David is the baker, and Abbie is Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk)'s mother. It's fun to watch them gain confidence in this area. It's been a quiet weekend at the Clark house. Both kids have been at High School Winter Camp all weekend. They should be on their way home as I type. It makes me not so fearful and sad about the upcoming empty nest when I experience the relaxation and extended conversations I've shared with my husband. I'll close for now so I can get a shower completed before my darlings return home. Enjoy the sunshine, and draw closer to Jesus! Bye for now. |
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I can hardly believe that 2008 is here. I feel optomistic as I look towards all God has for the Clarks this year. 2007 finished well. The rest of October was focused on David's recovery from surgery. November was devoted to preparing for our trip, living life, and going on two great trips...me and two of my best homeschool mom pals going to a Beverly Bradley conference in Nevada City (hugely encouraging and came at an opportune time to recenter me for the busy days ahead) and also a family trip down to Southern California for Thanksgiving. 4 days after arriving home the kids performed in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, 7 shows in 3 days. It was so very strange yet entertaining to watch my 15 year old SON as the Wicked Witch. Four days after the play closed, our family left on the adventure of a lifetime, a 17 day trip to the land of Israel! I cannot put the experience into words. It was far more awe-inspiring and all-encompassing than I ever could have imagined. We traveled with 73 other people and had great teachings at the historic sites. We were able to do a big service project at Calvary Chapel of Jerusalem. We went to worship services at CC Tel Aviv and CC Jerusalem. I was playing in the Mediterranean Sea for my 40th birthday, worhsip songs in the background. What can be better than that? We travel from the extreme north to the extreme south as well as the East and west of Israel and even squeezed in a day trip to Petra, Jordan. It was an amazing experience for which I will always be grately. We arrived home late at night on the 22nd and have spent the rest of the month playing catch-up. Our Christmas was different this year. I thought I would miss all the decorations and baking and preparations, which I'll have to confess I did a little bit, but I have never had a December so free of stress with enough time and energy to focus on what really matters. I have not made any resolutions for the New Year, but I am starting to write in a prayer journal more and spend extra time with Jesus. What could be better than that? Both kids are still fast asleep after attending an all-night party at church. I feel so relaxed...this is definitely and rare and wonderful way to start the new year. May your 2008 bring you closer to Jesus and give you plenty of peace and laughter! |
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Well, we are home from the hospital after the surgery. Sure enough, his tonsils, adenoids, and right turbinate were greatly enlarged, and it was a good thing that all three were taken out (or, in the case of the turbinate, resectioned) now. David is in quite a bit of pain (and on pain meds and antibiotics), and his face is twitching quite a bit as the anesthesia wears off. He is walking and talking and still has his dry sense of humor, even though his nose is bleeding and it's very uncomfortable to swallow. It was strange laying in bed in the middle of the night, thinking about the day ahead. I actually slept quite well until 4am, when Abbie got up to get a drink of water. I was ever vigialant to make sure it wasn't David getting something to eat because he had strict orders to have no food past midnight. Abbie was coughing quite a bit and needed to use her inhaler. I could hear David snoring in his usual loud way for possibly the last time. Darren was breathing heavily next to me as he slept. My right side was sore from ovulating. It was a full life and one that was about to change a bit. Even though it's not yet 11am, I feel emotionally wrung out and exhausted. We still host biology lab here in just over 2 hours, but Darren will be the lab assistant so I can tend to David's needs. May you all have a great day! |
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Well, life has changed quite a bit in the two weeks or so since I last blogged. Since that time, David acquired a set of drums, we found out that David needs a triple surgery (tonsils, adenoids, and deviated septum) scheduled to be performed on October 24, Darren's play opened, Abigail turned 14, Abigail received her electric guitar, Abbie and I drove 325 miles round trip to a Jars of Clay concert where she actually got to meet the band, and we had our regular crazy, happy life of homeschooling, church, drama practices, friends, and so on. Needless to say, our lives are becoming louder. Sometimes after I have finished our devotion time and any school we do together as a family and I am savoring the peace and quiet, a crashing drum roll or electric guitar riff jars me into my present reality with teenagers. When I've told people that a full drum set and electric guitar entered our home in the same week, they look at me as if I'm crazy to allow this, but I feel privileged to embrace these moments in life. I know that it is just a matter of years until silence will reside where joyful noise does now. Both kids are living their lives for the Lord, and that's the most important thing in the world to me. I had a bit of a wonderful, surreal moment at the Jars of Clay concert last Saturday. Abbie and two of her friends had gone to the "mosh pit" area in front of the stage to watch the concert. I elected to stay behind because I am not a huge crowd and noise person and am really trying to allow Ab more independence. They had what I call a Jumbrotron, one of those huge screens often displayed at huge events showing close-ups of the band and the crowds. Jars of Clay played a number of great songs, including their very first big hit, "Love Song for a Savior." I could see Abigail on the Jumbotron worshiping to these words as she turned 14. In open fields of wild flowers, In many ways, this was a defining moment in my life, that my sweet baby daughter who has never been shy about her love for Jesus has grown up to be an amazing young woman who, having a much fuller knowledge and understanding than she did as a young child, has boldly made the same choice to fall in love with her Savior. These are the moments that makes life meaningful! May you all have meaningful moments this week |
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Here it is nearly October, and I am still adjusting to our fall routine. It is quite manageable, but I need to figure out where blogging fits in. It must be prioritized below quiet time with God, school, and time with Darren and the kids, but I tend to let too much time slip by between entries. I just pulled through a rough myasthenia gravis patch where my legs weren't working for nearly a week. It was good to see how little is truly necessary to get through the day. Our entire biology lab came here while the house was mess and I was in my pjs, and the world didn't come to an end! Now, even 8 days later, I have to gauge whether each step I take is necessary so I don't overtire myself. Darren's schedule has become busier as of late. He goes on a three-day business trip this week. He is also in another play, Calamity Jane, which opens a week from Friday, so he will probably put in a good 30 hours of rehearsal between now and then. My baby turns 14 in just a week and a half. We are going to a Jars of Clay concert on her birthday. She has elected not to have a birthday party for the first time since she turned 9. She is getting an electric guitar instead. I'd better sign off this and log our homeschool day. I hope everyone is having a marvelous day |
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I can't believe I let nearly four months go by between blog entries. Now that summer is over, we are back to a routine, and I look forward to making blogging part of that routine. Summer went by as a fun and eventful blur. Since I blogged last, the following things have happened: a getaway to Lake Tahoe for Darren and I while the kids were at High School Camp, 3 weeks of the children teaching Vacation Bible School, a serious illness in David (suspected mononuleosis which ended up "only" being severe tonsillitis), Darren's Father Knows Best performances, a four-week four-days-a-week drama camp for the kids culminating in four performances of "Once on This Island," two teenage girls from Cheng Du, China, coming to stay with us for 22 days, David and Abbie's first short term missions trip to Mexico, a girls' getaway to the Valley Home Educators' Conference for me, and many days by the swimming pool and hours in the van. This is our school curriculum this year for 10th grade David and 9th grade Abigail: Bible: Email from God for Teens and Thinking Like a Christian Biology: Apologia Biology World Literature: Encouraging Thoughtful Students to Be World Changers by James Stobaugh Math: Saxon Algebra 1 for Abbie and Harold Jacobs Geometry for David Economics: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, Bluestocking Economics Workbook, and Money Matters for Teens book and workbook. Drama: Classes at the local theater company Music: guitar lessons for Abigail and drum lessons for David given by a local homeschool graduate and the beta testing of the first 9 weeks of Christian Kids Experience Composers by Bright Ideas Press Physical Education: Primarily swimming, basketball, and ultimate frisbee, but also anything and anytime the opportunity presents itself. Driver's Education for David: Drive Right Our fall schedule is a nice balance of activity vs. rest. Monday: music lessons from 1-2pm and Wizard of Oz rehearsal from 4:30-6pm Tuesday: absolutely nothing :) Wednesday: Biology Lab, High School Fellowship and Church Thursday: Drama Class Friday: Friday night home fellowship I shall close for now as I am expecting a phone call any minute from my son wanting to be picked up from a birthday party. May you all enjoy your weekend. |
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Life has changed here in the past week. Both of my boys have celebrated becoing a year older...Darren turned the big 3-9 on Mother's Day, and David turned 15 yesterday. 15!!! Isn't that almost all grown up? Mother's Day and birthdays went well. Darren was veryt houghtful and instead of asking for suggestions looked at my life and bought me things that would help me..a new pair of fleece-lined slippers to replace my worn out ones, a blood pressure monitor because he knows that concerns me, new walking shoes and a pedometer to keep me encouraged with walking. What a guy! Darren isn't one who wants a lot of hoopla on his birthdays, but he did receive a beautiful video camera and spent quite a bit of the day playing with it. Yesterday was on the quiet side for David since his party isn't until Saturday night. We went out for donuts and purchased him a new swimsuit and watch. He spent the afternoon and evening at church. The high school group was in the sanctuary with the adults last night, and it brought tears to my eyes as I watched my 5'9" inch son happy to be at church and sold out for Jesus. What more could a mother want for her son? Tomorrow Abbie graduates from 8th grade and is getting her ears pierced. It should be a fun and exciting day. In other developments, I wrote out my goals for the summer. I think that if I post them here, then I'll be more accountable for accomplishing them. here they are: q 1. Reorganize Indoor Pantry q 2. Reorganize Garage Pantry q 3. Deep Clean Entire Kitchen q 4. Clean Off Bar q 5. Clean Off Dresser q 6. Completely Clean Desk Area q 7. Investigate Flooring for Hall and Front Room q 8. Figure our Carpet for our bedroom q 9. Plan for Field Biology q 10. Write Out Course Descriptions for Both Kids q 11. Plan and Purchase All Curriculum q 12. Catch up on ACA Filing q 13. Have one yard sale q 14. Submit 5 Stories for Publication q 15. Swim 3 Times a Week q 16. Walk 3 Times a Week q 17. Conquer Luxor 2 q 18. Catalog all books in Homeschool Library q 19. Learn a New Kind of Craft q 20. Read 50 Books
I am hoping to complete them and look forward to what the summer brings, We're off to hair appointments now. Take care all, and keep seeking Jesus!
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This week went nothing like the way I had envisioned it.... Last Friday was day 176 of school. Add three days of homeschool co-op and graduation day, and ...voila...we have 180 days! Hooray! I pictured this week, sitting out by the pool, having the kids bring me cool drinks, reading to my heart's content, getting great news from afar, motivated and helpful children, and true relaxation. The week began to crumble on Monday afternoon when Abbie laid down for a nap...not normal for a 13 year old. I take both children's temperatures to find them hovering at about 102. Then the coughing and congestion started. Tuesday and Wednesday were complete wipe-outs for getting anything done. Helping the kids was the top agenda of the day. To add to it, I heard back from Chicken Soup that while my story made it to the top 150 for Sister's and Brother's Soul, it did not make the final cut of 101 included for publication. To top it off, both kids just had the tiniest bit of schoolwork to finish so we can offically close the school year and call it good. I couldn't require them to plug away on all this when they were barely conscious but now they have completely lost their motivation and stare at me blankly when I suggest they finish it. Today the kids are feeling better, but it was an emergency trip to the orthodontist after a scheduled trip to the dentist. I could feel a full-fledge temper tantrum welling up within me. Then I made a choice. I chose to look for the good in this week. I got extra time babying my kids who are growing up far too fast. I can expand my writing career as I explore new horizons and not just be happy with a single publication. I have a comfortable car to shuttle the kids to all their appointments and activities. I was able to read an entire book. When I am driving, I often get so frustrated when I see the detour signs but often find that it's just an alternate route, with sometimes better scenery along the way. I guess it's that way in life too. I'm off again in my comfortable car to fetch the girl from drama. Toodles! |
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I can't believe that it's been nearly two months since I have blogged last. Life has been full, and God has been faithful 2007 has been the year of theater in the Clark family. David performed in Grease in January and February. He is currently in the Northern California premiere of High School Musical, 10 performances down, 6 to go. Abbie is in rehearsals in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and will be performing in Once on this Island, Jr, a Caribbean adaptation of The Little Mermaid this summer. The big shock is Darren, my marvelous hubby, being cast as the role of Father in Father Knows Best. He is at rehearsalas I type. People are beginning to ask when I will get involved. I feel strongly that I need to be available to the kids during the few short years I have left with them. I do have pursuits that I can take without spending so much time away from the family. I have my writing and my speaking. Update on the kiddos: David is now braceless. He looks great! His dancing and acting abilities have greatly improved, thanks to High School Musical. He will be 15 in just over 3 weeks. Is that possible? Abbie is growing up by leaps and bounds. She will be a high schooler in less than a month. She is improving in her drama and singing skills, thanks to Theatre ETC. She spent 22 hours babysitting an 11 month old and 5 year old a few weeks ago and got paid with her first $100 bill. School will be done here on May 4! The kids have worked exceptionally hard this year and have learned so much, yet I am frightened that I still have so much more to teach them and not nearly enough time to do so. David will be done with high school in three short years, and Abbie will be done in four. I am already figuring out next year's curriculum. Our exciting family news is that the four of us will be traveling to Israel in December for a part tour, part missions trip, amdpart adventure with a number of other families in our church. I will be turning 40 in Tel Aviv! How cool is that? I spoke last week at Ladies Retreat again. It still is so amazing that God would use me, a total goofball, to accomplish His purposes. I felt nervous and unprepared before I started, but, once I opened my mouth, His peace flooded me and His words poured out. Other than that, life continues to proceed as normal. My health goes up and down, but I really have nothing about which to complain. the pets continue to be a source of amusement for us. The garden is growing. The temperatures are rising. We all love our church. The Lord continues to be so very faithful. May all of you have a great week. |
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What a crazy life it has been since I have posted last on January 9! SInce then, we've had 17 Grease performances, 36 days of school, a 6 day visit from my Dad and Kathi, 13 High School Musical rehearsals, a major ACA meeting, two issues of Heartstrings newsletters released, a day-long limousine ride to San Francisco, a YES Team meeting, both kids going to different Winter camps, and so much more. I am confused by the weather. During January and most of February, it was sunny and warm, with daffodils and almond blossoms abounding, but now snow is predicted for tomorrow. I know I can make it the three more weeks until it is officially Spring. I found out that one of my stories is officially being considered for publication in "Chicken Soup for the Sisters' and Brothers' Soul." I even had to send in a contract and my biography. I just wish my mom were alive to see this. She always believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself. School is going surprisingly well, considering all the fits and starts we have had with out of town visitors, illness, camps, and various other interruptions. Our third quarter will be completed next week. I am already beginning to think about next year. It's shocking to think I only have three years after this year of homeschooling David and only four with Abigail. The time is going far too quickly. Darren and I are looking forward to going to Southern California next week for a Children's Ministry Conference. It always feels so good to get away and gain perspective. I am also excited to learned more from the Woskshops and Sessions. My heartbeat is the discipleship of children. Isn't that really what homeschooling really is? Until next time...... |
Posted in Homeschooling
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This is my last night of only having my son in braces. Abigail goes in at 9:50 tomorrow to get hers. I am expecting that, like David, she will look so much older once she gets them. I'm not sure how I feel about that. The years are passing so quickly with David and Abigail. Every time I blink, it seems like they grow more in stature and independence. Our transition back to school is quite complete now with the return this week to co-op, guitar lessons, regular assignments, Mystery of History, and Abbie's drama class. It feels good to have a predictable routine, but it has certainly made our days much fuller. Darren is a gem. He is making dinner tonight and hasn't even told me what he's making. I'm leaving in about an hour for a Heartstrings meeting. I am hoping to come home encouraged instead of with another 20 things added to my "To Do List." Goodbye for now |
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What a fun night! We just got home from the first showing of Grease at Chico Theater Company. It is a wonderful show, filled with exciting dance numbers and reminiscent of carefree childhood. My "boys" did great: Darren as the light technician and David as an ensemble member. David showed such poise on stage and smiled a lot. Darren had 6 different spotlight songs and handled them like a champ. It was the largest premiere in CTC history. Abbie enjoyed herself as well. We can all breathe a sigh of relief that all the hard work (38 hours at the theater this week alone for David) has paid off and now just enjoy the run of the show. Sunday, David will have his first day off since Christmas day. What a busy life for a 14 year old! All else is good here. It was our last weekday off before school starts. I know that January will become a busy work month for me, so I need to take advantage of any quiet moment I can in the meantime. Speaking of quiet moments, I think I shall go to bed soon. TTFN |
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What do you do when you are so proud of one of your children and your heart is breaking for the other one? Both of my kids auditioned for Grease last August and worked equally as hard preparing their songs and rehearsing scenes. David was cast, and Abbie wasn't. Despite the fact that there is only 16 1/2 months between them, David is 8 inches taller, a male, and has that mature look of one who has turned the corner the adulthood. The director was right in not casting her...she just looks too young in comparison with all the other girls...but that still doesn't take away her pain. This is the first major undertaking David has been involved in that Abbie has not. I went to watch the second act of one of the final rehearsals tonight. My heart nearly burst with pride watching my firstborn with his hair slicked back dancing a number of very difficult dances ( most of them with girls in his arms!), assisting in difficult set changes, and keeping himself so well composed on stage, but, at the same time, my heart sank for Abbie who was sitting next to me, observing all the fun everyone was having on stage. To make it harder, Darren is now at all the practices and will be at every performance, doing lights for the show. Abbie feels so left out. I try to tell her that her time is coming, but it doesn't seem to take away the pain today. She has been a trooper in supporting her brother and Dad. She and I have front row seats for Friday's premiere. She definitely will be in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" this May and is trying out for "High School Musical" so she does have prospects on the horizon, but it doesn't take out the sting of this evening. What's a mother to do? |
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We are slowly beginning our change back to the regular routines. It is a luxury to have this week that we are not doing formal schooling but are doing some activities. Our goals are to get thank you notes from Christmas done and pack up any remains of Christmas (from the house, not from our heart). David has late-night rehearsals all week for Grease, so he did not need the added stress of school. I resumed my discipline of an early morning prayer walk. The alarm goes off in just over 8 hours so I think I will hit the hay. |
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I adore the feeling of a new year, so fresh and blemishless. I see it as a change to begin anew, to recreate myself, to sharpen what had become dull, to let go of the things I had grasped too tightly. 2007 is the first official year in a s long as I can remember that I have not made resolutions. I have in mind some changes I want to make, but I am not going to even put them on paper and risk disappointment. I do want to write more, and this blog is an excellent outlet for my writing. Many of my evenings are spent without Darren right now, as he is doing lights for Grease, the musical, and, instead of wasting and frittering these evenings away, I want to use them to improve myself. Our holiday season was one of the the best that I can remember. We had no huge gifts or trips or anything over the top, but we connected as a family and each experienced the wonder and spiritual significance of the season without getting overly stressed. We hosted Ryo, a really great 14 year old boy from Japan, for 9 days, so he could experience his first American Christmas. It was an adventure, and the highlight was the fact the he accepted Jesus into his heart during the trip. It's getting late, and my creative juices are running dry so it's best that I close for now. |
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Hello to All, I can't believe I let 2 months escape in between entries. I often have the best of intentions.....
Highlights of the past two months include a trip to Southern California, getting a sweet dog, many fun days of school, and enjoying my family.
It's hard to believe that I will be 39 in 3 short days. Darren and I were joking that I am eligible for AARP in 11 years. I'm old!
School is going well. We will be ready for a break in late December, but both David and Abigail have worked hard and are still enjoying their classes. We've decided to take 2 full weeks off, which will be great fun.
Speaking of late December, we are expecting! No, not a baby, but a 14-year-old from Japan to experience the wonder of Christmas with us. He is coming from December 19 to December 28. We can hardly wait to find out the particulars about him.
Our dog arrived on Sunday. If you would have asked me two weeks ago whether we ever would have a dog in this house again, my answer would have been an emphatic "No!" Isn't it funny how God works? Then we went down to Southern California to spend 4 days with Darren's aunt and uncle, who have a marvelous Lhasa Apso named Max. He made such a nice companion that our hearts began to soften... On the way home from the trip, when stuck in traffic on I-5, we checked our cell phone to find a missed phone call from our home. What a strange thing since all of us who lived there were in the car! We put two and two together and figured it must have been the petsitter, Tim. When we called Tim's house, he was quite emotional, having just discovered our last guinea pig had died. Now, all the small animals had died. Abbie is a child who really needs companionship, and we knew that she functions best having a pet of her own. We began to investigate different dog breeds having the following criteria: little to no shedding, under 20 pounds, not known for barking, excellent with children, good with other animals, not prone to digging or chewing, and good for novice dog owners. We narrowed the field down to 7 breeds and were pleasantly surprised to find a breeder of three of those breeds here in town! The puppies cost anywhere from $850-$2500(!), but we did see a notice on their webiste that they occasionally have adult dogs for sale at a reduced price. Darren called, and sure enough, they had a 2 1/2-year-old Bichon Frise that they were trying to place. We spent an hour with the breeder and the dog on Friday. In that time, the dog never barked and was very kind and affectionate towards us. She weighs an even 10 pounds. After the visit, we reserved her and picked her up on Sunday afternoon. Her name is Breezy, and she is just darling. Even David and I, self-proclaimed "cat people" cannot resist her. She loves to sit on our laps and hungers to please. It's made our lives busier but richer!
I had better go work on my lsit of Christmas "to-dos" I have not even began my Christmas cards yet! Yikes! Please take time during this harried season to meditate on the reason for the season. May it be a wonderful month for all of you! |
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Today my baby became a teenager. It's hard to believe that the tiny 7 pound 3 ounce dark-haired calm infant has developed into a vivacious curly-haired young woman of God. She is a delight and a challenge. She is completely endearing at one moment and completely maddening at the next. I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave us the gift of Abigail Leanne.
Currently, it is 9:40 at night, and we have 10 children here, David, Abigail, 7 of Abbie's friends ranging in age from 11 to 16, and a 10-year-old friend of David's (also a brother of one of the girls attending the party). We have taken a survey, eaten hamburgers and chips, played a getting to know you game, been on a treasure hunt, made up skits with different props, performed the skits, opened presents, eaten ice cream cake, gone swimming in the 68 degree pool, played video games, taken pictures, and changed into pajamas. Darren serenaded the girls with the Carpenters' "Close to You" much to Abbie's embarrassment. We are starting Curious George at 10pm, watching Veggie Tales at 11:30pm, and having a Bible study at midnight. I am hoping that we all get to sleep late in the morning, but I'm not counting on it. |
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I almost hesitate to say that we have hit a good stride with school because that will most likely mean that we will hit a speed bump before long.
The rest of August brought up many emotions having to do with school. The first emotion happened when we measured David for drama auditions and found out that he is officially taller than I am. How can that be? That tiny baby I once carried in my womb now towers over me. A few days later, public school started around here and I had a momentary pity party that instead of having many hours of freedom, my responsibilities increase when school begins. I pouted that no only will my children be home but they will require my help and input and on top of that, it's frowned upon by many people. Then, less than two days later, my perspective completely changed.... Let me preface the event by saying that we live in a college town with approximately 15,000 students...I made a quick side trip to Target for some essentials (a nearly weekly event in the Clark house) and found the store inundated with college students and their parents, a yearly phenomenon occurring during the week before classes begin at the university. I have experienced it every year, but this time it ws different. I had always identified witht he students, reflecting back to 1987 when I was moving into the residence halls. This time, I looked at the at the students and realized that they were just a few years older than my children. I looked into the eyes of the parents, who were my age or just a bit older, and saw the sadness in their eyes as they were releasing their children. The lightbulb went on in my head that I have a precious 3 1/2 years left with David until he is done with high school and only 4 1/2 years with Abigail. That time is golden and can never be recovered once it has passed. Now, I know that it is a privilege to educate my children at home, a gift of time that we give one another.
So...back to school. We are doing 8 subjects this year: Apologetics, Algebra (2 for David, 1/2 for Abigail), Grammar and Composition, Field Biology, World History, Drama Production, Physical Education, and Spanish 1. It's going well. The children are managing their time wisely. We have more laughter than tears. I am exceptionally pleased that they are not resistant to writing this year and are cranking out well-thought essays and stories.
I want to be more consistent with writing here, now that all the major beginning-of-the-year milestones have been accomplished. I will try to make this part of my routine.
God is good, God is faithful, and God is bigger |
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July was a wonderful and crazy month in the Clark house. We were blessed with two female teenage Chinese foreign exchange students from July 8 to July 28. They arrived with very little advance notice but very flexible, kind, and willing to learn about our culture. They called me mom and were appreciative of the mothering I gave them instead of resentful as my two children often are. A little piece of my heart left with them.
In addition, my kids also had drama practice three times a week, taught 2 weeks of Vacation Bible School, and participated in a number of other church activities. The six of us also went on a trip to Stanford University and San Francisco.
Last Friday was departure day for all of us...I dropped the girls off at 6am so they could catch their bus to the airport. Darren left at the same time I did, right around 7:45am, with both kids to drop off David at Jordan's for the weekend, then work a few hours before taking Abbie on a camping trip to Rockport near Fort Bragg for the weekend. I went with 9 other women to the Valley Home Educators Conference in Modesto. This made us not miss the girls so much and gave us each fun time pursuing that which is important to us.
The homeschool conference was just what I needed. I was finally able to see Diana Waring in person after enjoying her books for so many years. I heard other excellent speakers on writing and high school/college. I made the last of my purchases for the school year and feel confident in them. I enjoyed hours of fellowship with my friends and developed closer relationships as a result.
It feels great to be back to our regular life now. We ate a family dinner at home..just the four of us...for the first time in almost a month tonight. This is crunch week leading up to the kids' play. We are all excited to see the outcome of David and Abbie's hard work in preparation for it.
I have decided to start school on August 28, nearly two weeks after the public schools begin around here. The kids' classes will be Apologetics, Composition and Grammar, Spanish 1, Field Biology, World History, Math (Algebra 2 for David and Algebra 1/2 for Abbie), Physical Education, and Drama. I am looking forward to next year but also glad that we aren't starting any sooner.
I need to go spend time with the family before bed. Happy August! |
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July is upon us already. June passed in such a hurry. During the month of June, I had one major work meeting, Abbie going to swim instructor class, Abbie's guitar recital, a wedding, five sleepovers, a 5 day trip to the coast, both kids teaching one week of VBS, both kids beginning drama class, 12 times at church, Darren's class reunion, a discipleship team meeting that Darren and I were running, both kids going to junior high camp, David going to high school camp, and Darren's and my 16th wedding anniversary. Here it is 12:15 in the afternoon, and I am sitting here in my jammies enjoying the first day in over a month that absolutely nothing is on the calendar. Darren took today off as well and is sitting not four feet from me in his jammies.
I am still at a very content point in my life. I like my family and need absolutely nothing. My health is improving. I love the town where we live. I love our church. I need to remember this contented feeling when I am tempted to grumble and complain.
I think I am going to go out and sit by the pool and enjoy the day. May everyone who reads this be joyful
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It seems that during the school year, I really look forward to the arrival of summer and the freedom from structure. However, once summer arrives, I find myself longing for the structure that school days bring. I must learn to be content in whatever season I find myself.
This week has been filled with swim instructor classes, school work, preparations for summer camp, and general administrative stuff with finishing out the school year as the local adminstrator of American Christian Academy.
I am still finding it odd to adjust to teenagers in the house. They are nearly as big as I am. David began going to high school youth group this week. Can it be possible that my little baby is really that old?
Well, time to alternate between being understanding confidante and cracking the whip!
Later... |
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It's been nearly two weeks since I have blogged last. My health is still precarious, but I have began to take some special herbs to assist in my recovery.
David's birthday party and 8th grade graduation went really well. I was so glad that the weather was in triple digits so all of David's guests (14 including him) could spend most of their time in the pool. He handled himself very well at graduation. He looked so handsome in his suit and made a speech of more than 10 words. It's amazing to watch him grow up before my eyes.
Co-op is done for the year, which causes mixed emotions. I love the fellowship for both myself and the children and the fun of learning together but I find myself walking a continually thinning tightrope to keep all the moms with such varying educational philosophies content. I am beginning to realize that this might not be possible.
We went to the fair last Thursday night, and I took Abbie to her first concert there. It was an excellent concert by Christian singer, Todd Agnew. His songs and words were very inspiring. Afterwards, Abbie bought one of his albums and a shirt. She also was able to get his autograph and her picture taken with him. I don't think I've ever seen Abbie speechless or starstruck before, but I sure did that evening.
Darren rode in a 100K bike ride yesterday. He completed it, despite less than ideal weather conditions...rain, wind, and even hail! He is mighty sore today, but content to have finished and not given up. Our time at his parents went well.
I finally got my wedding ring back this week and am thrilled. I jsut feel so much better wearing it. I am proud to be married and just didn't feel right not having a symbol on my left hand announcing it to the world.
This weekend, whenever it gets quiet, we announce, "Mom's married, Dad finished the bike ride. David is fourteen. Abbie touched Todd Agnew." That pretty much sums up our life.
Until next time.... |
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This is an exciting week...Saturday was my husband's 38th birthday, Sunday was Mother's Day (as well as my nephew's birthday), tomorrow is my firstborn's 14th birthday, Wednesday is my sister's birthday as well as the day I make a speech about homeschooling to the local Soroptomist Club, and Friday is my firstborn's 8th grade graduation. I look at my firstborn and wonder where the time went. The one who grew inside me now looks me in the eye and has bigger feet than I do. The one who couldn't talk now has a deep voice saying words I sometimes don't even know. I have enjoyed being his mother so deeply, to my very core, but I can't bring myself to believe that he's nearly grown! |
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This is strange to confess but I actually miss school! I love accomplishing something with a minimum of physical effort (although much mental, spiritual, and emotional effort goes into it). My health has been very poor for the last two weeks. I have a condition called myasthenia gravis, and some days, it is a struggle to even open my eyelids, let a lone walk or accomplish the myraid of physical tasks expected of a mother each day. When my muscles were bad during school time, at least I could still do with the kids, even though it may have been on my bed because I couldn't get out of bed. Now all the big organizing and cleaning goals I have set for the summer have been put on hold until I can manage to walk across the room without being completely exhausted. I hadn't planned to start doing the mental tasks of school planning until later in the summer, but I guess I should do those now, while body is laid low. I don't want my kids to be ashamed of my because my body doesn't work like the other moms' but I am so sick of hiding my pain and exhaustion from everyone. God is still good, and God is still bigger. I am feeling so very small right now but must allow Him to pick me up and carry me through all He has for me. |
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Hooray, hooray, it's the last day of school today! We have fought the fight, we have finished the race. The kids worked harder this year than they ever have in previous years and are still not burnt out. We will still have a lifestyle of learning, reading good books together, having long discussions about the tough issues of life, reading the Bible together, and plenty of swimming.
We have finished school just in the nick of time. The weather was rainy and in the 50s at the beginning of this week, and now it is in the 90s without a cloud in the sky or in the forecast. We are pulling out the patio furniture this weekend and plan to use it
Abbie went to junior high guitar fellowship this evening at church and had a blast. She was the only girl, but she didn't seem to mind. She has really improved in her guitar playing, and it's so fun to hear recognizable songs coming from her guitar
David is at a friend's house tonight. It's his first night spending the night at house where the parents aren't home. Don't worry...The older brother, a responsible 21 year old Bible school almost graduate, junior high intern pastor, will be there.
I am officially addicted to one of David's video games for the Nintendo DS. It's called Brain Age and is meant to increase your brain power. The younger the brain age, the better. Optimal level is age 20. This morning I got 29, not bad for a 38 year old!
I'm off to watch a movie with my family. Blessings to everyone!
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It's amazing how quickly the days and months can go by. I can't believe it's been nearly 2 weeks since I have blogged last. Life is full, and God is good!
We are looking forward to Easter at our house. No big exciting plans...just serving at our church and spending time together. Because we like to be at our church for Sunday morning services, it makes it quite impossible to get together with extended family. However, we are going up to dh's parents tomorrow to spend some time with them. We haven't seen them since last year, and we only live 90 miles apart. I'm sad that my kids don't have grandparents as part of their everyday life.
Two weeks from tomorrow will be our last official day of our traditional school year. I can't wait for it to be over, and yet I am chomping at the bit to plan for next year. Does anybody else do this?
Well, that's all the news that's fit to print here. I only had 6 hours of sleep last night, and it really shows now because I feel like I cannot piece together any comprehendable words. I need a nap!
Til next time! |
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I can't believe it's been over a week since I wrote last. I knew the last yonk of March would carry many busy days, but I didn't know quite how busy I would be! It seems like I am always setting a date in the future and thinking, "After that date or event, our lives will calm down," yet I fail to take into account that after that event, other events are looming on the horizon.
The biggest recent experience by far was speaking at the women's retreat. Before I went, I was very unsure as to how it would go and partially expected to tank, but I didn't. It was God speaking through me and reavealing to me that I have the spiritual gift of teaching. I never realized that I had it. I always thought that I only had the gift of encouragement and had a bit of a knack for teaching but not really the spiritual gift of it. It was one of the msot exciting revelations I've ever had and am looking forward to seeing what God does with it!
We are officially in our last month of school now. April 28 (3 weeks from Friday) is day 176 of school, and we just have four science co-ops to attend after that. I'm pleased with the kids' transition to more independent learning this year, even though I miss the extra time with them. We still get together daily for about half an hour for Bible and English, but the majority of the rest is done on their own. We have finished our history for the year. The only books we need to finish before I can declare the school year officially over are Saxon Math (Algebra 1 for David and 87 for Abigail), Learning Language Arts through Literature, (Gray Book for both), and Around the World in 180 Days.
I have a headache, and Darren is due home from work momentarily so I will close for today. Keep looking to Him for your strength |
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So much for my daily entries! Life has been funny....when I have exciting things I want to put in my blog, I don't have time or energy to blog, but when I do have the time and energy, I can't think of exciting blog material.
We had a marvelous experience with Atsushi, our Japanese exchange student. He was a gracious, kind boy who loves the Lord. His English was extremely limited which made life interesting. He was not demanding in the least. Highlights of the weekend were miniature golfing, basketball, church, and making a photo album for him. The low point was definitely saying goodbye. I hope that we stay in touch with him.
Tonight is the culmination of our Medieval Co-op, our Knights and Fair Maidens Banquet and Ball. We rented ridiculous-looking clothing, have practiced our Irish dancing, are cooking stew in the crock pot as I type, have made our shields out of foam board, and have gathered most of our materials for the evening. Hopefully I can post a picture afterwards. Darren even rented clothing and has a hat just like this smiley
Tomorrow, I am going to a unit study workshop by Jennifer steward. I am looking froward to it. Ir eally prefer to teach creatively in this fashion but often go back to well-word path of "bookwork" instead. I need inspiration and am hoping that's what Jennifer's workshop will provide.
One week from today, I am speaking at Ladies' Retreat. I am still a bit freaked out. It seems so much more real now. I am hoping for a few hours of organizing time on Sunday so I will be cohesive on the 31st.
That's about it for now. Take care, all!
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What a great week! Life was full with meetings, school, preparing for Atsushi's arrival, and handling conflict (one of my least favorite things to do!)
It's been 16 hours since Atsushi arrived, and it is going wonderfully. He is an easygoing 15-year-old who smiles often and sleeps a lot. He enjoyed pizza, video games, and watching basketball. Today we are going shopping, possibly playing miniature golf, and eating tacos. I hope he enjoys his weekend here. I am trying to figure out how to explain St. Patrick's Day to him!
Have a green and lovely day |
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Since our Japanese exchange student arrives on Thursday, I am bound and determined to keep the days leading up to it as simple and quiet as possible. If I am tapped out before Atsushi arrives, I will not be much of a host mother. I want to enjoy everything to the fullest, but that does not mean I have to do everything. Abundant life doesn't mean an abundance of activities... |