Follow me to Carol’s blog to join or to read other homeschooler’s weekly wrapups!
With the Lord:
Last week, I hosted my cousin and two of her daughters for one night.We’ve never been very close, but I was very happy to have them over.The two daughters are quite different from my girls in how they dress, the music they listen to, and their interests.This is somewhat of a concern of mine when they get together because my girls are so impressionable.While I was sizing up how “off-track” these teenagers were, I noticed something very interesting. They were very close and clearly liked being together.While I was trying to make sure my daughters were not ill-affected by these girls, things were quite the opposite.The truth was, my girls openly demonstrated their dislike for one another by sharing with the cousins, but refusing to share with each other… by sleeping on the floor instead of sleeping with their sister… by being rude to their sister while being most accommodating to the cousins.This embarrassed me immensely when I heard about this after they left.But, I came to realize that I should not be so quick to judge the character of others simply by their clothing, their taste in music and movies, and their interests.As it turns out, there was much to learn from these relatives… much to be admired.It’s so easy to turn prideful and self-righteous because I homeschool my kids and teach them the ways of the Lord daily.Satan is so crafty in his ways.He can get us where we think we’re the strongest.We should always be on guard.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
With the Family:
Our week was less stressful last week.We still had tennis lessons, but nothing else to consume our days.Our local movie theater has children’s summer matinees each week.Last week, the girls and I went to see “The Tale of Despereaux”.Now, I am not a mouse lover, but the movie really touched me.The moral of the story was, no matter how angry or hurt or sad you are, you don’t have the right to mistreat others.A very happy town became desolate and bitter – all because of the king’s despair after the death of his wife.This trickled down to many and resulted in much disarray.The only thing that saved them all was one character’s act of forgiveness.This trickled down as well, and the town was saved.The girls didn’t say much about the film though.
My mother is going through a lot with my dad right now.He is 72 and showing early signs of dementia.This will be a very tough journey for my mother since my father is very pig-headed and sometimes volatile.
In the Schoolroom:
I will be checking on virtual schools in this area to see if I can enroll Rachel in an outside foreign language class.Also, since tuition is free where I work, I’ll be checking to see if I can dual-enroll her even though we’re out of state.
At the Workplace:
My dear students… what can I say.Let’s just say I’m glad the summer term is only 8 weeks long.:-)
On the Exercise Mat:
I messed up when I went to my parents house last weekend and stepped on the scale.My fitness goals were energy, health, and serotonin levels; but when the scale showed an INCREASE in pounds, I quickly became discouraged.Needless to say, I haven’t done any workouts since then.I need to regroup and refocus in this area.
From the Bookshelf:
I started a new Christian novel by Karen Kingsbury titled When Joy Came to Stay.I’m only one-fourth into the book and I’m having a tough time putting it down during the day.It addresses many key problems in society, such as foster care problems, adoption, mental illness, etc.I had heard of this author but had never read any of her books.I think I’m going to be a huge fan.
To address different sections of your post:
You are so right about not judging people because of dress, music, etc. I've even had my teen tell me that his public school friends are better people than his homeschool friends. We have to judge each person according to their "fruit". I know great men, with good hearts who have tatoos and earrings. It's what's in the heart that counts. And as far as the girls (yours) embarrassing you with their selfishness toward each other - I'm right there with you! My boys are always fussing with each other.
Now - about Karen Kingsbury - I love her books! I have read probably about 30 of her books and will continue reading until I'm done. She calls her fiction "life changing" and it's true. I encourage you to make her books a habit. Your mom might enjoy them too.
I'm sorry about your dad. I have an uncle suffering from Alzheimers right now and it's getting very tough on my aunt. He's only 68. One of Karen's books - in the "Baxter Series" is all about a lady who works in an Alzheimers home.
I love the way you sectioned off your post into different categories. I might borrow that format one of these days, if you don't mind.
I think a slight weight gain is really common when you initially start exercising a lot. Don't be discouraged. Your other goals for the exercise were great. If you want to lose weight in the short term, cut back on the calories too.
I need to do something for the reasons you mention. I've had a problem with my foot ever since the weather has turned nice. I think it's an old sprain acting up. And I love to walk. I think I'll just have to use the bike instead even though I don't like it. :(
So, you teach online? How great.
I feel for your mom. (Husbands can be a challenge when they don't have dementia :).) I wish her all of God's strength and patience.
regarding the girls and the cousins. I know we sometimes get pretty rooted into our own point of view and it can be isolating. I've been realizing lately how "on the fringe" my beliefs are. How did I get here? Is it healthy? A big part of that is my views on Christianity and the Bible - but also shows up in my homeschooling and what I allow my children to eat. It must be hard to relate to me... I don't want my children to rejected by their peers, and yet I have strong beliefs...
I enjoyed reading the rest of your wrapup too, but as usual, once I comment on one area, I forget what I wanted to say about that rest!
Oh, Karen, I always enjoy a good Karen Kingsbury novel. Be sure to have extra tissues handy!
I tried searching for online classes in Tennessee but didn't find anything useful available through the Department of Education. I was surprised. Maybe I was just looking in the wrong spot. Good luck with your search.
First of all, you'd better watch putting such a handsome man on your blog--he might start getting letters (smile). Happy Birthday, Terry!
I had to smile the whole time that I read your tale of the cousin's visit and your attitude about them vs. your observations. I have had similar experiences with my SIL's children, then find myself embarrassed when my children get into a fight about something or in some way don't behave "perfectly." Then I have to remember that we all have areas that need God's touch. I get really humbled when I remember some of my own antics at a younger age--I was SO much worse than my kids. YIKES!
I do pray for your mother's strength. It must be tough--is she nearby your siblings or you?
One way to look at the scale going up is that you're putting on muscle, which weighs more than fat. My Wii results are not going anywhere--equally discouraging. Of course, I know that I seem to squeeze in 2 workouts a week, which is just not enough for what I need to do. We'll refocus and regroup together, huh?
God bless you, sis.
Belinda (who's too lazy at this point to sign in--LOL)
www.homeschoolblogger.com/bbullard
This is my place of rest and reflection on my life and my home school. I am Terry's wife and the proud mother of three daughters (16, 12, and 4). Please make yourself at home as I ramble about our school, our kids, my job, my love of sports, current events... you name it! Oh, and by all means, leave a comment so I can visit your blog as well.
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