We are normally the most boring  family, in terms of leaving the house (we have fun while we're at home, but don't get out much), but my goodness!,  we were gone a long time on that trip way up North to Chicago, over to St. Louis, and back. 

We really enjoyed ourselves first of all at Cindy Rushton's Time of Relaxation and Refreshment, where I learned just as much from her generosity as I did from her seminars.  Cindy's method of homeschooling - a much more relaxed method than I'd been making myself do - is exactly what I need.  What FlyLady did to my house (well, she made me do all the grunt work, but gave the advice), Cindy  Rushton has been to my homeschooling (again, making me do the grunt work!). 

Three things from Cindy that I am most excited about are:  1.) Individual quiet time with God to start out our day (I've been doing this alone in the early mornings, but haven't encouraged my kids to this alone), 2.) notebooking, and 3.) copyworking instead of my previous method of an argue/beg/yell/plead session with my nine-year-old boy in an attempt to get him to write. 

After Cindy's seminar in North Alabama, we visited friends and relatives in Indiana and Chicago.  While in Chicago, we did not enjoy the traffic, but we did enjoy the Museum of Science and Industry, which was a homeschoolers' playground.  Tim (dh) and the boys also enjoyed a visit to Wrigley Field to watch the Chicago Cubs play.  Tim is one of those Cubs' fans who just never gives up.

After several days in Chicago, during which our 9-year-old boy dared to turn 10, even despite my pleadings, we headed to St. Louis to visit old friends.  While there, we enjoyed the St. Louis Zoo which was outstanding, and to make it even more perfect, it is a free zoo! 

After 12 days on the road, I am so happy to be back in the Deep South, where we move at a sloooow pace.  I am happy to listen to the birds sing from the tops of our deep green trees, visit my chickens, and sleep in the air conditioning.  We will enjoy several days of just staying at home, then we'll venture out to the beach or to the fishing pier on Mobile Bay. 

It is good to get away, but it is even better to get back home.  No matter where home is. 

Posted by JenIG

Welcome back! sounds like you had a great trip. My little son is daring to turn 5 tomorrow. The nerve.
:-) love jen

Posted by KeepingtheHome

Our third turned 5 in January. He still likes to rub it in. When his birthday was approaching, he loved to say, "I'm going to be 5, and Mama's going to CRY! Ha! Ha!" Wicked little child. Happy birthday to yours!

Posted by SweetHomeAlabama

We are in Pell City, Alabama. Are you in Mobile?

Posted by KeepingtheHome

Fairhope, Alabama, just over the Florida border, and just north of Gulf Shores. We're from Pensacola, Florida, but moved across the border last year.

Posted by Anonymous

Hey!

I am SO excited to catch up on your week after I last saw you!

It was SUCH a delight to have every second I could snag with you...now, we need MORE! ;)

I am coming your way in just a few weeks. Harold has a playground in Mobile, another in Atmore, and another in Montgomery. Wanta have TEA? I'll treat!

Thanks for these awesome entries in your blog. They are all simply inspiring! Keep it up!

Love ya!
Cindy...who loves this blogging thing!