A few weeks ago, I took Thomas to the orthodontist. They took impressions of his teeth, then sent them to the insurance company to see if they would cover the cost.

We've been patiently (or not so patiently for Thomas...). I called the orthodontist's office today to see if they had heard anything. Imagine my glee when Sunny (cute name, eh?!) told me they were covered!!! 100% to be paid for by the insurance!!!!

They had an opening today for him to go in to get the records started, photos of his teeth, x-rays and his spacers put in. So, off we went. He'll go back July 1st for his braces. It will be so wonderful for him to have straight teeth!!!

We combined this unexpected trip to town.....with a stop at the library, CVS (love that store and the bargains I get there!!!), Walgreen's (their clearance items coupled with my coupons...can't beat it!!), and Wal Mart. We were gone about 4 hours....and were sure pooped when we got home. But, it was so worth it. And I'd loved listening to my children's conversations while we were out and about!

How cool is this? The reading logs were turned in today...and Thomas has over 200 tickets already!!! For each 25 pages of a book, you get one coupon (or, in the case of younger readers, each book equals a ticket). Thomas read a boat load of Hardy Boys' books, along with several other really long books over the last week and a half. I'm quite proud of my boy!!

Of course, I'm also quite proud of my other three children...they also read quite well...even Miss Mary is beginning to read on her own. Quite an accomplishment since she just turned 5 in January of this year. Natalie is working through Black Beauty. It's her first really grown up book she's read...and she's really enjoying it. And, what can I say about Rebecca? She's always been our reader girl...that girl loves to read....and read..and read...and read some more.

It is encouraging to know that I am the one who taught them how to do this...this miraculous thing of reading. I remember the day each of them "got it". That lightbulb moment that showed them that this thing called reading was possible for them to grasp. What a moment. I'm so thankful to be the one to get that moment!! I can't imagine giving someone else that thrill!!

Homeschooling has afforded me many of these moments. I treasure the time I get to spend with my babes. The thought of sending them off somewhere else each day just hurts my heart. I can't imagine doing that. They've never set foot in a "real school" and I pray it always remains that way.

Time for bed....so I must close....thanks for sharing in our glee!!!