Well, a week of some refreshment and relaxing followed by a conference all of which went very well, now have me still trying to get back into the groove of our routine.  I trust I am not alone in the struggle to resume normal life after a reprieve from reality.  I think I prefer the reprieve.  I long to be sitting next to the camp fire and reading a novel.  I long to watch my kids running around getting dirty.  I already miss my friend and our time together, nothing like a friend you've had for almost 25 years! 

My heart gave way to a pang of longing to stay right where we were in Kernville along the river.  Duty called me farther north to the Northern California CHEA conference in Santa Clara.  I truly cherish the opportunity to partner in ministry with Lamplighter Publishing.  I enjoy the chance it gives me to share a passion for excellent literature and meet and talk with other homeschoolers. 

So...I will continue to tame the laundry pile and the work left undone in our absence.  I am looking towards the finish line of the end of May.  I don't wish it here a day sooner than it ought to be, as it has been a good school year and quite honestly, I desrie that the days would slow to a snail's pace so that my children won't grow up a day sooner than they have to.

Blessings,

Jennifer

How do they go so quickly when they've only just begun?  It has been quite sweet I must say to enjoy the days of school books to open or papers to grade, rather to enjoy a few novels. 

Our family has already enjoyed a family vacation that took us from our home in So. CA through Arizona on to Colorado through Wyoming to the beautiful Yellowstone National Park and back home through Utah.  Wow!  What a fabulous time we had and we treasured it, as it was the first time we had ever had more than four days just the five of us.  My hubby's job makes it very difficult to have a vacation so 11 days on the road in our new motorhome was just a treat and a memory I will never forget!  Thank you, Lord! (And thanks to my husband for all he did to make it possible!)

The kids have spent time with my parents for a week so that we had a week for just my hubby and I.  That was a treat!  With all the driving we've done, one would think we were pumping oil in our own backyard to pay for all the gas.  We have another road trip to Oregon coming up in a few weeks, and the oldest is headed to church camp for the week.  And least anyone forget, the CHEA convention here in So.CA is next week, July 12-14!  Oh joy!

Convention is always a big deal for me.  Mostly because I attend with three other dear sisters in the Lord and we have the greatest time eating out, laughing, sharing, and just enjoying one another.  One time of the weekend is always most precious to me and that is on the last morning of the weekend we gather and pray for one another's year and any other family concerns/issues.  There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that is as precious as the time we share together lifing one another up to the Lord and all that would try to wear us down.  How sweet it is to go before the throne room of God with other like-minded believers. 

I hope many of you will be or have already attended convention.  Go with friends and make a weekend of it and refresh yourself for the new year.  May your summer days be sweet with the sound of laughter coming for the mouths of your babes.  Blessings of joy to you.

Jennifer