I am a recently married, new mother of one sweet, chubby little boy. I was homeschooled and am thrilled every time I think of all the opportunities waiting for me to teach my little one in the coming years. He is only 6 months, so the adventure of his education has barely begun, but I'm looking forward to gleaning ideas from this blogging community and posting some questions and experiences of my own. I'm thoroughly excited and delighted to fellowship with others here on this site. Looking forward to reading and writing! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/daughterofthedesert/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Mon, 7 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Mon, 7 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Dear Reader, One of my primary reasons, I may even say my primary reason, in blogging here is that I have a burning desire to develop as a writer. I used to write and love it when I was younger (i.e., being homeschooled myself). However, I've left off writing of late, and regret it. I want to learn to express myself in a winsome, interesting, precise, convincing, thrilling, profound manner. I started this blog to form a habit of writing--often, about anything and everything. I would ask of you to post comments on my entries--post anything you'd like to say, of course, but if you have any suggestions on how I may improve my content or style, I will welcome them with open arms. In fact, I fervently hope I will receive some such comments, or else my blog will not fully fulfill the purpose for which I created it! :) Thank you, Readers. I'm looking forward to some of you becoming my friends. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/daughterofthedesert/511769/ Mon, 7 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/daughterofthedesert/511769/ Whew! Glad it's over! Looking back though, God was amazingly good . . . . I was so excited about my vacation plans: We would go visit my brother in WA state. N recently  did the unimaginable: became the first in our family to move to the Northwest. Up till now, the farthest any of us had ever lived was CO. I was excited because our visit would be quite momentous: we'd be the first in the family to see his new life out there. Moreover, my sister, N's twin, suggested that we make it a surprise, so I had been working out the details with N's compliant roommate, and was pretty much pumped! However, there was reason to be slightly apprehensive, and I was. First of all, this was my first time traveling with my infant son. I could only speculate as to what I might need to bring and how the trip would unfold. On top of that, my husband was not able to get vacation from work at the same time as me, so I would be going it alone! Secondly, as an airline employee, I was flying standby. Flying standby with a baby. And we had a connection to make. Only one, thankfully, but it was still a connection. My mind couldn't help but wonder What if we get stuck there in the airport? I decided to trust God to take us all the way in one day and worry about getting stuck if and when it happened. Tickets in hand, transportation and accommodations on the WA end arranged, I began to contemplate packing and the logistics of travel. Packing the baby bag to carry on: diapers, of course . . . and the diaper wipes . . . in they go. Hmmm, what if he poops in his clothes? I'll need to take some extra . . . how many outfits can I fit in a bag? Still need to leave room for formula in a jar, bottles, jars of bananas and carrots, Vicks and nasal aspirator (he was just getting over a cold) I guess two sleepers will be ok. Now, how much formula? Packing my shoulder bag: wallet, glasses, lotions, etc. I doubt I'll have a chance to read; I'll be too busy entertaining Ezra, but I'll throw in a book just in case. Speaking of entertaining Ezra, better put in a few books for him, and his two favorite toys . . . a large blanket for nursing . . . I know I'm forgetting something! Oh my goodness! We'll need a carseat over there, at least to get from the airport to his apartment! Wow, how'm I going to get it there? I guess I'll have to carry it on . . . That thought stressed me out a lot. Logistics: The realization hit me that somehow I must go to the bathroom during the seven hours between leaving home and arriving at N's place. How in the world would I do that? I guess the only thing to do is take the compact stroller on board with me. My heart sink as I picture myself loaded down with diaper bag, shoulder bag, carseat, stroller, and of course Baby. Not enough hands! Then I was suddenly relieved to realize that I would not even have a seat for Baby,  so I would not be able to take the carseat on board anyway! It was like the weight of the carseat had been lifted off my shoulders! And I was suddenly thankful for the connection, because using the restroom would be manageable. The feat of doing it on the plane seemed hopelessly unachievable. Feeling much relieved at all these realizations, I was ready to take on the trip. Thank you, God, for helping me think through all that. All that was left was to make sure my husband had enough to eat while I was gone. I knew I was going to worry about him, so I wanted to prepare as much as possible. Stay tuned as I tell of the wondrous faithfulness of our Lord! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/daughterofthedesert/510457/ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 10:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/daughterofthedesert/510457/