Too many things were going on this month for me to be able to post.  Things like a trip to Louisiana, a lot of visitors and a lot of  cooking.  It's a good thing I like to cook or I'd be in a heap of trouble.

Zachary, my second oldest turned 16. 

Our church is in the process of building a church.  A few weeks ago we had an Amish-style barn raising except it was for our church.  The slab was poured ahead of time - then Thursday, Friday and Saturday about 25 men showed up and put up interior and exterior walls, doors, windows, trusses, started the roof shingles, and siding.  It was an incredible three days!  My mom, sister and I fed the men every day hot meals.  The ladies in our church helped out by contributing food too. 

Building and setting interior walls.

Discussing something important, I'm sure.

My brother-in-law didn't want to miss out

on the fun, so he flew in from Pennsylvania.

Setting the first truss.

Our youngest supervisor directing one of the workers

Laying the first course of shingles.     

The Dining Hall, where lunch preparation

was underway.             

My dad was in charge on this day. 

He came from Nevada.     

Justus, ready for some serious work.

A view of the interior.

And finally, yours truly, along with my nieces, mom and sister.  We were the chief cooks and bottle washers.  I think we were as tired as the men by the end of the three days.  We fed them, fajitas, salmon and shrimp, beef brisket and chicken over the course of the three days.  My dh wanted to be sure we fed the men well since they were all volunteering.  I don't know how they were able to work in the afternoons after consuming large lunches, but somehow they managed.        

It seems as if many of you are finishing up the year.  Good for you!  Our schedule is always so sporadic that we need to homeschool year-round.  I have some kids finishing their 3rd term, others are still in their 2nd.

As my kids have grown older I find it more difficult to stay on track.  My husband needs them for work outside of the home.  I know this is a good learning time for them but I have to admit it is a struggle for me.  I like my schedules and checklists and if there's any deviation from them it really bugs me.   But what else to do but press onward?  I should be very strong in the trait of perseverance by the time my homeschooling journey is over!