Monday Musings

• I love my family.  I am so blessed by each and every one of them.
• Today is the 16th Valentine's Day that Doug and I have celebrated together.
• I am still deeply in love with him and even moreso than when we first met.
• I love that on a Monday afternoon, my children have the freedom to go outside and play at the nearby sledding hill.
• I need a project... sewing, scrapbooking... something.
• Sarah is talking more and more each day.
• Arianna continues to charm me with her bright blue eyes and winning smile.
• Andrea is growing up way too fast for my liking.
• Joshua impresses me with his offers to help around the house.
• I love making the same Valentine dessert for my family as my mom did for us.
• I will attempt a heart shaped pizza for tonight's supper.
• After just a few days of introducing "Blessing {chore} Packs", my house is amazingly tidier than it ever has been.

What love looks like

I was at church tonight and sitting across the aisle from me was an older couple.  I can remember this wonderful woman teaching my kids Sunday School quite a few years ago and she was such a sweet spirited person. Sadly, dementia has taken over this lady's mind over the past few years.  Her husband faithfully brings her to church every week.  I noticed how he caressed her back and knew when to stop as she moved away from his touch.  He brought her to the front of the church for communion and I don't know if she took part but he still went through the motions with her.  I can see how much he loves her even though her mind isn't where it used to be.  He's so gentle and patient with her. 
I hope Doug loves me like that.  Unconditionally.  Tenderly.  Perfectly. Patiently.
It makes me think of another kind of love that I am unworthy of.  The love of my Father.
Unconditional.
Tender.
Perfect.
Patient.
I am so blessed.

Today

Today is the last morning that the kids will go to school on a Tuesday or Thursday.  After much consideration, discussion and prayer, Doug and I have decided to return to full-time home schooling for Joshua, Andrea, and Arianna.  It is very important to note that we still support the Stony Creek program, and that we are thankful for the time and effort that everyone involved has put into the education of our children.  The best learning path will be different for each and every student (and that includes adults too!).  For our family, we have reached the conclusion that home schooling is the best route at this time.  With Doug’s travel for work, it will also allow us to go with him as a family... seeing different areas of Western Canada, interacting with different people, and learning about the world we live in by physically being in it.  This is an opportunity that we simply can’t take advantage of while being part of the Stony Creek program. 

The driving factor for us has been a verse from the Bible that has been at the forefront of our thoughts since July of last year: “Train your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (emphasis added) We have prayed this verse since last July and we are now following through on what we believe will be best for our kids.  

Truth be told, I am sad at the thought of leaving for the last time tomorrow.  The relationships I have developed with the teachers, particularly the girls', goes way beyond the typical parent/teacher relationship.  I consider her a friend and intend to continue our friendship as we embark on this next phase of the home school journey.  I value her opinions, insights and views and I leave the school knowing she had a profound impact on my childrens' lives.  I left the school feeling supported, encouraged and appreciated by all three of my kids' teachers. 

I look forward to teaching the kids with eager anticipation.  I'm excited to see them learn things with  Doug and I and to see how our family will grow stronger together because of this change.  I am looking forward to embark on the new phase of our schooling journey.

Week 1

So I figure I've worked out 4 out of the past 7 days.  I've done the treadmill (my favorite), Turbo Jam and Jillian Michaels.  I like how getting it done first thing in the morning motivates me to do something extra later in the day.  Today was the first day, I actually got a second workout in!
I haven't seen any amazing results but I'm not giving up.  Feeling the *burn* is getting to be a nice feeling knowing I am making these muscles stronger each day.  I have a weight goal to accomplish by the time Sarah turns 3 years old in four and a half months.  I'll keep you posted.

Friday Musings

• Putting Sarah in a fleece sleeper is my most favorite thing for her to wear
• I was supported and encouraged by two amazing friends this morning
• I have exercised 4 out of 7 days this week
• My sister is leaving for Australia tomorrow and I will miss her terribly
• I am very sure that we will go back to full time homeschooling this fall
• I finished another quilt today
• I received a birthday present today:

Thank you Vera Bradley!

Quilt

A week or so ago, I made a quilt following the tutorial from HERE.  Something didn't go the way I wanted and I wasn't super happy with it.  So, being the perfectionist sewer that I am, I simply had to do it again.  More fabric shopping and sewing and cutting.  Bummer for me!  :)  Anyhow, here's a look at the second quilt.  I am in love!