Yes, It's Been a Long Time!

I could offer you an array excuses: I had a couple of days of sicknes, a couple of days of sporadic internet (where you just know if I spent any amount of time writing here, it would be lost to the world in mere seconds!), and many days of summer-running. Just like with everything else, the longer I put it off, the bigger the job seemed. So, let's just get this over with, shall we?

The girls finished up their swimming lessons this week. Compared to last year, when we were nervous as heck that they'd pass, this year was a breeze. Alana's teachers actually used her as a demonstrator, and both girls were probably the best in their classes. They both passed this level with flying colors. :) Of course, now this means that I'll have to make more of an effort to bring them to the pool in the afternoons.

Erin is still playing soccer once a week, and they both have T Ball twice a week.

Waaay back in May, at Lexi's graduation party, one of the kids found (and picked up) a bird egg found under a tree. Alana was aghast that someone would pick up an egg (doesn't everyone know not to do that?). But she was intent on saving the baby birdy. So, the egg was immediately placed in front of the electric heater in our basement, and she commenced building a nest in a cage for it for when it hatched.

This many weeks later, I finally had to order her to shut off the heater (as we had the A/C on) and take down the cage. But, we do still have the egg...she still has hope....

My hubby, unlike myself, reads only two things...fishing & hunting magazines and the weekend paper. On this particular Sunday afternoon, the paper contained a couple of articles of slight interest to Alana, too....

Otherwise, let's see...what's new? Well, two Sundays ago, at church softball, Martha, the pastor's wife from another church (where the girls participate in their Christmas musical...directed by Martha...and she also homeschools) invited me to a weekly Bible study/support group they have. As I knew 3 other women involved (from that church) it didn't seem so scary. And also, I had been praying to God a lot about this, as I had been feeling "spiritually lonely"...my mother being my only "go-to" on the subject. Apparently, God heard my need and put it into Martha's heart to think of me. Although a little out of my comfort zone, I sure as heck wasn't telling Him no! So, I went. The women were all gracious and kind. It was a good thing. :) I'll be going back.

Ummm...still no more work on the house. We still have the intent to sell (or try to) but apparently motivation has left the building. Ugh.

I've stayed busy reading (I highly recommend "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"), working on curriculum decisions for fall, and organizing the new curriculum for our Rotational Sunday School starting in September. Oh, and we are still homeschooling. The girls are thrilled (not) but it's the best way to keep things fresh in their minds, and keep from from getting too bored and fighting. Oh, and it allows us to only work half-days throughout the year! :)

We're still on the diet. I'm close to 20 lbs down. I feel fantastic! Of course, the cravings just never go away.... The girls are both doing great on it...whiney at times, but I probably would, too, if I didn't have to be the "strong mom".

When I get a free minute (and my creativity is still within reach) I still scrapbook and make cards. I'm currently in the throws of deciding whether to push a business selling my cards. Is this the right time? Will I have to sacrifice too much of mom/wife/teacher/homemaker time and energy? And bottomline...is this what God wants from me??? It's exhausting...really.

Looking forward to heading north to Mom & Dad's for the 4th (can you believe it's already here?!?!) Wow.

Have a good weekend!