“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

Muhammad Ali

We did something new as a family: indoor rock climbing! This was a fun outing to celebrate our youngest son’s 12th birthday. It was a first for us all, and we all got a chance to climb to the top with with the belay ropes. I now have even greater respect for my friends who do outdoor rock climbing!

family life

We celebrated two February birthdays: our sweet Daisy Dog turned 14. She has slowed down and gotten a bit wobbly, and I’ve gotten her squishier beds and more treats, but she’s still doing surprisingly well for such an old gal since big dogs tend to not live as long as little dogs. I think part of that has to do with her active younger years, and partly to do with the fact mutts often live longer than pure breeds. Either way, we love our furry girl.

I did another new thing last month: a powerlifting meet! It was a very small community-fun sort of thing, nothing official, but I actually won based on what I lifted in relation to my bodyweight. So hurray!

homeschool happenings

We are very much enjoying the Build Your Library curriculum we recently started. It’s exactly what I was looking for in regards to a history program, and the kids are absolutely loving it. It’s not overwhelming time-wise for me, which was a concern since I do also have to fit work in there somewhere.

We’re only about a month in right now. After we’ve done it a bit longer, I’ll write up a full review to share with you.

what we’ve been reading: our faves

The first two books listed here are part of our homeschool reading. I have a feeling quite a few of these are going to be showing up in our faves list each month.

the kids’ picks (ages 12 + 13)

• Children of the Longhouse – Joseph Bruchac
• The Wild Robot – Peter Brown
• Where the Watermelons Grow – Cindy Baldwin
• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – Mildred Taylor
• Wings of Fire – Tui Southerland

my picks:

• The Guest List – Lucy Foley
• The Four Winds – Kristin Hannah
• The Bean Trees – Barbara Kingsolver

on the blog (in case you missed ’em)

• 6 years ago: All you need to know about tea!
• 3 years ago: For the adoptive mom feeling hopeless, helpless, or crazy
• Self care: because if Mama ain’t happy... for anybody feeling a little extra stressed this past year.

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »