“Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.” -Oscar Wilde

Most days don’t look like this. But when they do, I like to remember it. During this particular spontaneous learning moment, Kathryn was teaching them about one of her favorite subjects: space.

Good reading

books:

• The Likeness – by Tana French :: Engrossing read. (Contains profanity.)
• The Outlaws of Sherwood – by Robin McKinley :: I have this one on Kathryn’s to-read list but the premise sounded so good I read it myself before she’s had a chance.
• For the Love – by Jen Hatmaker :: Equal doses inspiration and hilarity.
• Daughter of Jerusalem – by Joan Wolf :: Biblical fiction going in depth into the life of Mary Magdalene. Some Biblical discrepancies in the last section but still recommended.
• The Midwife’s Revolt – by Jodi Daynard :: Historical fiction; so good, I already read another in the series!

around the web:

• How to Respond to Criticism About Your Food and Exercise :: If you’ve made healthy changes and aren’t getting the support you expected from friends and loved ones, this is post explains why that may be, plus how to tactfully handle it.
• Chocolate Makes You Cleverer :: Science backs it up: eating chocolate increases cognitive abilities. Woohoo!
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups in an Ice Cube Tray :: I haven’t made these yet but they looks yummy and simple and, as the previous link shows, chocolate is good for your brain!
• What NOT to Say to Prospective Adoptive Parents. And What to Say Back ::  Jillian’s take on it is even more thorough that what I’ve written before.
• Ten Tips to Quiet Anxiety :: If you’re a worrier, this advice is great.

on the blog:

• Fitness saved my son: Luke’s Story :: guest post from Meredith about her family’s experience with type 1 diabetes and their quest to raise awareness
• What I’m loving right now :: a few things adding a little extra happy to my life

Happenings at home

March 1st marked three years since Scout and Jem moved in. We thought we were so prepared back then, since it wasn’t our first foster adoption: HA!

{photo from Ken’s blog:}

My training for next month’s 10k hit a snag when I developed foot/ankle pain. I rested it (grumpily), but this week I’ve been back to brisk 4-miles walks without that pain. Yay! I’m still not sure how much I’ll be able to RUN the race but I feel confident I can complete it one way or another. Thankfully, I didn’t have to back off my usual weight training (kettlebells are my BFFs), and I’ve been able to continue doing yoga a few times each week.

The weather has been FABULOUS, which means we’ve been spending as much time as possible outdoors. It also means we’ve had to experiment with the practicalities of  beach life, like which sunscreens work best for us, and how to get sand off little feet — both human and canine — before they track every bit of it into the house. The flowers in our yard are all still happy surprises with this being our first spring here, and I’m particularly loving the enthusiastically blooming azaleas at our back fence.

Ken and I celebrated our eleventh wedding anniversary on the 24th. We didn’t do anything fancy, but we did go on a lunch date, had uninterrupted conversation (that’s pretty huge!), and stopped into the local kayak shop to do a bit of research. 😉

In our homeschool, I’m focusing most of my energy on working with Scout. Her focus has improved, and giving her something defined to do benefits everyone in the house. Most days, Jem’s learning is unschoolish, and Kathryn works independently.

I don’t write about our homeschooling as frequently these days because it’s not new and shiny (I’m in year ten!), but I do have a few upcoming posts in mind. If there’s anything you’d like to know, please comment or email me and I’ll include my answers in those future posts.

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

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 »