“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” ~Alan W. Watts

We spent as much time as possible outside this week because the weather has been wonderful. One of those days was spent hanging out (Get it? I’m funny!) at a park with a few of our homeschooling friends.

from around the web:

• Dear Teenager, Sorry about the toddler and the baby :: Not exactly our age ranges but the same thoughts apply in our family. Loved this.
• Muslim pilot adopts orphaned kids of his Hindu friend :: This case even set a precedent in Indian law!
• How to stop doing stuff you don’t want to do :: On learning to stand up for yourself.
• The real reason we’re all so busy :: “We’re mind-numbingly busy because we choose to be. Busyness is our crutch.”
• Funny Pirate Books to make boys laugh :: A good list I know my little guy would enjoy.

on the blog (in case you missed ’em!)

• My grandbaby Carter’s newborn photos! :: Go ahead. Swoon.
• Invisible special needs in adoption :: The reality of parenting kids who come from hard places.

right here at home:

This was a big week for my boy. After weeks of wiggling, he finally lost his first tooth! And with some patient instruction from a basketball-playing young lady at the playground, he got the ball in the basket so many times I lost count and was super excited about his accomplishment!

Also, today is two years since we finalized Scout and Jem’s adoption. We’ll be celebrating by going out for pizza today; it’s become our special thing because we went out for pizza right before we went to the courthouse on their adoption day. If the weather cooperates we might make s’mores tonight in the backyard, too!

This is one of those weeks that has looked more like unschooling than usual. Kathryn celebrating Rosh HaShanah with her dad, studying for her upcoming driving test (for her learner’s license), practicing ukelele, and putting together a bicycle; Scout participating in a frog dissection in her science class, in addition to park days, playing outside, and church activities like choir. We’ve been discussing house hunting and house selling… and I’ve decided that maintaining the bare minimum is just fine while we have all this crazy going on.

Be sure to visit these great link-ups hosted by my friends Kris and Mary.

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 »