This was the week with all the orientation meetings, since we are a brand new family to the homeschool hybrid academy Lindsey will be attending. This was also the week where we had to buy logo-emblazoned shirts from the uniform store, and find a couple pairs of somewhat-cool  pants for Lindsey that meet dress code requirements. Old Navy fit the bill for one pair of khaki and one pair of navy pants. She only attends two days each week, so we don’t have to have too many uniform clothes — which is good because the budget wouldn’t take much more!

I thought about starting school this week, but Lindsey’s classes start next week, so I decided to just wait until then. It worked out well because Kathryn had a little cold (or maybe a bout of wicked allergies) and was feeling a little “under the weather” for the first part of the week. So I continued my organizing rampage; I even organized the junk drawer and threatened to behead anyone who junks it back up. (Yeah, that’s a bit harsh, but my “junk” drawer has never looked this good!)

Lindsey practiced her homemaking skills by babysitting a teething six-month old (who happens to be one of our little cousins). She also planned and cooked dinner one night this week. Both girls will be responsible for at least one night’s dinner each week; I’ve never been strong in the meal-planning department, so I hope this will help learn well by the time they are managing their own homes!

Almost three weeks ago, a foster-dog at my aunt’s house had puppies. Kathryn is enamored by them, and would spend every waking moment holding and loving puppies if I’d let her. This morning, she had a puppy in her lap for almost three hours. She swapped them out every now and then to give them all a fair share of loving. 😉 It’s actually been a pretty neat up-close way of watching their development. Their eyes are open now, but today was the first day any of them even attempted walking. So, let’s call this nature study.

Lindsey’s friend Deanna was scheduled to start homeschooling this week, but she ended up in the hospital with salmonella, colitis, and strep. Yuck. She’s back home now, but even this scary experience was used for good. My friend (Deanna’s new mom) said this on facebook today:

“Thankful for the Joy of Christ this morning.  A four day hospital visit with our new daughter (of three short weeks) brought on a brief feeling of inferiority and inadequacy~when faced with a seemingly impossible situation, I don’t have to look far for the Truth. He is superior and adequate to equip me for anything. God has allowed this time of bonding with a precious soul!”

And last Friday, Lindsey and I began our mother-daughter Girl Talk book study on Biblical Womanhood. We chatted over coffee at a nearby Starbucks, and had a pretty good discussion; nothing too deep, but she was a willing participant. Today we had our study/chat over lunch, but yesterday we had an unplanned heartfelt and tearful talk which was a big step in the right direction for us. We both got some things out in the open that neither of us knew how to say up until then. This parenting thing isn’t easy. But as my friend said (in that quote above), Christ is adequate to equip me for anything. And that’s very good news.

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 »