Home* Sweet* Home

I made a batch of cookies yesterday. Not a huge life changing event *grin*... but this was the first batch of cookies I made since we moved here.

What kind to make.

That was a hard choice...

I couldn't make No Bakes because they are Devon's favorite and well, he's not here.

I couldn't use the mint chips because mint is Dylan's favorites and well, he's not here. 

I went with a basic oatmeal cookie with a hint of autumn included.

Addi noted straight away that it had been ages since we made cookies. It took a while to get settled here, to fall into a routine and to feel at home.

I guess we are there.

It's been a while rethinking shopping and cooking for just us three, schooling for one and not three, planning things to do for three and not five.

The three of us are getting on- missing those two- but living in this moment, time and place...

and heck, I have the guys fall break in just 3 weeks to plan and look forward to. Ü  

2011-2012 School Year Begins....

Addison and I jump started this school year with a road trip to Prince Edward Island- where we could indulge in our love of that fast-talking, vocabulary loving, red-headed Anne (with an "e") of Green Gables.

We were joined by Missy, my long time forever-friend, and her two youngest- Bekka and Hannah. It was a grand adventure for two moms and our three gals! We all fell in love with P.E.I. and can attest that it surely deserves its nickname "the gentle island." What a delightful spot, I would love to go back for an extended stay one day.

All things 'Anne' were wonderful. The people were friendly, the scenery was breathtaking and the living was easy.  I think the highlight for all five of us was the musical Anne and Gilbert. Catchy, catchy tunes! 


We also explored a little on our way home…as you do:

The Bay of Fundy was remarkable. I LOVED to see the tide change to such an extreme! Bar Harbor, Maine is another charming spot we were blessed to explore on our homeward journey...so much so that Paul and I are heading back the first chance we get!

The trip was a grand way to start off our new adventure of homeschooling one.

Yesterday was the official beginning to our year...

… Addi is excited with her curriculum choices. She is going to have a lot on her plate this year. You can see what we are using off on the right.  

Omnibus is heavy on the reading – diving into two books in depth. She kicks off with Eusebius: The Church History and The Hobbit.



I am excited for this year and the things we will work out together …

All the while...missing and praying for those two guys of mine—off at university.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

The last few months brought about some rather large changes for our family.

1. We moved back to the states after our two years in Ghana. We loved our time in West Africa and are thankful for the relationships, adventures, memories and lessons we learned while there.  Being back in the states has been a bit of an adjustment in pleasurable and sometimes 'not so great' ways. I mean it's nice to drink water out of the faucet and not have to bleach rinse your fruit and veggies- but I have to get out of my car and pump my own gas and a pedi costs HOW much?!

2. Devon and Dylan are both attending Liberty University. They are doing well, having some fun and enjoying the adventure... but oh how this mama's heart misses those two guys with their smiles, laughter, long arms that can reach things for me and ability to drive errands.

     Clearly, I am trying to find the humor in this new phase.

3. Homeschooling only one. Talk about your private education!

Addi and I began week one of the 2011-2012 school year this week. It is going to be interesting as we navigate the water just the two of us.

So, our life is changing and the adventure is going to have fewer characters in it this school year. But... it's the life the Lord has lead us to and we are going to embrace it and enjoy it... we are looking forward to the rest of the time we have on the east coast... And we are off.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11