Amazing Satisfaction

Homeschool catalogs can be my downfall. They can confuse me with their wonderful & tempting book list. They can convince me that if I use their method of teaching my children will become “more educated” even though their educational style does not mesh with my children’s style of learning or my style of teaching. Most of all they make me feel like I need to spend more money. That said, I love to look at them and have gleaned a wealth of information from them. So they are a mixed bag in my reality.

The other night, thanks to a diet coke, I was highly caffeinated and could not sleep. So at midnight I went through all of our materials. Yes, yes…we started school after again a short while back. Yes, yes…logically I should have done this first. But I’ve never claimed to be logical.

So as I was saying…I was going through our materials. And after spreading everything out between the dining room table and living room floor, I was amazed to find that I liked everything we had and all of our goals could be met with the materials we owned. Oh, it’s not as slick and fancy as some of the catalog curriculum. I will be filling in with some library choices, but most of those things are things that aren’t necessary to own. They would be one or two time uses at the most.

It was just one of those blessings, those unexpected blessings, when you feel things come together and you say, “I am content.”

I hope I can remind myself of this in a few weeks.

Grains of Gratitude—Delayed Edition

Christine says she is going to make onion soup with the onions that she’s been given. I think that is a good plan. And I actually like onion soup.

Christine is the originator of Grains of Gratitude and I have been so thankful to participate in this meme. Grains has caused me to pause and peer up from my downward, “woe is me” focus many times and look around me and then upward to the magnificent Father who bestows wonderful blessings in my life to speak to me of His love.

So, belatedly, but still grateful, I am thankful for safe travel. My van is getting up there in years and miles, but it is comfortable to drive and comfortable to ride in. I am grateful to have it to get around in. It got a workout on this last trip.

I am grateful for a husband who missed me and his boys while we were gone. He greeted me with a warm welcome, clean tub, vacuumed living room and a great supper. He had to work this weekend, but managed to do things that made coming home very special.

There is no place like home, your own sheets and knowing just where everything is. I am thankful for my nest.

Our trip had a two-fold purpose—Boo is turning 7 this week!! 7. I cannot believe it. So part of the trip was to celebrate his birthday with his cousins, something we always do. For the past six birthdays Grandma and Grandpa were with us. This year Grandma is in ICU and Grandpa came home for a nap and had cake with Boo. The second purpose of this trip, of course was to visit with Grandpa, and to allow me to see Grandma—my mom. I am thankful for the chance to do that. But it was a bittersweet celebration for me.

My mother is one of the toughest people I know. She is in ICU. She has had several procedures, some termed “heroic.” She’s gotten through them and when I left Sunday afternoon appeared to be getting stronger. She has more to go through, much, much more. But she’s got a will that is unbelievable. I am grateful for my time there with her. It gave me hope.

I am grateful for my father, who has sat beside her as much as humanly possible, and continues to do so. I am grateful I was able to take watch for a bit and give him a chance to rest and recharge. My boys spent a good portion of Sunday with him and I think they all were glad for that. And I am grateful for the ICU staff who are incredible. Their knowledge, compassion and talent are beyond compare.

The list, once started, is surprisingly long. There are so many things I am grateful for, I could write about it all day.

Thanks for coming back to visit after my mini break. It means so much to me. I am truly grateful.

What are you grateful for?