Welcome Back

A wild Assateague Pony

I decided to title this post Welcome Back. You may be asking "who are you welcoming back?" I am actually welcoming myself back to my blog today. The last time I posted to my blog was May 18th. In some respects is seems like so long ago and yet it I am shaking my head asking where did the time go? I spent my summer wrapped up in our oldest daughter's wedding plans for August 27th. That included sewing 5 bridesmaids dresses, matching vests for groomsmen and ring bearers, table centerpieces, wedding favors, a wedding cake, and all of the food which ended in split second decision to have the wedding on the rehearsal night. Thank you hurricane Irene! And let's not forget the earthquake in Virginia that happened on the 23rd of August, which we felt! In the midst of all this, tried to do all we could to support our dear family friends as they walked through a battle with cancer that ended with an amazing man going on to his heavenly home in glory. You can read her story of love, heartbreak, courage, and strength beginning with the June Archives on her blog: www.lookslikeabiblelessontome.blogspot.com   God has taught us all so much this summer. So with a fresh new blog background welcoming my favorite season I am glad to be back to sharing our "Art-full" days. Our first day of school was September 12th. We celebrated with a quick trip (Daddy had to be back at work at 2:00) to the beach to collect shells and see the ponies. As we got out of the car, I over heard Abigail (6) say, in a relieved voice, "I was so scared to start school today!" "Of what?" I chuckled to myself: your teacher? missing the bus? forgetting you locker combination? making friends?  The beauties of homeschooling. I am so thankful that my children will not have to experience those all too real fears that shaped my personality as a young person. This school year Abi has asked to still do our "Five For Fun" books so I will again post our finds. Last year I did pretty well with my 52 books in 52 weeks challenge- let's just say I am probably not going to hit 52 reads this year but I will pick this up again and post what I read from here on out. Last but not least- I really enjoyed reading Volume 6 of Charlotte Mason's Philosophy of Education and posting my "narrations". This year I have been led to read through and apply the treasures in "Laying Down the Rails" by Sonya Shafer. I have a feeling that this is going to be an "ouch hallelujah" (a term that our youth group coined for a lesson or principle that the Lord is teaching you that might hurt at first but bring a wonderful reward.) kind of learning for me and hopefully Abi as well.  

Nonna and Abi searching for shells