What We've Been Up To...

Out and About:

We spent our first week back Stateside at my parent's house in Florida, and the kids had their very first 'real' beach outing.  We've been to rocky beaches before, but not a swimming beach.  I thought the waves might freak them out, but they had a fabulously fun time splashing around and trying to run away from the waves fast enough.  Sand castles and shell collecting featured heavily in our outing too.

 

 

 

Now that we are settled up in North Carolina where we will stay for much of the year, we have already found a lovely wooded nature trail around a pond just across the road from our apartment. Stay tuned for photos of that soon.  I have a feeling it will be a favorite we will revisit.

 

 

In the Schoolroom:

For the last several weeks, school has consisted solely of science in the form of "How it's Made" episodes on TV, various nature study opportunities in the form of walks around the neighborhood, and literature in the form of bedtime read-alouds. That all counts, right? ;P This week, we are back to a light, basics-only school schedule (math, Ambleside reading, copywork for all, and a bit of dictation and written narration for my almost-10-year-old) plus a bit of nature study.  We'll do that for two weeks, which ought to get us to a good 'pausing' point, and then we will adjourn for the rest of the summer.

 

 

Creatively:

I got a new stash of yarn when we arrived in the States, and have been crocheting dishcloths and coasters to use in our apartment.  Michelle is crocheting with me (yay for a new stash of yarn!).

 

 

I also finally broke down and a bought a copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady.  What a beautiful peek inside a vintage nature journal!  Worth getting your hands on it if you can – I found mine used online quite inexpensively.  It is lovely and inspiring, and now I am working to revamp the way my nature journal is set up.  I love the way her notes and drawings carry her through the year.  I am so looking forward to seasonal variation while in the Northern hemisphere this year and want to record that in a natural, intuitive way.  Stay tuned. J

 

 

In the Kitchen:

Berries.  Melon.  Berries.  Broccoli.  Berries.  Mushrooms-not-from-a-can.  Berries.  Milk-that-isn't-shelf-stable.  Berries.  Grapes.  Berries.  Sandwich Meat.  Berries. Cherries.  Berries.  Peaches.  Berries.

 

I think that sums it up pretty well.

 

 

Around the House:

I think we are about as settled as we can be in our furnished apartment for the coming year.  That 'getting settled' process involved putting the TV in a closet, moving the computer desk into our bedroom (I have never cared for having our 'office' space in the middle of the living room), and obtaining a couple of extra bookcases so I could put our books away.  Not sure what that says about me as a person…but there you have it. :)

 

 

What have you been up to lately?

Daybook: The First One from Africa

I wouldn't say I'm quite ready to start posting on a regular basis again JUST YET...but thought that I would pop in and say hello from Africa where we have survived our first week and a half or so.  =)

Outside my window:: A mango tree on one side of the house, and a banana tree on the other.  And the 'neighborhood playground' where all of the other MK's (missionary kids) living on our compound play.   After living in a 4th floor apartment in France, and only being able to get together with friends on occasion, my kids are ecstatic.

The tree in the foreground is our mango tree - I'm thinking that this may be the tree we adopt for our year-long tree study this year!

Listening to:: Chris Tomlin's And if Our God is For Us.   I don't know about you, but I have certain albums that I associate with certain pivotal, key times in my life.   This is the one that I often listened to in the car during our furlough in 2011, when we were working through the decision to leave Papua New Guinea and come to Cameroon.    And I find that now that we are here and living through the [not very fun] transition period, I need to be reminded of the things that the Lord spoke to me during that decision making process.   He is still for us.   He is still faithful.   We can still choose to trust and follow wherever He leads.

Giving Thanks::  That we are here, safely, with all our luggage.   That people have been helpful, friendly, and hospitable as we've gotten settled.  For familiar faces - friends from our time of language study in France.   For fans.   And real butter.   And hot water in the shower. (Yes, I still appreciate a hot shower, even though we are once again living in the tropics!)

Pondering::  "Expect nothing of yourself and everything of God."   Not sure who she was quoting, but someone shared it this morning in our orientation class in the context of a discussion on how to maintain one's spiritual health in this new and challenging cultural context.   I will admit that I am overwhelmed by all the new and different things we've encountered in this place, and while I am surviving, I have difficulty imagining how I will ever learn to find my place and thrive here.   And on my own, I can't.   But He has brought us this far, and I need to trust that He isn't going to drop us now.

Living the Educational Life:: We are on a [very temporary] hiatus right now...Michelle is attending the small MK elementary school here, and the two little ones are in daycare, for the 5 weeks we are doing our orientation class.  It is going OK, but I will admit that I am counting the days until we can get back into our homeschooling groove again, and realizing once again why homeschooling is such a great fit for our family.  (Hmm...sounds like a post all of its own!)  The bonus though...when I went to pick her up on the first day, her teacher's comment was "Boy, can she read - she even knows what all those words mean!"   Thank you, Charlotte Mason, for infusing our home with fantastic and challenging literature!

What I am Loving About Africa (so far):: The early mornings.  Cool(er), quiet, peaceful.  Amazing (and cheap) market produce.  The aforementioned playground.   The fact that my kids think that power outages are cool.

What I am Not Loving About Africa (so far):: The dirt.  Keeping the floor clean is a losing battle.

Finding Rhythm:: What's that??!!  HA!  Haven't gotten that far yet.  Ask me again in a couple months. ;-)

Praying:: For patience and wisdom and grace as we transition. That we would be open and receptive to new ideas in a new culture. For the strength to nurture well, even when I myself am feeling stretched and drained.

Planning the Week Ahead::  Continuing with our orientation course and getting ourselves settled and organized.  Learning how to take a taxi.  And probably visiting an African church for the first time this coming Sunday.

Capturing a Moment::

View from my front porch.

Daybook: The Last One from France

This will probably be the last post before things go quiet around here for a little while, as our family moves and transitions to our new life and ministry in Africa.  I look forward to picking things back up again once we have internet up and running and are fairly settled on the other side.   A very joyous New Year to all of you.

Outside my Window:: Gray, cold, and wet...and yet warm enough that all our pretty snow melted away.  Michelle told me the other day she couldn't wait to go to Africa because that meant she wouldn't have to put her coat on everytime she went out.  Yes, I think we're ready to move back to the tropics.

Listening to::  My kids playing some imaginative game which involved Elizabeth, who just got up from her nap, "coming down from her little attic".   And Elizabeth crying because I dared to try and send her to the toilet when she got up.   And when (if?) it gets quiet enough - these lectures from the CiRCE Institute.  Fabulous Stuff.

Giving Thanks:: For God's sustaining grace.   For friends who offer to help before we even ask.   For kids who sit quietly and get multiple immunizations with very little drama.  For my mama, who sent me some Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte instant coffee mix to make up for having had a Pumpkin Spice Latte in Geneva WITHOUT ME.  And my step-dad, who special ordered a package of chocolate covered coffee beans from a coffee plantation we once visited in Australia.  For creative kids who are easily entertained.   For sweet little 4 year old who always reminds us that we need to "pray for the new day" in the morning and who asks me to pray for him when I tuck him in at night.

Pondering::  This fantastic article by Elizabeth Foss, that I keep returning to again and again.  And this little gem, taken from Charlotte Mason's Volume 5 Formation of Character:

"Actions do not speak louder than words to a young heart; he must feel it in your touch, see it in your eye, hear it in your tones, or you will never convince child or boy that you love him, though you labour day and night for his good and his pleasure. Perhaps this is the special lesson of Christmas-tide for parents. The Son came––for what else we need not inquire now––to reinstate men by compelling them to believe that they––the poorest shrinking and ashamed souls of them––that they live enfolded in infinite personal love, desiring with desire the response of love for love. And who, like the parent, can help forward this "wonderful redemption"? The boy who knows that his father and his mother love him with measureless patience in his faults, and love him out of them, is not slow to perceive, receive, and understand the dealings of the higher Love."
 

Of course I love my children.  But do they know that?   And more, what will they learn of the Love of the Father from me?


Living the Educational Life:: You can see our year-end wrap up right here.   Enjoying the time off for the holidays and transition, but also super excited about starting AO Year 1 when we get back into our school routine in February.  And really happy that I am once again A Teacher and no longer A Student. ;-)

What I Will Miss About France:: All the bakeries and cafés and chocolatiers everywhere you look.  So, so yummy.

What I Won't Miss About France:: All the bakeries and cafés and chocolatiers everywhere you look.  So, so bad for my waistline.

Finding Rhythm:: We've been having a special "snack and story" time since we stopped having regular school lessons.   This means tea or hot chocolate in the little mini mugs (sometimes even with whipped cream) and Christmas cookies, while I read something out loud.  Wondering how to keep this little tradition going when we get back to normal again.

Praying:: For patience and wisdom and grace as we transition.  For the strength to nurture well, even when I myself am feeling stretched and drained.

Planning the Week Ahead:: Packing.  I can no longer put it off.   And hanging out with my mama and my sister, who are coming on Saturday to help us in our packing and transitioning endeavor.

Capturing a Moment::

Daybook: The 2 Months and Counting Edition

Outside my window:: Sunny but cool.  I'm trying to enjoy the cool, since we are down to only 2 more months here in France before we head to the tropics. 2 months from today that is.  I'm told that January is the hottest part of the year where we are going.  Yes, enjoying the autumn and winter while I can.

We even had an eensy bit of snow a couple weeks ago!

Listening to:: The construction noises from the shop down at the bottom of our apartment building that is being renovated.  Yes, we are 4 flights up from it.  Makes me glad we aren't any closer!

Giving Thanks:: For rest time.  For being about 8 class sessions (over the next 4 weeks) away from being DONE with French school!  For tartelettes aux framboises and pain au chocolat from the bakery across the street.  For a super-helpful husband.  For getting a front row seat to things like your son learning how to read.  For a God who is still on His throne, no matter what.

Pondering:: Whether or not I like this new haircut or not.  After a string of bad hair days over the past week, I semi-impulsively gave in to that niggling temptation to chop it all off.  (Sorry no pics yet since I can't find the camera, but I snagged the photo I took to the salon with me from here - scroll down to the bottom.)   I've never had hair this short, save one really bad haircut when I was about 5 (that one was much, much worse however).  Takes some getting used to!  I will say I don't dislike it, even if the ultimate verdict is still out. It has been kind of fun watching people's reactions, however.  They've ranged from my 2 year old telling me that I "look like a grandma" to my French prof (who's the same age I am, so more of a peer than a teacher) who said that it made me look "jeune et dynamique" (young and dynamic) to my husband who said he liked it because it looks different (I think he was trying to be diplomatic) to a 40-something Japanese classmate who said that he loved it and thought I must have a really good hairdresser! 

Sorry if you were hoping for a deeper reflection than that.  That's all I've got for you today.  I am also mulling over this blog, lest you think I've gone completely shallow on you. =)

Living the Educational Life:: Click here to get the latest updates about what the kids have been up to, educationally speaking.  Yesterday was one proud homeschooling mama-day, however, as James read his very first sentence and Michelle passed her last addition facts test (meaning she's got all of them from 0+0 to 9+9 down.)  I am only going to French school 2 days per week now, and will finish at the end of this month.  So ready to just be a Mama again. 

What I Will Miss About France:: Living in a 4th floor apartment right in the middle of the downtown, pedestrian-access only area of a French town rich in history, with numerous bakeries, cafes, and a fantastic farmer's market literally 2 steps outside our door.

What I Won't Miss About France:: Living in a 4th floor apartment with 3 children aged 7 and under. (Think: No backyard.)

I also have to candidly admit that I won't miss all the cheese, although I'm certainly the only person in the family to feel this way!

Praying:: That we will be successful in applying for our Cameroonian visas by mail.  That I will be able to be fully present and responsive to the needs of my children during the major transitions that lie ahead.  That I would come to understand the grace given to me by my Savior more deeply everyday, and be able to extend it to my family and others around me.

Planning the Week Ahead:: Home and homeschooling...following up on visa and packing related stuff...French class Friday...potluck Saturday with our group of missionary colleagues.  Maybe staying on this blogging bandwagon I seem to have jumped back on? =)

Capturing a Moment:: About a year ago, we were preparing to come to France and bought the kids a CD called "Songs in French for Children".  They immediately fell in love with the song "Sur Le Pont d'Avignon" and so have sung it constantly for the last year.  Last weekend, we actually went to Avignon and got to see it!  How cool is that?

Daybook: The "I've gotta do something to redeem the time while spending hours watching the Olympics" Edition

Outside my window:: Sunny and 79.  Welcome relief after a couple of days of 90+ weather this past week.  Thankfully, the super-hot streaks only seems to last for a couple days at time before we get a bit of a reprieve.

Listening to:: French commentary on the Olympic women's judo competition.  I do kind of like the fact that I can justify TV watching by the fact that it is all in French, and therefore "homework". =)

Giving Thanks:: For improved communication in our family ever since Dan and I decided we needed to do whatever it took to ensure we got a weekly 'date night' (generally a date night at home for us, but whatever works!)  ~  For encouraging signs of progress in the French language - most recently a French lady at church telling me that I spoke really well and didn't make very many errors, after a conversation lasting around 15 minutes. ~  Sparks of spiritual interest in the kids.

Pondering:: We said goodbye to some friends around 2 weeks ago as they left France for their assignment in Africa.  And in about a month we'll say goodbye to another missionary family that we've gotten to know really well.  Neither of these families will be serving in the same part of Africa as we are, so it's not terribly likely we'll cross paths with them again soon.  One of the really hard parts of missionary life for me is the constant goodbyes.  Sometimes it makes it really hard for me to want to invest in relationships at all...especially right now since we are in a sort of temporary/transitional place this year.   I asked a friend from the missions committee of one of our supporting churches back in the States to pray for me about this, and she shared some really helpful and encouraging thoughts with me:

"I learned something from one of the leaders at a youth retreat years ago.  He reminded me to enjoy the moments I’m with people because sometimes our paths cross ever so briefly.  I’m reminded of that by your email and by our recent trip to Michigan.  We met many friends of our “adopted” daughter and her husband.  We were blessed by the time we spent with them.  We will probably never see them again, yet our lives are richer for the brief time we spent together."

 Yes, my life is richer for the time we've spent here, for the relationships - however 'short-term' - we've been able to form.  I am also reminded of the necessity of "staying in today" and making the most of the opportunities the Lord brings across my path each day.  And perhaps most importantly that I serve a God who promises to go with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9, Psalm 139) - something I can always count on no matter what else happens.

Living the Educational Life:: You can check out what the kids have been up to here in the new "What We've Learned" category.  Finally, I think I've found a method of school record-keeping I can keep up with! =)   My French studies are plugging along as well, although with the summer 'vacances', most of my outside-of-school speaking/practice opportunties have dried up for the moment.  Hoping in the fall these will pick up again, and in the meantime I'm trying to make time to read French books, watch French TV, and occasionally study up on French grammar.  Slowly, it's getting easier.

Preparing in the Kitchen:: Not much.  Even our friend Mr Sourdough is laying dormant in the back of the fridge right now.  Needed to scale back to the very basics for awhile.  That all said, however, I am considering a grain-free experiment in the near future.  On verra.  (French for "we will see!")

Following These Links::  I finally broke down and got a Pinterest account.  I avoided this for a long time because I felt like I didn't need anymore online distractions.  However, all my bookmarked articles were getting out of control, so I got on Pinterest as means of keeping them organized.  And it's working.  And it really hasn't been a distraction.  So, win-win.  All that to say that I think I will retire this category and encourage you to follow me over there if you are interested in the following my links. =)

Finding Rhythm:: Making the point to have a weekly date night is helping a lot, if for no other reason that we have now a specific point every week to ensure that communication is happening.  Otherwise, last month was struggle.  Here's hoping our new schedule for August better facilitates rhythm!!

Kiddos this Week:: Michelle wrote her own story in the style of Aesop's Fables this afternoon, which she wanted me to narrate to her.  Unfortunately she erased it before I had a chance to read it, which therefore made it difficult to tell her about it....   James asked me this week when he "could have a big Bible like Michelle's".  The motivation to read is mounting...   Elizabeth?  Oh my, where to begin with her.   Let's just say she keeps us on our toes. =)

Praying:: For daily strength to stay motivated in this task of language learning.  For wisdom to respond to the needs of my family, and to know how to encourage my husband, for whom French study is proving much more challenging than it has been for me.  That I would know my Savior more intimately every day.

Planning the Week Ahead:: Ask me again in 24 hours.  We'll have our new schedule then, so then I might be able to figure out just what the plan for the week might be!!

Capturing a Moment:: The kids and I actually managed to pull off taking Dan's birthday cake to school as a surprise!  He really had no idea we were coming until we showed up. =)

Daybook: The "Thought I'd Check in Since it's Been Awhile" Edition

Outside my window:: Sunny and 81.  Gorgeous.  I want to say that summer has come to France to stay, but that might just be inviting a cold and rainy day tomorrow and we just couldn't have that, now could we?

Listening to:: Michelle sitting next to me, reading over my shoulder as a type. =)  But as for everyone else, they're all asleep.  Much needed Sunday afternoon naps all around.

Giving thanks for:: Warm sunny weather.  Funny things my kids say to make me smile on those days that I need to lighten up a little bit.  A husband who helps around the house.  Friends and fellowship...in French and in English.

Pondering:: Today our French church had a baptism.   This wasn't something tacked on to the end of a service, it was the service.  We started with singing, the lady who was being baptized shared her testimony, then we all drove up to the lake together where the baptism took place, and then returned to church to share a potluck supper together.  It was a full-on party.   And well it should be - when someone decides to testify publically to the work of salvation that Christ has done in their life and declare they want to follow Him with their whole hearts, there should be celebration.  I know for me, having been raised in the church, it is so easy to to take for granted the wonderful gift of salvation.  The baptism this morning was the latest in a string of reminders lately that He has brought me from darkness and death into New Life as well.  Thank you, Jesus.

Living the Educational Life:: School with the kids is plugging along well, as is my continuing appreciation for the methods laid out by Charlotte Mason, but you can read more about what we have been doing here and here and here. 

 Language school is plugging along well also.  I made it into Group 5 this month, which is the highest level class at our school right now.   I still have a long way to go, but I am making progress and feeling more comfortable interacting in French every day. I have also been able to get involved in a small-group tutoring session that meets each week and has been helpful as well....and there are a few other opportunities on the horizon, although we'll see how they all pan out.

Preparing in Kitchen:: So, last time I posted a daybook, I talked about the lunch menu that I had developed in response to the fact that lunch was just not working around here because my kids eat too much and we never had enough leftovers anymore  (and sandwiches are expensive - at least here - and boring.)  Okay, the ultimate irony of this?  Ever since I developed the plan, we've HAD ENOUGH LEFTOVERS TO EAT FOR LUNCH CONSISTENTLY.  Go figure.  That said, it has been nice to have a fall-back reference for the couple of times we've not had something available to eat.  So, I guess we'll keep it folks.

Following these links::  Very interesting article about language learning here from Multilingual Living.   Some good thoughts on Bible and devotions and whether or not to tackle them as 'school subjects' here from A Peaceful Day. I can often relate to the thoughts on transition that Renee shares over at FIMBY, and these posts on The New Normal is Flux and Grounding Practices were no exception.

Finding Rhythm:: Somedays it's as elusive as ever...but I have found a school rhythm that seems to be working for us.  Rather than scheduling a whole week off at a time, we're just taking days off here and there as we need them, based on what else is going on.  I keep track on a calendar how many days we've done to help avoid the temptation to take days off just because I've feeling lazy and not for any other good reason.  I have also scheduled in a 'project' day.  Each time we've finished a 'week' (meaning a  5 day cycle through all of our subjects), we take a day to do things like nature study, art, a 'field trip' or what have you - the stuff that tends to get left behind.   Michelle is also doing more and more independent work, so she has a checklist now of things that she can do on her own.  It has been so very helpful to have this laid out, rather than constantly having to tell her to do this or that.  We've been doing this for almost a month now and I'm really liking the flexibility.   I keep thinking I'm going to post on our schedule/routine, but it keeps changing on me.  Maybe someday I will...

Kiddos this week::
- Michelle at the church potluck today: "Mom, what is the [French] verb that means 'to drink' again?"   Not sure how she knew what a verb was....  
- James, last night as I tucked him in: "Mama, I want to give you a kiss!"  Immediately after said kiss: "OK, you can go away now."  Well then...
- Elizabeth apparently can count to 10, although she usually skips 8.  Always says 'merci' instead of thank you.  And has...drumroll please...made the transition to a big girl bed!

Praying::  For daily wisdom and strength as a Christian, wife, mother, homeschool teacher, and student.  That I would daily recognize my need to depend fully on Christ.  For continued progress in the French languge.

Planning the Week Ahead::  Besides all the normal stuff....Tuesday evening I am hosting some ladies for the first part of the All-Day Charlotte Mason Video seminar, Thursday evening headed to a friend's house for some time of ladies fellowship and to listen to the second part of a parenting seminar, and Friday evening hosting a meeting for all the aviation team heading to Africa with our organization next year.   Yup, this is why I'm an irregular blogger, folks.... 

Capturing a Moment::

All photos in this post: Family outing to see the Rose Gardens at one of the local parks.

Daybook: The "I'm still alive, despite the fact that my blog doesn't show it" Edition

 

Outside my window... The weather this spring has been totally schitzophrenic.  One day it's sunny and 80.  The next day it's cold and rainy.  Makes it very difficult to plan outings or decide what to wear...

::Listening to... My sweet hubby scrubbing the kitchen.  Yes, it's true.  He has basically taken on all the major housecleaning to help lessen some of the home-load since I am in school 16 hours/week, still do most of the meal planning and cooking, and homeschool the kids.  I am a blessed woman.

::Giving thanks for... Increasing confidence in speaking the French language. Many opportunities for fellowship. The fact that there have been three public holidays in as many weeks this month, and that we are now on a vacation week. =)

::Pondering... Last night I went to a friend's house (one of our missionary colleagues, not a French friend) for a ladies' night.  In addition to the wonderful time of fellowship, it was also a time for some of the families that are leaving over the summer (sniff, sniff) to start cleaning out and passing along their things.  There were heaps of clothes and toys for the taking.  On the way home, I was chatting with my neighbor about cleaning things out, minimizing, discerning what is really important to keep and take with you when you are going to be living in Africa, being prepared for the possibility that you might have to walk away from everything, and how to help young children understand this.  I realized that one of the things that 10+ years of overseas living and 3 international moves in as many years has taught me is that we need to build our family culture around things that aren't tangible. We need to hold loosely to stuff...we need to hold loosely the never-ending to-do lists [thinking here about all the things I stressed about NOT doing to our house in PNG when we ended up selling it anyhow...so did any of it really matter in the end?] and focus on the things that are lasting - our relationships with each other and with the Lord.  Those are the things that will keep our world from crashing to pieces even if we have to walk away and leave our home and stuff behind us yet again.  Don't know if I'm making much sense here....but it was a powerful reminder to me of where my priorities need to be.

::Living the Educational Life... We've taken school at a much more relaxed pace because of all the days off this month and that has worked really well.  We are making good progress and having good fun.  James loves feeling more included in our time together.  My goal for our next "term" after our vacation is to start incorporating more French into what I'm doing with the kids.  I have lots of ideas...just need to implement them. (Check out some great Charlotte Mason inspired foreign language posts written by other homeschooling expat families here, here, and here.)  I hope to get a school-update post up soon.

::Preparing in the Kitchen... I have resisted for much too long planning our lunches.  I plan our dinner menus, we have a simple breakfast rotation that works for us, but lunch....sigh.  Sometimes I wish God created our bodies not to have to eat at midday.  Anyhow...I finally sat down last week and made a 4-week lunch rotation.  I didn't plan daily lunches because I never know if we will have leftovers or not...but rather chose 4 simple things to pick from on those days when I don't know what we should have for lunch.  So far, so good this week.  If the plan works out for us....I'll let you know. =)

::Following These Links... This was excellent - on raising children in Africa.  There was a lot of food for thought (on mission statements and knowing yourself) here too.

::Turning Pages... We started using a new devotional resource with the kids this past week and think I may have finally found a child-friendly devotional that I actually like.  Most of the others I have stumbled across are either just twaddle or still over the heads of my little ones.  The title is Long Story Short by Marty Machowski.  Basically it goes through all of the stories of the Old Testament - read from the actual Bible - and gives a brief commentary/related passages to explain how the story points to Jesus.  Apparently there is a sequel that goes through the New Testament coming out later this year.  It is written in such away that my 6 year old connects with it (and even the 3 year old, kind of), but in the lesson on Genesis 1 we've been doing this week, I've been reminded anew of the greatness of God, even the midst of a familiar story.

::Finding Rhythm... Ah...the ongoing quest.  Currently reworking my early morning routine.  Bottom line: I need to get up earlier.  And stay off the internet more. Sigh.

::Kiddos this week... Have been fun and helpful and enjoyable to be around, in general.  As much as I love little babies, I really love that mine are getting older.  I especially love that Michelle is old enough to be excited about going to Paris next week (yes, we are going to Paris!) to see the Eiffel Tower and a real Monet painting in a museum.   Toddlers just don't do things like that, ya know?

::Praying... For wisdom in evaluating my priorities and using my time well, and senstivity to the Lord's guidance as I go through each day. Praising the Lord that we've finally starting to have opportunties for French fellowship and language practice.  Praying that we can find someone who would be willing to help the kiddos likewise....

::Planning the week ahead... next week we are going on vacation. A real one - as in travelling somewhere just because we want to go there and playing tourist for several days and not for work, visiting family, speaking, medical reasons, or errand running. Shoot, we aren't even going to "play tourist" - we're going to be real-honest-to-goodness tourists!  In Paris, no less!  We travel, yes. But we don't vacation.  Hence why this is a big deal.   Watch this space for an update....

::Capturing a moment...

Daybook: The French Pastries will be the End of Me" Edition

Outside my window... Finally, after a very rainy month of April, the 'beau temps" have returned.  Sunny and in the 70's this weekend.  Lovely, lovely, lovely.

::Listening to... Sounds of all the people down in the street below our apartment.  This is unusual for 2 reasons.  1, the weather is finally nice enough to open the window.  2, there are actually people out there on a Sunday.  Usually it's super quiet on Sundays since everything is closed.  But today is the semi-annual "braderie".  Think, enormous, city-wide yard sale.  (PNG friends, it's like a "Top O' the Hill Sale" on steroids.)   Because of this, many of the cafes are open as well.  Living in France is never dull, folks.

::Giving thanks for... Increasing confidence in speaking the French language.  Many opportunities for fellowship.  Lovely weather.  Opportunities to connect with my hubby.

::Pondering... I have a sweet friend who gave birth to twins at 25 weeks back in November.  Amazingly, they both lived (although both are still dealing with residual issues related to their prematurity) and were recently discharged from the hospital.  I just read their latest update in which she shared that her life consists completely of feeding them, changing them, holding them, and trying to get them to sleep.  Long, tiring days, to be sure.  She shared how the other day she was starting to feel sorry for herself because of the sleep deprivation and all of that, and then realized that she shouldn't.   She is sleep deprived because God has seen fit to bless their family with two sweet children to raise for His glory.  He saw fit to allow them both to live (not something that you take for granted when you deliver at 25 weeks!)  She realized anew how she needs to savor and appreciate every moment she gets to spend with these little blessings that God has given them, even the ones that come in the middle of the night.   I was really convicted by that.   Thankfully, we are beyond the sleep-deprivation phase of parenting, but there are definitely other challenges that we do face in the stage we are in.  I confess that in the last couple of weeks I have been focusing on the challenges and not enjoying my children as I should.  Lord, help me to recognize that these little people in my home are blessings straight from Your hand, and the challenges along the way are opportunities to learn to depend more on your strength and wisdom.

::Living the Educational Life... School is going well from a "the kids are making progress" perspective, and not so well from a "mama is organized" perspective.   I think the next few weeks we are going to do 3-4 days/week rather than taking our traditional full week off, to make up for the vacation week we are going to take at the end of May.  Hopefully an "off" day each week will let me feel a little more caught up on life.

::Preparing in the Kitchen... Haven't MADE anything interesting lately...but have made several food related observations in the past week. First of all, how is one supposed to decide what to have for dessert when the dessert buffet looks like this?

(Confession: I couldn't decide.  I ate far more off of this table than I care to admit.  I paid for it in wacky blood sugar for the next 48 hours...but oh my, I almost think it was worth it....)

Second food related observation: only in France would you attend a barbeque where the hot dogs are served in baguettes instead of buns along with a little paper cup of red wine...

::Following These Links... Another fantastic, timely, convicting post from the folks over at Doorposts...

::Turning Pages... I really enjoyed reading Redifining Home last week.  I could relate on so many levels to the experiences of the author, although she lives in China and I've lived in PNG/France/Africa.   If you are a lady living cross-culturally - I'd recommend it.  And if you're not, but you'd like to better understand some of the challenges facing ladies living overseas...I'd reccomend it to you too.

::Finding Rhythm... I'm thinking we need to work more outdoor time into our rhythm.  This nice weather is calling to me...

::Kiddos this week... Well, actually last week...we had a project day.  We needed to push the reset button so, we did.  We had so much fun baking cookies, drawing in our nature journals, reading stories together, and painting.

::Praying... For wisdom in evaluating my priorities and using my time well, and senstivity to the Lord's guidance as I go through each day. And that we will be able to make some French friends, so we will have more opportunities to practice speaking French outside of our class times.  Praise: I am going to a French ladies Bible study tomorrow night!

::Planning the week ahead... Well, we get our new schedule tomorrow.  And then Tuesday is a public holiday (French labor day).   And then back to the grind.  Need to find some study time and figure out the plus-que-parfait.  And organize my papers from the last month.  And run errands.  You get the idea. =)

Hope yours is a good week too!

Daybook: The 'Where Did the Sunshine Go?' Edition

Outside my window... It has been a gray and wet week.  It is supposed to be a gray and wet week again this week.  Where did our glorious spring disappear to?  Come back spring, come back...

::Listening to... Quiet.  I think 3 out of 5 are napping.   The other one is messing around in the entry-way catch-all drawer.  Hopefully not getting into anything she's not supposed to...

::Giving thanks for... Multiple, confidence boosting French language experiences this week, including a successful trip to the doctor with Michelle and understanding the main gist of a French sermon.  Special time with my little-boy-buddy as we started 'preschool' this past week.

::Pondering... OK, here is the coolest story in the world.   Way back a long, long time ago, in a far away land called California, I transferred into a new school in the 5th grade.  If you can imagine the shyest, awkwardest girl in your fifth grade class, then that will give you an idea of me at that age.  Needless to say, it was sort of a rough year for me.  Thankfully, I had a really kind and understanding teacher who I connected with really well.   She helped push me along the road towards having greater confidence.  Easily, she would be among the top 5 influential people in my life. Over the years, we kept in touch on and off.   She even came to my college graduation, and was naturally included on our update list when we moved into overseas missionary work.   Somewhere in between the time that I was a student in that classroom and now, this same teacher came to know the Lord (as wonderful as she was, she was not a believer when I was a student in her classroom).  Recently, she became one of our ministry partners.   In a note she sent us this past week, she shared that we were an inspiration to her.   Funny thing is, I probably wouldn't be here doing this at all if she hadn't first inspired me to take those first tentative steps out of my shell all those many years ago.   Isn't it interesting to see the way that the Lord works...the people who touch our lives in and out of years....such a rich tapestry, isn't it?

Okay, so I think this picture is from fourth grade, and not fifth.  That's because all the scanned childhood photos I happen to have on the computer are the ones I chose to use in our wedding slideshow.  They skip from 9 to 13 because there wasn't a single non-embarrassing picture in between those ages that I cared to show publically...

::Living the Educational Life... A little bit rough getting back into our school groove this week, but looking forward to things being a bit better in that department next week.   We added James into our school time with about 15-20 minutes preschool work while Michelle finishes her math paper (after we start it together) and does her copywork.   He LOVES it.  I am finding he knows more number-letter stuff than I thought he did, but that's OK.  It's really more about getting some focused one-on-one time in with him than anything else, so as long as he's happy, I'm happy. =)

Somebody's just a little excited about starting preschool!

::Preparing in the Kitchen... Nothin' interesting this week.  Had multiple nights that I was wishing for a Chick-Fil-A handy cuz I just didn't want to cook at all.

::Following These Links... This was an interesting read, something to think about.  This had some practical ideas for wiggly-ones.  And SCM has just released their latest history Module.  I had intended to start in Module 1 when Michelle is in third grade, but all the wonderful new resources for Modules 5 and 6 are making me want to start there....we shall see.

::Turning Pages... Just starting a new book I just downloaded to my Kindle called Redefining Home.  Written by an American living in China, I am enjoying it so far because I can so relate to that funny feeling of not knowing where to call home anymore...  Also got the last two World magazines in a package from my Mom this week...and when I am particularly inspired I am very slowly slogging my way through Little House on the Prairie in French.   I emphasize slowly.   As in I started it a week ago and am only just getting to the end of chapter one. 

::Finding Rhythm... Took time last weekend to evaluate our schedule and finding things to be generally going much more smoothly this week. Whew...perhaps there's hope...


::Kiddos this week... To the lady living in the apartment below us: I promise that we really are trying to train our kids to use soft feet in the house.  Really, truly, we ARE trying!

::Praying... For wisdom in evaluating my priorities and using my time well, and senstivity to the Lord's guidance as I go through each day. And that we will be able to make some French friends, so we will have more opportunities to practice speaking French outside of our class times.

::Planning the week ahead... Same, same, same. But, that's OK.

::Capturing a moment... See...they can be still!  They don't always run around like elephants!!

Daybook: The "He is Risen Indeed" Edition

Outside my window... Sadly, the sunshine has disappeared.  It's been kind of a cold, gray, damp weekend.

::Listening to... Quiet.

::Giving thanks for... Increasing opportunties to have French conversations - we visited a different church this morning where the people were quite friendly and I was able to successfully converse with several of them...a friend is also organizing a conversation group which I think will begin this week.  Three day weekends.  Getting to go to a coffee shop all by myself for a little while yesterday.   Strawberries coming into season.   Outings at the park with friends.

::Pondering... Can you see that cross way, way up there on the hill?

I don't know what the story behind it is, but I get a good view of this hill on the route that I walk to and from school.  It is a good reminder that He brought us here and is with us here, even on those discouraging days that I think I will never be able to speak French and wonder just what we got ourselves into.

::Living the Educational Life... You can see our month in review here.  My school is looking up these days too - our class schedule worked out really well this month, and there are finally some other opportunities (conversation group, Bible studies, etc) opening up as well.  And I'm attempting to read Little House on the Prairie in French.  We'll see how that goes. =)

::Preparing in the Kitchen... Made Easter Eggs with the kiddos.  And tried a new recipe for a yogurt and fruit pie which is actually really good for a relatively "healthy" dessert. =)

::Following These Links... This was hands-down the best thing that I've read in a long time.  Extremely timely.

::Turning Pages... In between books right now...

::Finding Rhythm... Took time last weekend to evaluate our schedule and finding things to be generally going much more smoothly this week. Whew...perhaps there's hope...



::Kiddos this week... So, Michelle lost her first tooth this week.  On the same day she made her first attempt at a chapter book (Farmer Boy) and wrote a letter to grandma completely unaided.  My little girl is getting big too fast!

::Praying... For wisdom in evaluating my priorities and using my time well, and senstivity to the Lord's guidance as I go through each day. And that we will be able to make some French friends, so we will have more opportunities to practice speaking French outside of our class times.

::Planning the week ahead... Tomorrow's a public holiday here, so we'll take the day off - we may go to the park with friends if the weather is OK.  And then back to the school-and-home-and-homeschool routine. =)

::Capturing a moment... Park day with friends, enjoying spring in France....