HS Conference

Eric and I recently attended a home school conference, together! It was too many hours away from Zane last year, so Eric stayed home while I went with a friend. This time was like a mini vaca! We had not seen Grandma H. in eight months, so it was perfect timing for her to fly in for a visit and watch the kiddos while we were filled-up and refreshed.

What we appreciated most about this time was the encouragement in building a family of faith, with hearts turned toward The Father and each other. The keynote speaker was Dr. Th*mas Sharp from Creation Truth Foundati*n. He is a brilliant scholar, but most impressive is his love and passion for Jesus and the family. We agreed that the biggest take away from our time listening to him was our responsibility to train our children to discern right from wrong and adhere to God's truth.

The other stand-out Biblical challenge, shared by another speaker, was the 'fattened calf' principle from Luke 15. The parable of the prodigal son should remind us that after we've prayed, listened and waited for God's answer -- we need to celebrate His provision! As a family, don't miss offering BIG praise for His answers, His care, His victory!

And boy, did we come away from the weekend with BIG 'fattened calf' PRAISES!

First, we met a speech pathologist who practices with a philosophy that we have been praying and searching for. I cried as I sat in her class and leaned over to whisper to Eric, "I want her!" After her lecture, I approached her and told her directly, "I want you!" There are not enough words to express the knee-buckling, God-awing provision this providential meeting was. She shared that she knows of no other pathologist in our area that practices with her approach and she came as a last minute speaker for just one of the conference days. God directed us to her class out of ten others that hour - an incredible answer to years of prayer.

The other 'chance' (NOT!) meeting was at a small class that discussed neurological testing, advancement and healing. We have been seeking God's direction for professional help with a Godly worldview that would address some needs of Elle's. Something that has been difficult to grasp was laid out and broken down with real next steps offered by some of the world's foremost authorities in learning challenges from our own city...we are still awed-speechless....

Praise and glory

and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. (Rev. 7:12)

Speaking of blessings, having Grandma here was such a joy. The weekend would not have been as wonderful without the comfort of knowing Elle and Zane were in such caring and loving hands.

The HUMONGO highlight of the week belonged to Elle. She and Grandma went on a date to see a theater production of Beauty and the Beast. The morning show began with a royal brunch with Belle herself! A few of my girlfriends and their daughters also attended and at intermission they were crowned at a coronation service. I understand Elle charged the stage boldly, ready to take on her princessly duties. All the pictures from this event are on Grandma's camera and I forgot to get copies before she left - yikes!

It was particularly difficult for Elle to say goodbye this time. She got choked up as we drove away from the airport and misses her early morning bed cuddles with Grandma.

Oh, Zane-O Boy - silly, silly!

Traditional farmstead visit.

Aunt Patty came to visit too!

A little antiquing.

Creative, wet, fun downtown.

To Seattle & Back

We were in Seattle last week - YEAH! We left on Saturday to visit my parents and see them in their new home. Just one of the perks was taking in the beautiful Seattle landscape, much from their front porch! We also enjoyed a visit from my sister and her three children who drove over from the Portland area.



We were blessed to hear Dad preach Sunday morning, attended a local festival, played at parks, took walks, ran through sprinklers and ate great food. One afternoon we ate on the water at Ivar's Seafood (Seattle's best seafood and chowder). Then we drove our cars on the ferry and rode across the Sound to an island, ate ice cream and took the ferry back. :) And unlike our last visit, the sky was clear and Mount Rainier looked majestic - from my parent's house!




Another morning we strolled Pike's Place Market (the oldest continually operating farmers market in the United States) and took in the sights, food and sounds of street musicians that very much captivated Elle and Zane. There was a man who played a harmonica while thumping a homemade bass made from a string and wash tub, another guy played a guitar while balancing another guitar on top of his head and then there was the man on the corner playing a full size piano...I guess he rolled it there??



The best part was being together, lounging around in our pajamas, watching the kiddos play and enjoy Grandma's crafts and face painting.... It was bittersweet in the end, sad to say goodbye but oh so excited to get home and meet our new nephew, Titus.





And that's just what we did, from the airport to Kevin and Alicia's front door where Titus greeted us, sweet face, hair and all! :) He's the cutest little dude with the biggest head of jet-black hair, sporting dimples and a cleft chin - get out of here!




While the husbands took dinner to Grandma and visited Grandpa recovering at the hospital, we Mamas, with our blessings, enjoyed our first play date over pizza...Titus slept during the meal, but enjoyed some floor time play with cousin Zane after dinner. It's surreal to see our nephew finally home...all the months of praying and now the joy of watching this family revel in His perfect provision - He is good!



I spent the following day at meetings for upcoming fellowships and events we are involved in this Fall and this week I've been doing some more reading and a bit of prep to begin homeschooling Elle for preschool. There's much to look forward to but I wish the days would slow down as we kissed our Zane for the last time as a one-year-old. Tomorrow the Zane-O-Boy is two and it just doesn't seem possible!