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.

Spinach & Black Bean Quesadilla

We're reading The Sn*wy Day by Keats in preschool this week. With the current weather, the book comes alive as we make our own tracks in our snow covered yard.










































Today we did some research on animal tracks, printed and cut them out, and placed them in Elle's collector box. We even found a game online that lets you match the track to the correct animal. Zane is an eager student and tries to keep up with Elle -- we'll need some left-handed scissors soon...too hard for Mama!

Elle has recently taken a special interest in a Russian dress given to her by G&G W. This is the second day in a row that she has worn it.
















We worked up an appetite, but what to eat.... My meal goals are healthy, fast and on hand.

Today we went vegetarian with Spinach & Black Bean Quesadillas:

Black beans, diced red onion, chopped raw spinach and colby/jack cheese between two corn tortillas. With just a dribble of oil we grilled it up on the stove top. Mixed a dollop of yogurt and salsa together and served on the side.

























There are a million ways to tweak this recipe...adding diced tomatoes or fresh avocado slices would be delicious. Chicken or beef would make it even more hearty or maybe something entirely different in the middle...chicken salad, Philly style (steak, onions, green peppers), Italian flare (motz cheese, red sauce, spinach, sausage, black olives) or with sauteed veggies (green & red peppers, onions, zucchini, cauliflower). Mmmm....

The kiddos are napping and I'm going to go enjoy an orange brought back from friends that recently returned from Arizona - TO.DIE.FOR!

Preschool At Home

We're doing preschool at home and just as expected and like life, some days are wonderful and other days, not so much. Preschool is just more of what we've done all along being parents, but with a bit more purposeful structure. This first year is probably more for me than Elle, as I'm learning a rhythm and structure and how to protect our time. It also has been an adjustment to incorporate a two year old boy, who desperately wants all my attention, into the mix.

Elle is eager to learn and although the preschool skills can be very challenging for her, she never gives up. She is always patient with me and Zane's interruptions and I'm definitely humbled by her example. Elle is a good thinker and a hard worker with a dear, sweet spirit.



Zane gets in on the preschool fun.


The Little Rabbit was a fun book that was a great springboard for learning the days of the week and making charts.



My Blue Boat brought a focus to colors and shapes. We also enjoyed a family picnic by a lake with our very own blue boat, but the wind didn't cooperate so we just ate with the boat.



Sorting and counting colored bears. Elle is patient to teach Zane.

Preschool

Elle officially began preschool today at home with me. It wasn't too much different from things we have done to learn and explore, but I am using a literature based curriculum that will provide a daily and creative routine for us.

Elle enjoyed getting dressed for school, finishing breakfast to be ready for school, discovering her new books and setting up her supplies -- all for the 'first day of school'. Zane tagged along and got schooled himself...those second borns, always bumming off the firsts. ;)

Unfortunately, Zane may be missing out on some fun for a few days. The symptoms that sent us to the hospital in April for surgery due to post-op complications, presented again over the weekend...we are stunned. We are heading to Children’s in the morning and expect Zane to be in surgery by afternoon. We are also expecting to be inpatient for days. Please pray for Zane’s safety, healing, our insight, strength and for the right doctors to be in place along the way.