Journey to Excellence

I love Providence. No, I'm not talking about Providence, Rhode Island, although I would imagine that it is absolutely breathtaking this time of year with the changing leaves. I am talking about the Providence of God. We just think we know it all, don't we? We definitely think we know the best plan, or at least know how we would like the plan to go. And then God steps in and redirects the situation to the path He knows is best, and things happen pretty much out of our control. It is during these times that we can stop and look back and see where our actions have brought us to this particular set of circumstances and we see God's hand in it all, even in those things that were so insignificant along the way. I love those moments. It's when I feel closest to God and know of His power in my life. I am thankful for His Providence, and that He doesn't let me have my own way all the time.

Geography is a BIG deal in our house! Eli and Brynne love anything having to do with Geography. Away We Go Media has a great product of books for young children celebrating the countries of Norway, South Korea, Mexico, and France. The books are written by Carole P. Roman and are titled: If You Were Me and Lived in Norway If You Were Me and Lived in South Korea If You Were Me and Lived in Mexico If You Were Me and Lived in France My plan was to take these books and focus on one each Friday during the review period. I asked Eli and Brynne to each choose one book to read. I wanted them to each read their book and then tell us five things they learned. I went into the kitchen to fix lunch, but before I got to the kitchen one of the kids said, "Hey mom, did you know …?" Then I was called back out of the kitchen seconds later by the other kid saying, "Hey mom, did you know …?" This went on a few more times before I finally just went and sat down in...

What was in the kitchen ... We had a yummy weekend in the kitchen! On Friday night we had swiss steak, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn. Then on Saturday night I made a big pot of American Stew and grilled cheese sandwiches for the Missouri football game. (Go Mizzou!) An activity we did away from home ... The only real activity we did away from home was Eli and Brynne's Saturday morning bowling league. They are just really, really enjoying this Saturday morning activity! They are both improving every week and it's really just a joy to watch. We are all having fun! What we learned at church ... We continue to learn about the anointing of David as King. It's fun to learn this with kids who are 10-12 years old, because David was about their age when he was anointed as King. The kids can really grasp the magnitude of the responsibility that he had! We went through the costumes in the attic at church to fit the kids for their skit they are doing in service ...

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Science and me do not get along very well. Since I am more language arts and history bent, math and science seem like such a chore. I can trudge through math with a good and consistent program. But, I have a really hard time sticking with any science program unless it has to do with birds or gardening, because those are things I enjoy. So I am always thankful for a science product review. This time it was Project Genius Light by EEME . Just because I don't enjoy science doesn't mean my kids don't. In fact, they love science and are always so excited when I haul out the materials for a science experiment. When I told them they were going to get to do an electrical project, they were very enthusiastic! And the real exciting part was that I told them that it was a project they would get to do with their daddy! It was a win-win for all of us because Rick LOVES science. So, I got to sit and watch and take pictures as t...

I am immensely thankful for Sunday afternoon naps, especially after the Chiefs win again to make it a 9-0 season so far! Actually, I like naps any day. What I don't particularly like is the meanie who took this picture of me napping today, and then anonymously e-mailed it to me for me to find the next time I logged in. Paybacks … that's all I can say. And, can you say 'grumpy sleeper'? Regardless of the icky picture, that little power nap was awesome and I am thankful for it!!

I am so thankful for this man who is my loving husband, my kids' awesome dad, and a wonderful provider and friend. I don't know what we would do without him. I'm thankful I don't have to worry about that.