Black Forest Fire

Black Forest is a close neighbor community to our city, Colorado Springs.  A fire started on Tuesday June 11 in the densely wooded area where many dear friends have made wonderful beautiful homes. 

Wednesday while my daughters were at music lessons, I took a drive to see the fire from a safe distance, and to pray.

What we could see from our neighborhood

The Northern Plume

We found out today that the first home Builder and I had together is destroyed.  I am thankful for the abundance of memories we, our older kids and our extended family have of good times there.

Please think of those displaced by this fire, at this time about 41,000 people, those who already know they've lost their home  (at least 360 homes have been destroyed, including the homes of several in our homeschool community).  Pray for those caring for the animals that have been displaced, this is also an area full of horse owners and ranches.  Pray for Rain, for the wind to stop and for the safety of the Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement.  Pray for the family and friends of the two who died trying to evacuate.

We will continue to see the goodness in the land of the living.

The BARE NAKED TRUTH

About The Bare Naked Truth:"The Truth About Sex and Waiting . . . Uncovered Purity.

"Sex. Boys. Waiting. There's something about those words that makes everything complex in a heartbeat, and raises more questions than answers.  Bekah Hamrick Martin knows the waiting game isn't easy or straight-forward. In The Bare Naked Truth, she lays everything on the table---including some embarrassing moments---as she explores the honest, naked truth behind what God means by purity. With additional entries from popular authors, you'll see the bare naked approach to waiting isn't always easy, but it's worth the risk."

As a mom of daughters age 30, 24, 13, 12 and 11, purity is a topic that is often discussed.  While I appreciate the message Bekah Hamrick Martin shares in The Bare Naked Truth, the difference in personality between the author and myself is pretty extreme and I struggled with the book tremendously. 

That said, I believe that Bekah Hamrick Martin has a wonderful love for young women and desires to reach them with the truth and hope, and with tools to maintain purity of body, mind and spirit.  I'm not sure that I will recommend this book to my younger daughters, but one of my older daughters is going to read it soon, and give me a younger woman's perspective.

This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion by Litfuse Publicity.

This Week, June 2-7

In my life this week…

We had fun times of fellowship with friend this week.  Our daughters who are in the youth group are finding many opportunities for fun.  During one of these times I was able to slip out for pie & tea with a friend.  Delightful!

In our homeschool this week…Mae finished PreAlgebra!! and is in the process of taking the Saxon Placement Test.  She has done very well, and I might even say that Mae is enjoying mathematics, with Life of Fred math.  I feel confident that it is a solid math course, but want to see how what Mae has learned measures up with Saxon math.

Each child has a short list of things to complete, and I am pretty sure that tomorrow will be a stopping point for most things.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… This week volunteer works at the Ranch and all three daughters will be working this summer.  There has been a flurry of mending and ironing to get all ready.  We are heading to Denver early Saturday morning.  Builder is coming home for a week!  Actually 9 days.

My favorite thing this week was…hearing my daughter open up to me and share a deep hurt.  While it hurts to see her hurt, the fact that she is willing to trust and share with me brings me joy.

My kiddos favorite thing this week is probably "seeing the end near."

Things I’m working on…Quilts.  My grand nieces cousin quilt is FINISHED as of earlier today.  Next up is sewing the binding on a quilt for my grand daughter, then piecing together her cousin quilt.

I’m cooking…  No, I'm not cooking much!  The cooking part of our Meaningful Work summer is going beautifully!

Taco Potatoes

Corn Dog Muffins with Fruit Salad and Carrots

I’m grateful for…the whispers of my Father in the early morning.  Just this morning His words of peace and encouragement lingered with me all day.

I’m praying for…friends who are fighting illness, auto immune type things, safe travel for my Beloved.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…

First Food

Read more: http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/homeschool-mothers-journal/#ixzz2VUs8pvMU

This Moment

 

 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

 

 

This is my mom and my granddaughter. 

 

It seems that little Miss JoyNess is the apple of Mom's eye.  She is living with early onset Alzheimer's and there are few things that appear to give her joy.  Miss JoyNess is definitely one of them.  This week I chose to see this moment as extraordinary and give thanks.

Book & Curriculum Materials for Sale!

See the FOR SALE page over the next couple of weeks as we purge the bookshelves of all the outgrown and no longer needed items.!

12 Days!