It was the summer after 8th grade, and my family was taking the Disney World trip down to Florida. We were waiting at the airport, and I watched her walk past. Clack, clack, clack. Her black heels slapped the floor with each confident step, her carry-on rolling behind her, her Starbucks in her hand. She was calm and ready to take on the world at seven in the morning. She exuded ease and self-assurance, and I wanted to be her. Fast forward fourteen years, and here I am. I am not a … [Read more...]
Our 2014 Homeschool Curriculum
I'm nearly ready to start our homeschool year. And by "nearly ready", I mean I still don't really know what I'm doing, but I have resources for most of my subjects, and a few things specifically written out, so that's something, right? I think because we don't officially have to report this year since Jonah is not at the age limit of 6 for Wisconsin, I feel a little bit more at ease about jumping into things and seeing how it works as we go. This is major progress for my Type A planning … [Read more...]
On Prayer, Positive Thinking, and Gratitude
I remember the first time Jesse asked me to pray with him, out loud, just the two of us. I almost started giggling as he spouted off what sounded like a very formal, very "church-y", prayer. He was studying to be a pastor, after all. When he was done, I asked him if he always prayed like that. He does. Maybe that's normal for you, but for me, most of the time, my prayers are big long conversational rambles to God. I talk about life, about my struggles, about things I hope for the future. … [Read more...]
On Things I Miss
I want to write. I used to write all the time (being an English minor-almost-major in college will do that). I miss writing. Being back in my college town, back at my alma mater for convention this week, has me looking back and pondering all the things I miss. Going to the morning chapel service yesterday, listening to the crowd swell with the four-part harmony of one of my favorite hymns, brought me to tears. I miss singing. I used to be surrounded by people my age, people going through … [Read more...]