Classic Hilton's

We have entered into birthday season and I am lost somewhere along memory lane. This evening I came across this gem from my blog, written five years ago: "Where do you see yourself in five years?  Isn't that a strange question to ponder? My life today is so drastically different from where we were  one  year ago, I can't even begin to imagine what five years might be. Brooklyn will be 11.  ELEVEN!!  Jr high! Puberty!! Grayson will be six, and tiny, newborn Madi will be five. So hard to imagine! I can only hope that Ray will be working steadily as an actor, earning enough to cover our bills, and that I will be coordinating multiple classes and shows for CYT Smyrna which by then will be boasting enrollment numbers in the hundreds and a staff of more than two. I can dream." Well here we are...five years later! Grayson IS six. Brooklyn and Madi are on their way to 11 and 5. Ray IS working full time as an actor, covering our bills, and I am living m...

So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV) I like to make plans.  Well, sort of.  I like thinking long term.  My favorite part of homeschooling is taking time at the beginning of the academic year and looking at what I call the Bird's Eye View. Officially our philosophy is to treat each year individually and make decisions based on what is best for that child at that time, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I have a pretty good idea about what we'll be doing for the next thirteen educational years.  The "sort of" part of my planning abilities come...

I see lots of posts and blogs and hear from other moms about how overwhelming homeschooling is. I have had moments, sure, but my over all experience has been so good. I even posted an update recently about how smooth things are going and wondering what am I doing wrong? It's too easy! But the truth has caught up to me at last. As it turns out, I am very much an overwhelmed homeschool mom, just not about the homeschool part.  Let me 'splain. I genuinely enjoy planning, preping, teaching, and even grading. Once I dug into planning and figured out how it was going to work (thank you - Amongst Lovely Things spiral notebooks !) I just loved it. I know it will get harder and more frustrating, but whatever. Right now it's my happy place. What overwhelms me - what has always overwhelmed me - is keeping up with the rest of the house. Dishes...laundry...clutter... shopping...cooking...again...again! ARGH! While I have made huge strides in my housekeeping skills over the last ten ye...

Did I do the right thing?  Well, it's done now!  I've spent a lot of my time agonizing over this decision.  Three AM feedings are great for praying!!  I wanted so much to slam the door in their faces on my way out.  I wanted a safety net to step into.  I look back over everything that transpired since I was initially put on bed rest, 12/31/2010, and I know without a doubt that I was treated unfairly and yes, discriminated against.  Unfortunately I can't prove it.  But even if I could, I no longer have the heart to put up a fight.  God has softened me and reminded me that He will give me the justice that they will not.  He has reminded me that He is my safety net; our Provider.   Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither so...