As with any worthwhile endeavor, one must be purposeful to make time to read good books.  Several years ago I began to realize this and have tried to make sure time to read is built into my days.  This month I am excited to reflect on the books that have passed time with me the first half of 2013.

Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick

The Mine by Henry McIntosh

Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons

Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer

In the Presence of My Enemies ~ by Gracia Burnham and Dean Merrill

Tales of the Defended Ones by Beth Guckenberger. 

Unstoppable by Nick Vujicic

Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Jessica’s First Prayer by Hesba

The Promise Box by

The Cat that God Sent by Jim Kraus

Cleaning House, A Mom’s 12-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement by Kay Wills Wyma, my response here

The BARE NAKED TRUTH, Dating, Waiting, and God’s Purity Plan by Bekah Hamrick Martin, my review here

Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn ~ Melanie Shankle

Rock You Tonight by Emily Roussell ~ a sweet story that seems to be written more for the Momma than the little one she may be reading to.

The Three Little Rabbits and the Bake Sale Pie by Nancy Nuce ~ a story that had Mae and I laughing hard at bedtime.  Delightful

Only the Mountains do not Move by Jan Reynolds

Jessica’s First Prayer by Hesba Stretton

Audiobooks
Because He Loves Me (I listened while driving and reread the chapters on my kindle app)

Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr

Last weekend Mae and I had the opportunity to pass about 18 hours together, just the two of us.  We watched a couple “big kid” movies (Captain America and Pirates of the Carribean), went out for dinner and shared our meals, and explored Pier One.  It is very rare for any 2 people in our family to get time like this and I am very thankful.

“I don’t really look to other mothers for validation on how I’m doing as a parent. I look to my children and my husband. If they are generally happy, relaxed, comfortable and engaged, I feel pretty good about how I’m doing….

“If I see signs of frustration or stress or uneasiness in my family, there are alarm bells going off inside me telling me I need to be kinder, pay extra close attention, have more ideas, and offer more options.”

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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