Today was productive, although not in a traditional school way. After all these years you'd think I'd be okay with that but my mind still tells me on some days that things here should look more like school.  Crazy, huh?

The kids worked independently in their books and did a lot of reading. Maddie and Tyler did some work on Narnia projects. Tyler worked on the Power Point for the 9am service (that's his ministry project these days).  Maddie and I ran to the library and then she walked the dog while Wes shot hoops.  I went to the grocery and got my hair cut. AND, some people from our congregation in Blue Ridge stopped by the church and we had a nice visit.

The problem?  I didn't do any one on one teaching and sometimes that makes me feel guilty. It's crazy. I should be glad the kids can do things on their own without needing me all the time but sometimes I feel like things should look like school and less like a home and family.

And yet, that's what we are.  People learning to love one another, Jesus, and the people he made, day by day. So I guess, after all, we had a simply stellar day.

What happened to last week?  I didn't realize it had been so long since I blogged.

Thursday Maddie and Wes did yard work for an older couple in the church. They got lunch and some money out of the deal so that was win/win.

On Friday, Tom, Ty, and Wes hiked about 6 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Maddie and I dropped them off atop Blood Mountain (about 30 or 40 minutes from here) and then picked them up 3.5 hours later at Hog Pen Gap (another 30 minutes in a different direction).  Don't you love the names of the places? They had a great time and it was perfect timing. The leaves are still off the trees so you can see a lot further than when the woods are full of leaves.

Saturday was busy too. I preached at a small community service and we went out to eat at Zaxbys as a family~what a huge treat.

Sunday was church and play practice for the kids.  Today we hit the books hard again and now Maddie is at soccer practice and the boys have Scouts later on tonight.

The greatest serendipity for me lately, is realizing how many little things God does for me. I've been asking him to help me notice these things and I'm slowly starting to see them. I was talking about missing some cardinal birds that lived at our home in Rome and lo and behold:  I looked out my window today and saw a beautiful cardinal.  I was just so grateful to God for the glimpse of beauty and the reminder that he cares deeply about me. How much?  Enough to send my favorite bird my way just when I've been missing them. Now that is love.

Workouts:  I've been doing more barefoot workouts lately. They feel good and I notice I'm more stretched out and energized. Ellen Barrett and Jessica Smith have figured heavily into my routines for sure.

What I've been reading:  I keep forgetting about this. I'm reading a lot of different things but a major book now is Confessions of a Prayer Slacker.  I got it free one day on my Kindle and it's GREAT. Motivational and comforting.  I notice my desire for prayer has definitely increased as I read this little gem.

Homeschooling in the McElroy house today. Not bad~coffee, your studies, and an easy chair!

We're feeling better and enjoying the warmer weather. Maddie has decided to play soccer with Trinity Classical School this spring and Wes is about to achieve Life status in Scouts~the last stop before Eagle!  He's focusing on that these days.  Al three kids are participating in practices for an upcoming play at the church they Youth are performing. Throw in school, volunteer work, chores around the house, and daily events and you have a full life.

Oh, and Tyler has decided to "get into shape" so has been running a mile each day except Sunday!

I ran a low grade fever until Friday night. I did get to go out and have dinner with friends from Blue Ridge on Saturday though. They were here for a track meet and it was so much fun for our families to get together over some Mexican food. Sunday I went to church and today I actually exercised. Wes and I are still coughing a bit but are definitely on the mend. God is good!

Well, of course I came down with Wes' virus yesterday. Low grade fever, coughing, body aches, stuffy nose.  Oh well, this too will pass. It's been a hard winter on us from a health perspective and I am so excited about the 60s in the forecast for the next few days.

I'm very happy we have our Roku box!  I've watched a few Agatha Christie movies on there (from Amazon Prime) while being under the weather.  When I felt like reading I read Agatha's Sad Cypress and am starting on Evil Under the Sun.  It gives me something to do in the middle of the night when I wake up coughing and can't get back to sleep. ;)

The kids had a great time at SLR at Camp Glisson (Spiritual Life Retreat) and had some great stories to share. Tom and I had a nice time~we even built a fire and watched a movie together on Friday evening.

Unfortunately, Wes came home and got up sick on Monday. He's better today.  Not enough sleep and being around 300 kids where he picked up some sort of virus.  

We're plugging along with our regular work and doing some fun things with Narnia too.  And, of course, praying for spring!

I've been continuing to exercise daily and walk Tucker when I can. I am doing about 3 strength training workouts a week, 2 kickboxing, and 2 more fusion type cardio workouts. Having fun and keeping it moderate.

I've also been re-reading the Percy Jackson series and some homeschooling material.  

Today I'm grateful for/that:

1. Tom is home safely. I missed that rascal. ;)

2. Maddie and Wes had a good time at work.

3.  Maddie got the CUTEST pair of Sperry Top Sider shoes in pink plaid for $1~and we wear the same size. :D

4.  We are going out to eat pizza as a family tonight~big treat from Tom.  It's nice to have a treat after being a single mom this week.

5. I'm not a single mom and have a husband who is a wonderful dad.

7.  The mid 20s and mid 40s predicted for the next few days are not here to stay long~I'm ready for Spring.

8.  Decaf coffee that I drink hot in the morning and cold in the afternoon.

9. Kids who are growing and taking more responsibility for their education.

10.  Afternoon naps~yes, I still need one since I am at the tail end of my head cold.

11.  Jesus, who meets with me every morning, day by day, and every second is there with me. He is truly so good to me.


Today's workout:  Spark People Total Sculpting:  w/u, barre, cool down; Jessica Smith's Total Body Balance Sole Sculpt.