I read another fabulous book that has led to an author I can recommend.  I first read Kate Morton's "The Forgotten Garden".  It is romantic and has mystery and is a trip down history lane.  Next I read her book, "The Distant Hours" and found I could not put it down long enough to do anything!  Now I am headed into her book, "The Secret Keeper".  Finally, good books and time to read them!

Sending missionaries is the most exciting time!  Justyce couldn't wait to enter the MTC.  I decided I would not be sad or emotional--as in sad.  Watching the kids give her hugs and smiling that she was so excited was great.  The hardest part was listening to Colin cry quietly as we drove away.  18 months is a lot longer for an 11 year old than an older mother like me.  I can't wait to hear her experiences from the field.

Graduation

I can't believe I am only 2 weeks away from graduating from BYU.  It has been a very long road for the whole family.  I hope the children have gained a new appreciation for how important education is to me and that it is possible to finish what we start. 

"All men dream, but not equally.  Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that is was vanity:  but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." --T.E. Lawrence

I love birthdays!  It is a time to celebrate the person we love.  We have decorated the living room with the birthday banner and balloons and streamers.  Eric (the birthday boy) chose his favorite cake and it is cooling on the counter.  Grandma and Grandpa are coming  over for cake and ice cream later today.  My favorite thing to watch has been Trynn trying to decide what to make for Dad.  He ended up filling a box with love notes and wrapping it up.  The joy of a child giving of himself has got to be the happiest thing to witness.

It's already time for mid-term exams and papers.  It is interesting to turn to the older two and have them proof read and edit my assignments.  They have learned some things along the educational highway after all.  The best part is that they are becoming articulate adults and have great insights.  I thoroughly love being with them and miss them when I have incredibly long and exhausting school days.  We can endure for a semester!

School is in session

January always brings a new commitment to be a better homeschool Mom.  Over the holiday, the schedules were adjusted to add time for my own classes.  Going back to school to finish the degree started 20 years ago is so important.  I want my emphasis on completing their educations to have merit so I must put my words to action in my own educational pursuits.  Just having such a tight schedule to get everything done seems to inspire  my "students" to focus and get it done.  Knowing Mom will be gone and Justyce will be stepping in to be "Mom" for the afternoons seems to help them work through the assignments each day.  I love teaching at home and miss the afternoons I am not with them but also find it exhilarating to be on campus and in a classroom again.  Education is intoxicating.