Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Busy Summer

Well, it's been next door to forever since I've posted. Summer is always a busy time, but this one seemed especially busy. It was a good kind of busy mostly, but still busy enough to keep me away from any blogging.


One job I enjoy in the summer is mowing. I mow close to 4 hours a week when the weather is prime for grass growing. While I mow I listen to audio-books, a luxury of which most mothers only dream. I started out the summer listening to A Brave New World, but soon found myself, quite unintentionally, listening to book after book with the French Revolution being a big part of the story. The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Count of Monte Cristo, and now Les Miserables. It only seems like a few books, but the unabridged reading of Monte Cristo alone is over 47 hours of listening. I've so enjoyed all these books. Monte Cristo was fascinating with it's theme of revenge veiled in "righteousness". In the end, however, the lead character realizes that even those who feel they are on a mission from God, must guard against pride. Human beings are subject to error and if they become so self-righteous that they forget they are fallible, they can easily wreak havoc in their world. Of course Les Mis is a story of redemption and self-sacrifice. As Lewis said through Lucy in Narnia, "a good story is a story which reminds her of the forgotten story in the Magician's Book." All "good" stories are the stories that remind us of the great story of Christ and his redemption. Not only have the books I've "read" this summer pointed me to the "Great Story", they also have prepared me for this school year. This year the boys will be studying the 19th Century so I will be thoroughly Napoleoned out before the year is up. :)


We had the joy of hosting some friends this summer as well. Harold, Kayla and their boys came in for a few days while on their deputation. What a blast we all had together. What a joy it was to have a good chat with my dear friend again. Just like old times, with the exception of 6 boys playing in the background. :) Charity and her kiddos also came for a long weekend visit. The kiddos got along splendidly and Charity and I solved the world's problems and laughed quite a bit while we did it. I'm counting on the rest of you to follow Kayla's and Charity's examples and make a visit to the mid-west soon.


We have added another student to our little school this year. She only attends two days a week, but she shows great potential. :) Kenlee is a big hit around here with the boys. I wasn't sure how homeschooling and babysitting would mesh, but with "Little Miss" it's going great. We all enjoy her so much.


That pretty much updates you on our little world. Since I last posted we've lived a lot of life. We've had our share of pain and more than our share of joy. In joy and in sorrow we trust our dear Abba and say to him a clear resounding, "Yes, Daddy!" to all He wills in our lives. I look forward to catching up on all your lives in the next few weeks. What an encouragement reading your blogs is to me.





6 comments:

Kimberly said...

i'm not so good at listening to books (sermons, yes!) but i'm so glad that works for you...such a good use of time! so happy you blogged..hoping that the joy outweighs the pain in the coming days (i know it does/will!) and thankful with you for the Lord who is our healer and strength in the struggles we face...love to all!

Making Memories 1999 said...

Mowing is a good time to listen... to music, audiobooks, Bible. I, too, used that time to listen, although I didn't have 4 hours a week to mow. =)

Sounds like you are going to have a good school year. We're a little "behind the times"... studying Medieval & Renaissance. You all will have to tell us what the future is like! HAHA (Ok, I'll quit while I'm ahead!) =)

Tara said...

yay for blogging!! It's amazing how much time passes and I keep meaning and wanting to do it, but just never get to it. Sounds like you had a great summer. That was a very ambitious "reading" list...you go girl!!
Would love to get together for a visit. Seems like we just have to MAKE that happen on purpose or life marches on.
Love you friend!!

Julia said...

I'd love that Tara. Maybe a planned trip to Cinncy is in order. We can kidnap Sonja and beat up any student who gets in our way.....I mean that in the kindest way. :)

Charity said...

We are still hearing all about Josiah and Micah, with repeated requests to return asap. Thanks for such a fun time and the great chats! Hope to see you sooner rather than later! Have a great fall!

Charity said...

p.s. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Gloria Plowman book! Thanks a gazillion for the recommendation!!!