I woke up this morning with a sore throat. At first I was concerned that I was coming down with something but then I remembered that we have started school. That means that I am using my voice ten times more than I normally do. The hours I have spent being quiet over the summer have been replaced with teaching and reading (oh so much reading) and my vocal cords need to get used to it again.

The kids are enjoying the extra time we are spending in books. Outside of school we have been working our way through a couple of books we got from the library by George Shannon. The books are called “True Lies” and contain collections of brainteasers from around the world. Each of the stories is very short, usually 1-3 pages, and they all end the same way, “What’s the truth, the whole truth? And where’s the lie?” The stories usually employ some play on words or sleight of hand to mislead and confuse the reader, so the kids have to pay close attention to everything being read so they can decipher what is actually going on. After we read each story, the kids take a few minutes to try to figure it out. Sometimes they get them. Sometimes they don’t, but they always enjoy when I turn the page and read them the answer. You can see the wheels turning as the story comes into focus.

We will be finished with these books soon and I am hoping to find something similar to follow them up with. I like the idea of the kids problem solving and thinking outside the box with these stories. If you have ever run across anything close, let me know!

Tim and the kids worked on the earthworm habitat last night as I was making dinner. I could hear them in the next room talking about the various layers of dirt and sand that they were adding to the container. They took turns picking worms out of the carton and adding them to their new home. They carefully covered the outside with black construction paper to encourage the worms to dig deep in their new habitat. Now they get to observe them for the next few weeks and see how they settle into their new habitat. Fingers crossed we don’t kill them off.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about this past year. Today marks the one year anniversary of my father walking into the emergency room. One year since everything changed. A year that challenged me, at times terrified me, and pushed me well past all my comfort zones. A year that left me feeling beaten and bruised from the constant pummel of unpredictability.

Through all the uncertainty of this past year, though, I have hung onto the certainty of Christ and his redemptive work on the cross. He was enough then. He is enough now. He will be enough tomorrow.

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

1. My faith has found a resting place,
   Not in device or creed;
   I trust the ever-living One,
   His wounds for me shall plead.
   • Refrain:
     I need no other argument,
     I need no other plea,
     It is enough that Jesus died,
     And that He died for me.
2. Enough for me that Jesus saves,
   This ends my fear and doubt;
   A sinful soul I came to Him,
   He’ll never cast me out.
3. My heart is leaning on the Word,
   The living Word of God,
   Salvation by my Savior’s name,
   Salvation through His blood.
4. My great physician heals the sick,
   The lost He came to save;
   For me His precious blood He shed,
   For me His life He gave.

~Eliza E. Hewitt, pub. 1891

When Tim started working at my parents’ shop five years ago, he didn’t know a thing about finishing. We had recently learned we were pregnant with Baby E and him taking a job with my parents seemed like a reasonable step for our family. Over the years he has taken on more responsibility and I am so proud of the way he has grown and adapted over time. I watch him interacting with customers and co-workers and I am so thankful for a man with such honesty and integrity. He’s a hard worker and has learned so much. Over the past year, much of his education has been trial by fire and yet at the end of each day he treats people with respect, owns up to his mistakes, is humble with his victories, and gives credit where credit is due. He loves Jesus and he loves his family deeply, and that is evident in everything he does.

The first week of school is finished! I think the kids did pretty well with the transition and they seem to be catching on to things quickly. So far they are enjoying the curriculum, which is a plus. The kids are super excited to make their worm habitat (I decided to wait until this weekend to do it so that Tim can spearhead that project). However, I did let them open the container today and play with the worms. It was definitely the highlight of their day!

Between homeschooling, editing, and working at the shop I’m pretty much beat. But I think I like being busy more than I like sitting still, so there’s that. Thankfully the kids are rolling with the punches pretty well.

They are especially excited about school tomorrow because we are doing an activity with worms. After we left the shop this evening, we stopped by Walmart to pick some up. I think worms are pretty gross, but C suggested I name them so that they won’t bother me so much. I’ve named them all Beatrice. Baby E has named them Virginia and Big E has volunteered to do all the worm handling, so we should be good.

Our new school year has started out pretty well. The kids are enjoying the curriculum. We are spending a lot of time learning about maps and globes, in preparation for studying different countries and cultures. We’ve been learning new songs and reading about missionaries translating the Bible into various languages. Last year’s focus was on American History, so I’m excited that this year the kids will learn more about people and places around the world!

My sweet girl had a big day today. Not only did she turn nine, but she also started school! Today was our first day and it did not disappoint. The kids really handled the transition back into the classroom very well and our first day went off without a hitch. I’m really very excited about this school year and I know they are going to do great!!

Happy last day of eight, sweet girl! You are such a joy to be around and I am excited to see what nine looks like on you. No doubt you will wear it well. I love you!