Many Small Slices

Today I served as the MC for Seeds of Faith's  (SOF) Homeschool Graduation Ceremony.

I know what you're thinking.

"What? Homeschoolers *do* Graduation?"

"How does that work?! Did they, llike, hand out diplomas?"

or, possibly,

"Huh. I always wondered how that worked when you homeschooled. Do you "get" to do "Prom", as well?"

To answer, I would say, yes, and yes, and yes again.

While today was the first ever Commencement hosted by SOF, The concept of a Homeschool Graduation Ceremony is nothing new for Michigan homeschoolers; other homeschool groups have been hosting them for years.

SOF also is where I learned about the "Spring Banquet", an event which encourges Homeschooled High Schoolers to don fancy duds and dance the night away (sound familiar?).

It is amazing what is being offered to homeschoolers, thanks to the hard work and dedication of some amazing Moms. Every time I turn around, I learn of yet another opportunity to "socialize" my chidren or give them a unique learning experience outside of the home.

To these Moms I say, "thank you," many times over.

Even you, who is sitting there, reading this, and thinking I couldn't possibly mean *you*, because you only did some small part of making something happen for your homeschooling community. But that is not the case. It is you who I thank, you who do your small part and do it well.

You see, when everyone does just one small part, when each of us brings just one small slice of effort to the table, no one ends up feeling overwhelmed, and we end up with an entire pie to share. And who doesn't love pie?

Okay, so, that analogy didn't quite work out so well, unless I now say something like, "imagine the *pie* is an especially awesome opportunity for our kids".

I am continually awed when I consider  the sheer number of women I know who are willing to pitch in and do what it takes to make something amazing happen. Kudos to you all.

Thursday Blessings

It is 10:39 am on a Thursday. I just spent ten (or more?) minutes showering my Kindergarten-aged boy with kisses, hugs, and tickles. Just because I can.

I love homeschooling.

Do people eat...

My son asked, at bedtime, "do people eat elephant meat?" Not knowing the answer, I turned to Bing search. By the time I'd typed in "do people e", the question popped up as a suggested search...two or three from the top. I am not sure what to make of that.

Some People Get Breakfast in Bed.

On Mother's Day, some people get "Breakfast in Bed". I get "babies in bed".

Just look at them.

I have the best job, EVER.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommas out there.

AHG - Last Troop Meeting of 2014

Last night was the last troop meeting of the year for AHG MI3130. As I looked around at the dozens of smiling girls and chatting parents, my heart began to swell, and  I almost began to cry. I am so thankful for the opportunity American Heritage Girls has given me to meet and serve alongside so many wonderful girls and women. Our Year End Ceremony and celebration is May 9th, 2014. If you'd like to join us, contact me for more details.

"Spring" cleaning

Did you see that? Did you see how I put the word "Spring" in quotes?

That is because although, technically, chronologically, it is seven days past the first day of spring,  here I sit, staring out the window at the carnage wrought (aka, fallen snow) by the blizzard we had day before yesterday.


Yes. You read that right.

A blizzard.

In March.

You (and I) can thank the lovely people who are actually hoping Flint breaks some kind of snowfall record.

Thanks a lot, sickos.

I know, I know, "It's only March," you say, "in Michigan".

Marvelous, Mecurial, Michigan March.

"March comes in like a lion," you say.

But might I remind you that there is a "part two" to that adage you are flinging at me?


 "and out like a LAMB."

Like a LAMB.

Cute, cuddly, frolick-y and SPRING-Y!

image courtesy of freefoto.com

(Don't you dare remind me that lambs have fleece as white as snow.)

Anyhow.

This blog post is about my "Spring" Cleaning escapades so far.

Yes, I have been "Spring" Cleaning.

I need to pause here so that my fainted readership can regain senses.
.
.
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I have come to this place, this new, unchartered (by me) Land of "Spring" Cleaning via the route of Leadership and was transported by a completely unexpected vehicle - Difficult Circumstances.

How, you ask, have Difficulties driven me to "Spring" Cleaning?

Easily.

You see, I have discovered something. It might come as a suprise to you. Surely, it is a suprise to me. here it is:

 I can not control everything.

"What!?" you exclaim.

"That's right," I reply, "I cannot!"

What I can control:

• The amount of soap scum on my shower door. 
• The organization of my pantry cupboard
• The amount of dust on my bookshelves

So, today, I give thanks for all the  Difficult Circumstances in my life, as they are teaching me to appreciate the Serenity Prayer and to embrace "Spring" Cleaing, which will, ultimately, give me a better sense of well-being (and a happier family).

(Note to the Man Upstairs: this is not a request for more life difficulty.)

Today I will clear dust, flip mattresses, and wipe walls, thankful for the satisfaction I will get from simply seeing something come out just as I would have it.

I will ride my difficulties through the Land of "Spring" Cleaning, smiling all the way, and I will actually be able to see the reflection of that smile in my newly polished mirrors.

I'm not sure I'm ever going to make it to the neighboring land of "Clean Freak", but you never know...

No snow day for us.

We are getting about 4 to six inches of snow today. Kids are still doing school. However,  new snow means the potential for another day of sledding this year. We shall see.