Elena 
Join Jen and the other Quicktakers over at the Conversion Diary
1. Calvin had three job offers this week. Three. He chose one and goes to orientation on Wednesday! So to the naysayers (and you know who you are!) let’s count the success here (1)He graduated from the accredited program(2) passed the national test, and (2) got a job all within one month of graduating. Booya!
2. Last weekend was the annual homeschool picnic and sometime in the afternoon sides were chosen and teams lined up to play kick ball. Much to my surprise, the fearless 8-year-old know as Rosie raised her hand to volunteer to be the pitcher- and she actually pitched! That girl is always full of surprises.
3. This was an interesting scene from the picnic. Sometime between the food and sports, the girls got together to draw and color. I just love this picture.
4. I’ve mentioned before that I am trying to sell my father’s ranch. Dad passed in 2005 and we were wrangling with my EFC over the property, but we have it now and it’s time to sell. What. A. Hassle.
First of all, selling property on the other side of the country isn’t fun to begin with. But this property is particularly full of hassles and hardships. Dad’s ranch was not all in one contiguous piece. Its more like a disjointed patch work quilt that someone scattered before it could be sewn into one piece. And some of these particular pieces don’t have any access from the road. So I am beholden to other people, some of which are family members, to get legal access to my property. And none of these people want to give access. I should also mention that it’s not like there would be tons of traffic – this is way, way, way out in the country. Wild elk roam the land. But besides my EFC there are other people with issues and no one wants to grant access – which severely limits my ability to sell it.
I have one point of property that is only 900 yards from the main road. That’s all that separates my land from the road is the Bureau of Land Management. I spent a couple hours on the phone with the BLM trying to get access and I did find a lady who was very, very helpful. But getting that access won’t be easy. First they have to do an environmental impact survey. Then, because this is New Mexico, they have to do an artifact and cultural survey. And if my little 900 yard road doesn’t disturb the environment and if this isn’t an old ancient archaeological prize, then in six months they will think about it and grant me my access. Actually if they find it to be an archaeological prize, maybe they’ll want to buy my land? Maybe.
There is one lovely piece that has full access. I actually hate to let it go in a way.
5. I have been listening to some very good talks but Dr. James Stobaugh. His approach to the classic literature is quite enthusiastic. I bought several of his text books and I am really looking forward to digging in and teaching Noah from them!
6. In between trying to get a way for Gabe to take the GED, and selling my NM property, I realized that I have to make time to organize this soccer league I inherited AND get ready to homeschool. To say I am stressed doesn’t even begin to cover it.
7. A couple of months ago I went into the confessional and the priest actually laughed during my confession. Not a giggle, but a full out guffaw! So today I went to a different priest and he said, “Congratulations, you are not God. You can’t control everything.” What a relief!
