Outside my window…

A shot of Rosie racing in a 5K one week ago during a very hot, steamy day.  Seriously, it was like racing in a sauna. I found out this week that she actually won her age group for that race – nice start for the season. She looks like a young lady in this picture instead of a little girl!

I am thinking…
about Noah, who started his running camp for college this week. Hearing him talk about his new team last night reminded me of four years ago when he started running with the high school team. It’s hard to be the outsider coming in and you don’t make best buddies in just a few days.  The guys he made strong friendships with on the high school team weren’t his best buddies in the first few weeks. It takes time.  I am also thinking that once his regular classes start, he’ll make some friends outside of the running club too, and that will be nice.

I am thankful…
for my granddaughter who somehow coerces me into taking a nap with her most afternoons. I enjoy those moments, maybe because I know how brief they are!  This week they are particularly soothing to my heart as  Noah starts spending more time away with the start of his college career. My goddaughter also leaves for college at the end of the week.  An era is ending. Having the baby around helps make that transition smoother.

In the kitchen…
Barbecue chicken breast bacon wrap.

I am wearing…
Gray skort with gray long-sleeved shirt.

I am pondering...
The month of September – which always seems to hit my family in the head like a sledge hammer. Mr. Pete, who repairs musical instruments, is working 12 hour days to keep up with the work. I have four weddings to oversee this month at church, which takes a good chunk out of every weekend. And of course, cross country season is starting this weekend.  It’s just hard to go from the lazy and lax days of summer to the strictness of the school year.

I am going…

• to walk or work out every day with Pfilates . I have to include some arm work out with this. Also, since Noah is busy now, I will probably be taking Sophie on more long walks.  I took her for about a three mile walk this morning and she was very happy to be back home!
• to cut my carbs via the Wheat Belly Total Health: The Ultimate Grain-Free Health and Weight-Loss Life Plan  recommendations. 
• See Rosie race on Saturday.
• Sneaking a way to watch Noah’s practice when it is held locally tomorrow. I will be doing this covert operation with my granddaughter in tow – not sure how inconspicuous I will be able to be! 
• Start some heavy duty flute practice. 

I have two writings in this new book from Catholic Mom.com. I’ve been reading the other articles and I think they’re very enjoyable.

From the Learning Rooms…

Izzy-Junior – heading into senior year!

• American History  2   The roaring 20s!
• American Government in Christian Perspective (A Beka)
• Art Class

Also, it occurs to me that this year, I start into my 3rd decade of homeschooling. I have two sets of emotions about this. I feel proud of what I was able to accomplish with my kids. Yet, when I started out all those years ago, I never thought that this would be my life’s work. And I ponder that.

A quote to share…

“That is the key to history. Terrific energy is expended – civilizations are built up – excellent institutions devised; but each time something goes wrong. Some fatal flaw always brings the selfish and the cruel people to the top and it all slides back into misery and ruin.”

C.S. Lewis

Some  of my favorite things…

A few years ago, Akron’s minor league baseball team changed its name to “The Rubber Ducks.”  This year, Izzy and some other young artists, were commissioned with making a sculpture in downtown Akron to pay homage to the new mascot.  I think they did a neat job!

A picture to share…

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