Prompted Again

Okay, I'm trying to make a habit of this. On my bucket list is making a book of some of my Arizona blog posts and photos, using one of those self-publishing companies. And since my girls love to read my "journal" here, maybe someday I'll add to that list a book of my Minnesota life.

In my life this week... the usual taxi service, laundry, and anxiety over what to make for supper.  The two girls who STILL have not finished school are actually doing some this week. It's not entirely their fault that they have not completed the 2012-13 school year. Who can do school when they are so busy living?  Oh wait, that school stuff belongs in the next section.

In our homeschool this week... social studies. Booooring. I am hoping to change this for one child by reading some of the old Landmark American history series with Emily next year. In fact, the entire school experience here needs a good overhaul. Some decisions need to be made soon, and I'll do that if we can just stay home long enough to look at some new materials.  Botany? Astronomy? Greek and Latin roots? What? 

Also, Amy is still working away on the GED prep. She must take and pass the tests by the end of December, since nationwide the test will be changed in 2014. The testing centers will be filling up soon. And, never fear, she IS planning to finish high school even if she passes.  :)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… relax. No child gets through school without some major holes in their education. Kids in public schools often graduate without knowing how to write a check, pay the rent on time, or show up at work. It's okay if mine don't know what xylem and phloem are, or where Myanmar is by the time graduation rolls around. Education doesn't end when 12th grade does. They have a lifetime to learn. They know who Jesus is, and in the long run, that's all that matters.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… This week we're going to Walmart (probably two or three times), the library, the community garden, and to church. Nothing remarkable in the plans this week.

My favorite thing this week was… having nineteen for Bible study last night!

My kiddos' favorite thing this week was… Emily enjoyed a bike ride with her daddy this morning.  They watered our plot at the community garden, then rode along the river and through the park.  Any personal attention is always Em's favorite thing. :) Betsy's favorite activity was accompanying nursing home residents to Walmart and being given a bus ride right to our doorstep. 

Things I’m working on… I have to admit, I am not working on anything at the moment. I would have much to say if this category were called, "Things I should be working on..."

I’m cooking…  
Stovetop Peach Cobbler!  It's too hot to turn on the oven, and we needed something to eat for supper with a big salad.  This was really good:

What?  Who put that ice cream in there? We didn't get icecream!

3 C peeled and sliced peaches
1/2 C sugar
1/2 t cinnamon
1 T butter
1 t lemon juice
1 C biscuit mix
1/3 C sugar
1/3 C milk
cinnamon and sugar
Combine the peaches and sugar in a 4C measuring cup, then add water to make 3 1/2 cups total.  Pour this into a skillet or saucepan with the butter and lemon juice, and over medium heat, bring to a simmer.  In the meantime, stir together the biscuit mix and 1/3C sugar, then stir in the milk.  Spoon over the peaches in four to six plops and cover.  Simmer over low to med-low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through. (They will not brown with this method.) Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar; serve warm.

I’m grateful for… Lamentations 3:22. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

I’m praying for… my daughter.

Something I am ogling or have my eye on… nothing. Really.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…  

My sweet niece, Colbie Ann, born June 8