Father's Day

The children all came on Saturday to celebrate Father's Day. We had a wonderful time cooking steaks out on the grill, eating and then watching the USA vs. Italy in the World Cup.The kids gave their Dad a new Ipod that will hold 1000 songs. They do know him well! He has wanted one for a long time, but I know he would never have gone out and bought himself one. It should arrive in a few days, just in time for him to totally tune me out all through Italy!Justin and Chelsea had to leave early, but the others were all here for church this morning, and then lunch out at our favorite Mexican restaurant.The weekend would have been perfect if only I wasn't sitting here worried about them driving home in terible weather.I think it's just a Mom thing.

Reading

Tonight we fulfilled our reading contract with the boys. They kept charts, and after 20 hours of reading each, they were promised a trip to Chuckie Cheese. They had a really good time. Afterwards we went to Target for some last minute items before we take off on our trip, and we bought them the "I Spy" game for their "Leapster". They only have one game for that, and they play it all the time.They are a bit pricey, but a great way to keep them motivated in their reading.My favorite part of homeschooling has been the days we curled up together on the couch and read for hours.Right now we are reading"Follow the Leader" about a young boy dealing with blindness.We just finished "Henry Huggins".It's great fun to re-read some of my favorite children's books.

Swim Time

Here are a few pictures from our weekend trip to Chelsea and Justin's. Grandpa and Gabriel really enjoyed their pool time. Jordan and Christian have become a lot harder to throw across the pool!

Tullahoma

We spent almost 7 hours in the car yesterday, in order for Terry to speak for one hour in Tullahoma, and it was well worth it. The drive to East Tennessee is absolutely beautiful. After the rocks of Greece, we both have a real appreciation for green grass and trees.Terry did such a great job speaking on absolute truth. His message was clear and easy to understand, and was a message of such hope. We know that we have truth in a world that tells us that it doesn't exist.The people of the congregation were very friendly and appreciative of our long journey there. The boys were wonderful. Christian became sick, as usual, but quickly recovered.They played Learning Leapster the entire way, giggling and laughing. They are real troopers about travelling.On the way home we did hit a large black furry animal, that made an incredible noise on impact, but neither of us was sure what it was,it happenned so fast.The last hour on the road, passing through Savannah, Waynesboro, etc. was quiet as the boys had fallen asleep and there was very little traffic on the road. It gave me time to reflect on how blessed I was to be travelling through our beautiful country, with a man I love and admire, who stands for goodness and truth, with sweet children asleep in the back--and to be reminded how I have all of this because of the grace of God, and not because of anything I ever did to make this happen. He is so good and I am so blessed.

Blair's Grandma's Furniture

My friend, Blair ( a former HUF student from 1989), recently moved into a smaller home and had no where to store her grandparent's dining room set. Not wanting her to have to sell it, I offered to store it until they have space once again.It's been a nice change of pace after we rearranged our dining room set to various locations throughout the house. I especially am enjoying displaying my Aunt Rema's violet dishes in the old cabinet.The older I get the more I enjoy "borrowing" instead of owning.It's "free" decorating and a chance to help a friend at the same time. So, thank you, Blair. Just holler when you're ready to have it back home!

Bread Baking

I tried a new recipe for Terry today in my never ending quest for a decent loaf of bread...gluten free. This loaf came out plenty big, but unfortunately it still has the flavor of cardboard:( Terry says it is wonderful, but after two years of no bread he's just grateful for anything that "kind of" tastes like bread. If anyone comes across a good recipe for gluten-free bread PLEASE pass it on. After eating Sheri's wonderful yeast rolls this week I feel incredibly guilty not to be able to offer him something that tastes better. Oh well, I now have a big bag of crumbs to use in his meatloaf!

Summer Days

Belinda sent me on a picture of the boys that she'd taken at basketball camp that I thought I'd share.The other picture is of the boys playing baseball in the backyard. Christian has on his Dad's baseball uniform from third grade. They are growing too fast. We don't have much going on this week, other than a trip to Tullahoma on Wednesday, so we're doing a little reading and writing...and a lot of playing. I am so grateful for the quiet life that God has blessed me with.