What happened?

Just wondering where all of my free time went to ... when we first arrived in Alabama, life was simple - "no calendar" simple, "no appointments" simple, "no place we needed to be" simple. I am not complaining, but some days feel a little busy. This whole week feels a little busy, actually.

Soccer is starting and somehow I agreed to be Savannah's coach. I am actually looking forward to it, but I have never played soccer, know only a little bit about it (from watching Savannah play in PA), and am probably one of the least qualified people. I am really hoping that when all of the practice schedule shakes out, that John can help me a lot.

I am trying really hard to not get too busy because I know how important it is to just spend family time together. AND, we have that house to build!

We started home schooling yesterday (the local schools start this week, too). I really want to do better this year - have fun with it, be more hands on, be more organized, better prepared. The problem is - once I get it all set in my head how I "expect" things to go, they never turn out that way and I am left wondering what I did wrong. So far, the kids are enjoying it. However, they have already had a trip to the principal's office, for poor recess behavior. Hopefully that will be the last.

We are joining a group of families to learn one class together and that will start next Wednesday. I was able to get the book finally last night on ebay for half of the price listed elsewhere. Praise the Lord. The really cool thing is that I don't have to pay shipping, because the person lives in this same area and I am going to pick it up today! Who wants to say that God doesn't care for the little things in our lives? And, it was fun to actually win an auction on ebay! :)

Here is "snippet" - our little lizard pet. We kept him for a few days, but finally we convinced the kids that we needed to turn him loose and let him enjoy the great outdoors. He was really cute, but it was just one more thing to have to make sure was fed in a day ... just couldn't do it!


Speaking of things that need fed everyday - the hummingbirds are thriving! We have seen 6 at one time flying around (some fighting). This morning, it was so cool - there were 3 on the big feeder. I am just guessing that it was a parent with 2 young because they were very cooperative. I wish I had had my camera ready!

I haven't updated on our garden in a long time - here are some teensy weensy watermelon. Aren't they just so cute?


And, we also have cantaloupe. Not as many growing, but this one is getting pretty big.


Now, the race begins! Off to pick up my book, try to find soccer gear at the thrift store, check some prices at a few places (construction stuff), grab a bite to eat somewhere, drop off the kids at a babysitters and go to Bible study.

Hope you are well!
Shirley