A Long While

It's been a really long time since I've update our blog. I discovered Facebook in February and have had little inspiration to come here. But, time has passed, much has gone on, and here I am again.

We are still homeschooling, though we began a little differently than we will finish. Ander was enrolled in GVA--Georgia Virtual Academy--public school online. In theory, it seemed perfect for us, but as we began our sixth week with both of us utterly confused and miserable, it became apparent that changes needed to be made. So, after much prayer, counsel, and discussion, we withdrew, took a week off for our Fall Break, and will be starting again on Monday.

Other changes have occurred as well. Dennis's hours at work were cut dramatically in April--something that turned out to be a good thing. A little less money that has been more than made up for by a lot more time with Dennis. The Lord also blessed our family with a new truck in June--something we thought would be an impossibility for another couple of years. God is so good! We think we know how it will all unfold, but when we give it to Him, it's so much better His way! Finally, our newest change is my new business. I have become a Pampered Chef Consultant, and I love it. I was so apprehensive at first, but through prayer and confirmation after confirmation, God let His plan be made known. His favor has been on my business, and the first month has been great.

Hopefully, we will be able to keep up with the blog a little better. I am excited to see what God is going to do next. Next week will be a new beginning for our homeschool, and I thank Him for the wonderful changes He is going to make.

A Kid in the Candy Store...or the American Girl Store

Last weekend, we went to Atlanta to spend time with the Pisanos, see Laura's play (The Sound of Music--awesome!), and to go to the American Girl Store. Chandler saved all of her Christmas and allowance money and had been looking forward to it ever since Heather told us that they have a store in Georgia!

On Friday after lunch, we took her to the store and the look on her face was priceless!! Everything was "Mama, look!" and "OOOOooohhh, Mama!" She had an absolute blast. She walked around the entire store and looked at everything. Then she walked around again. Then she finally decided on her purchases!! The other kids got a little antsy toward the end, but we all enjoyed watching Chan have such a good time.

Busyness

Wow! I feel that this month has been all about busyness. We have been so busy! Girl scout cookies, Girl scout cookies, and more Girl scout cookies, Girl Scout cookie booth sales, home church at our house, homeschool field trips, every day routines of laundry, homeschool, and house cleaning, visitors...and this weekend a trip! Wheeww! I'm tired just thinking of all we've done and have scheduled to do, no matter how much we enjoyed each extra activity and visitor. But I know the rest we need is in Jesus!

I am learning, again, that there is no way that you can do all you need to do without Him. All my efforts to strive and be perfect and be everywhere come to naught if I do not give everything to Him first. Why do we assume that because everything is going well that we can skip this crucial step? I know that I myself am guilty of thinking that "I" can handle it. But I really can't--not on my own! I am so glad that I have had a reminder that I need to put everything in His hands. Everything goes so much better when I do. This past week has been so much more peaceful than the two weeks previous because I finally got my life back in His order.

And, I am also glad that I have learned to lighten up on homeschool a bit. I still have high expectations, don't get me wrong! But I have realized that homeschool is NOT just bookwork. This is a big step for me! We can learn all kinds of things without everything coming out of a book. I am taking baby steps toward that realization, and we are having so much fun. Thank you, Lord! You have taught me so many things, and when I realized that all of them didn't come from Your Wonderful Book, I realized that my children could learn from me without them sometimes, too! It is very refreshing to have a baking day or to do only Math and Language and go on a field trip or even to take the day off.

So today, we are resting! We are hanging out, reading, playing games, and leisurely packing for our fun trip this weekend. We are looking forward to our visit with the Pisanos, seeing "The Sound of Music," and shopping at the American Girl store (Don't Worry: Ethan will have his DS--he is looking forward to shopping with distraction!).

Chandler Loses a Tooth

Before: While I went to find Daddy and the dental floss, Ander pulled out the camera and began to document this moment in Hall Family history.

During: Ander continues to photo-journalize the event by taking blow-by-blow photos of the actual pulling of the tooth.

After: We now see rather a rather gory picture of the space left by the lost tooth and the phone call to tell Mawmaw and Papa about the momentous occasion.

So, join us again next time in the continuing saga of the Hall Family in GA--Home, School, and ALL!