"My favorite thing about school is reading."

I love reading. There are some books I drudge through, when required to read, but most I breeze through and have to be forced to stop reading. My issue, if I get distracted, I tend to want to read something different when I start reading again. I regularly would have a stack of books, all of which I am part of the way through (kind of like my crocheting projects, lots started).
I fell in love with the idea of the kindle as soon as I saw it. I thought it would be an awesome way to keep my multiple books down to just one item. (I have thanked my daughter several times for listening to her mother once and buying just what I wanted.)
We struggled through our first year homeschooling. We thought a curriculum that was computer based would be the best for us on a truck. We picked Switched on Schoolhouse by Alpha Omega. It was alright, but the answers had to be formatted perfectly to get answers correct. It was beyond frustrating. I did not enjoy teaching. She didn't enjoy learning. It wasn't a good year.
We started looking in April for a curriculum to switch to. My husband wanted to use Abeka or BJU. I really wanted to use Sonlight. I was hopeful my love of reading could rub off on just one more of my daughters. So, slowly I got the curriculum, and were able to start. We had a late start due to a company switch, but the further we get into the curriculum, the more I enjoy it.
We were discussing her progress this year, when she said, "My favorite thing about school is reading." She thought she was struggling with Math, and was amazed to see her B+. Likewise, she was impressed to see her A- in Science. I however, was blown away to hear how she loves reading. I am so impressed. I trusted my gut and listened to my cousin (and only other family member who homeschools), and am loving it.
Sometimes, changing to something the teacher(parent) enjoys is the best thing for all involved.

This Week In Review

After spending a bit too much time at home, we finally returned to having to scratch lines (we are thankfully still on paper logs). We have went to Atlanta, San Antonio, Brunswick, back to Atlanta, and now are sitting down in Miami. (Above is the landing gear we took from San Antonio to Brunswick). We are literally sitting next to the runway. Only a few times have the airplanes honestly bothered us, so I really don't understand why people complain about airplane noise. Surely if we can get used to the noise sitting right next to the runway for the busiest cargo airport in the world, others who buy a home near an airport can do the same.

We are right now "sitting" for a couple who was able to rent an Indian while we are stuck here. There are actually two couples that rented motorcycles. The top two pictures are the motorcycles they rented. The bottom is the motorcycle with side car they came to pick them up in. While we would love to do the same, we know there will come a time we can do the same.
While we were at home, we bought a crockpot that can sit in the sink and has a locking lid and crockpot liners. I have been able to fix a few meals in the crockpot. Those crockpot liners are a lifesaver since I don't really like washing something that is the same size as the sink, it ends up being a mess. I have a plan for our meals for the rest of the week, which is great since we are going to be a little short on cash until the new year thanks to the way the pay runs.

While we were at home, my hubby got his Christmas present a little early. My Christmas present last year was a fuzzy puppy named Ginger (or Gingerbread Latte, now called GiGi). She now has a "sister." Skittles is a 3 pound Chihuahua we got from a breeder who decided she was too small to breed. She is great. Our new addition is a bundle of attitude, and gives my husband something small to love on that reminds him of his PooPoo that died over three years ago. The two get along pretty well, but when it comes to sleepy time the two don't want to have anything to do with each other.

We have enjoyed some georgous sunrises and sunsets. We have been able to accomplish a few things. My brain is still a bit overwhelmed with the changes that have happened. Some days It seems like too much, but then I remember to just pray for strength. I know I am not doing anything alone. I can do this with Christ's help.

Thankful for my Phone

Last year my sister did a blogpost a day about different things she was thankful for. She calls November her month of thankfulness. I loved the idea, and decided I really wanted to do the same.
I realize it may be silly to start with, but I really am thankful for my phone. Now that cell phones are so common, have you ever tried to find a pay phone? I remember one day we were at home, my phone died, and I had no charger, I went to five different gas stations looking for a working pay phone. It was so difficult I almost gave up. My phone was my life line, and it had been rendered useless.
While my phone is capable of communication via speech, it is also capable of so much more. I text more than talk (it seems so much less intrusive on people's lives), and my phone lets me do this. These two things are all my first cellphone would let me do, but now it is a minicomputer. I listen to music, watch movies, listen to or read books, take pictures, follow facebook and twitter, study the bible, post this blogpost, and so much more. It is incredible how I depend on my phone. I am sure I am not alone.
While the first item I am thankful for may seem silly, trust me I would be lost without it, but am very thankful I have it when I am lost.

Delivered and Heading Towards Home

We made it through our first long AOG, although I wouldn't have really called it an AOG because they didn't treat it like an AOG. Anyway, survived NYC, which some might not understand why that is truly a survival, but in a big truck with signs like the one below(keeping in mind we are 13'4"), you can understand why.

Believe me taking Exit 27 is not advisable either, since we have a 53' trailer and could get fined for that. There are some pretty views, like the Statue of Liberty (from very far away), all of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, the ocean, etc. But it is so tight and so many people who only care about themselves it makes it nightmarish.

We also got to enjoy a beautiful sunset from a hanger in La Guardia Airport.



Anyway, all is delivered and we survived. God smiled on our hard work, and allowed a trip to fall into our laps that goes in the direction of home. We have 2 engines that are going to Columbus, GA. I do believe we will actually be going on Ft Benning, but not too sure just yet. Would love to be able to see the kids, maybe celebrate Josh's birthday early, clean out my middle daughters old room, and figure out what the heck is going on with my younger sister. Who knows. I guess it all depends on if we are needed somewhere.

I will start on the second book for school today. I really hope it will be as great as Mara.