From Gold Hoops to Chicken Coops

Man... Homeschooling is rough! We are in our sixth year of homeschooling (5th grade and 3rd grad) and just recently I have realized that I have been doing it all wrong.  Yup.  I said it. I own it.  I have been trapped between being too busy and making it look like school.  By the way, that was neva my intention.  I swore I was a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, I mean I own the books, so I must be down right? Wrong.  I have never actually read the books.  DOH! But they are on display for all to see.  I mean, why do I need to read them? I listen to ALL of the Charlotte Mason podcasts out there.  I've ready all the blogs, I've listened to "For the children's sake" 7 times and I look at every single picture on Instagram and I download the Amblesideonline book list every year.  I think I have earned my CM Certificate.  But alas, I have not. I was recently reading Julie Bogarts, " A Gracious Space ", her fall edition and got punched in the guy by Day 8.

I don't really know why I'm back here or for that matter what has kept me away for so long. It hasn't felt like 6 years but apparently it is.  A lot has change but so much remains the same.  Isn't that life? My littles aren't so little anymore. My beloved grandmother went to be with the Lord last year.  And as a family we are going through the toughest trials BUT God. It's hard to think that God has planned these days and events before the foundations of the Earth were laid. And that gives me comfort.  Because if He has planned out all of these days and knew that they would be filled with sadness and pain He has also planned out days full of hope! Yes hope.  You see, because my God is a promise keeper. He has promised me hope.    For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 I have never been more sure of His promises as I am now