The Voice of Old Friends

Recently I've received some incredible blessings. Hearing from old friends is a blessing I tend to take forgranted. Frankly, I do not realize how precious it is until it comes.

This evening I had a lengthy conversation with Ansley's son, Colby. (Ansley is my friend who passed away in 2006 and this blog actually began as a place for me to record some memories of her.) Although I pray for Colby and his family frequently, it's rare that we speak on the phone. Tonight the phone rang, and it was Colby calling from HP. After conversing with Mason for nearly an hour, it was finally my turn. What a JOY to hear Colby's nearly 13 year old voice turning deeper yet with his innocent giggle still present.

He shared about his family, school, girlfriends (yes, he did) and what he's up to in life. We laughed about funny things we remembered, like the time he threw up all over our table while doing his math, or the time Franklin decided to use spray paint on Colby's carpet and his wall in his room (I wasn't sure my friendship with Ansley would survive, but it did!),

We laughed and my heart melted to hear him. I miss him and his sister greatly. They each carry a piece of Ansley with them. My heart still misses her and the friendship we shared. It was truly a JOY to have some time with him on the phone. I cherish it.

Hands-On Human Body Class

This year I am once again teaching at a local homeschool co-op. Two of the classes I teach are Hands-On Human Body. One is an older class (4th-6th) and one is a younger class (K-3). Here are a few photos from one class last semester. In the picture above, JT has drawn his hand while we learned about our phalanges, carpals, and metacarpals.

My older class with their play dough brain models. Weston is in front of me with the blue shirt and the BIG smile! We've nick-named him "Smiley."

My younger class with their brain models. Braden is beside me looking cross-eyed at his model. This class made their brain stems a bit too large, so the model looked more like another part of the human anatomy! Oh my!

JR and DD proudly display their brains - cerebellum, cerebrum, brain stem, and pituitary gland.

My shower cap brain demonstrated the different lobes of the brain! The kids loved it and we were all fascinated by this amazing organ!

Long Hiatus

Dear Friends,

I'd like for my long hiatus from blogging to be over. However, I know my time to write online is difficult to find with the daily schedule I keep. Perhaps you will see me blogging again in the near future...perhaps not. Time will tell.

Today, I'm overwhelmed by God's blessings. He continually pours them out, doesn't he?

I'll post a photo tonight. Remembering my password took too long for me to spend much more time on the computer! (I can't believe it's been over 18 months since I've posted!) I recently read the posts, and remembered how enjoyable it is to record our family memories through writing! Pray I'll have time to pursue it!

This picture was taken on Christmas Eve. We attended my parents church, and our family provided part of the Christmas Eve service. Mason sang "What Child is This?" while playing his guitar. It was beautiful, and blessed this mother's heart. It is wonderful to hear him use his musical gifting to honor God. Mason even chose to wear a tie for this. It is the first time he has ever done so, and his attire reveals that he's quickly becoming a young man.

After Mason's song, Mathiang then shared an African hymn in his native Denka language. Everyone in the congregation was blessed. The minister of my parent's church surprised us all by taking up a special offering for Mathiang. Over $350 was collected to help him with his costs while attending Maryville College. With this money, and some he received for Christmas and his birthday, Mathiang will be able to avoid applying for a student loan for one more month. God is providing for his needs in miraculous ways!

There's more news to share on the homefront. I'll update you as I'm able!