Minivan Moments

Well, this weekend, we spent a lot of times with family and friends. We stayed close to home, almost at home all weekend, but we had a nice time. It has been awhile since I updated, so I thought I would let you all know how we are doing and what we are up to. Dania is talking in sentences, teething, and throwing things all over the house (including at me if I make her mad). Calysta is getting closer to those lovely teen years with every day. Quin is working hard (and having fun, of course) through Lego Indiana Jones. (We love those Lego games because there is no blood... the violence is with Lego characters, and they all just break up into Lego pieces when they "die") We are planning for upcoming birthdays, and we are studying history and architecture. This week or next, we hope to take a field trip to a neighboring town and check out all their old buildings and such. They have something called "I-Spy: Franklin on Foot" which is a walking tour (possibly self-...

I have taken quite for granted that I would have the time To embrace all my tomorrows, when, truly, they aren't mine. I haven't any promise from God, in all His grace, That I am due a future, not on Earth, in any case. The days that I've been given, up to now, this very day, Are intended to be cherished, and not just passed away. If I am to be faithful to The One who calls me His, I plan to make some changes: to live , not just exist. And so, to each of you out there, "hearing" my heart's wish, I hope that you will value a meaningful life lived . Let this not be a heavy day; let guilt not weigh your heart; Just reach into your soul and find the path on which to start. It's marked with love and kindness, with a sharing of your lives; And a life that's filled with real love is a blessing in God's eyes. ~ Angela M. Varela Sept. 14, 2008

Well, my beloved Grampa Brown was laid to rest in the Arlington National Cemetery last month, and my baby sister has been married off. We are back from our travels, done with all of our preparations, and plodding through homeschooling. We are finally unpacked, getting a handle on the "fit in the housework" game, which has become very challenging, but learning a lot about how homeschooling works in our home. This past week, we visited our City Hall, where the kids got to see photos of all of our past mayors, tour the courtroom, see where our city approves or denies permits, and talk with a police officer about the role of the police in our community. There was a lot to see for such a small city (land-wise), and we were able to share with everyone in the building our delicious homemade muffins. The kids seemed to get more curious about government and our city after this visit, so the field trip definitely paid off! Dania has begun to speak in 2- and 3-word sentences, and sh...