School is going really well this year. It is a very low-key, laid back year. We are thoroughly enjoying the non-stressful work load. Everything is in nice daily bite size chunks that does not feel overwhelming for myself or my girls! My oldest, who is in 3rd grade, has really stepped up this year and taken more ownership over getting her sit down work done every day. These are just a few of the many bonuses of the Queen homeschool materials...they are very open and go and set up for independent work study!! I'm so THANKFUL to have my girls home with me and to have access to curriculum that falls in alignment with my homeschooling goals and philosophies!
Our fall session at our homeschool co-op has one week left. I usually teach a class but this session I chose not to teach and instead got to be a floater, this means I am placed in different classes, wherever there is a teacher/helper absent. I have enjoyed the chance to interact with and get to know different parents and different children. My girls have really enjoyed their classes this fall, with "Calling all Detectives" being my 3rd graders favorite and "Messy Concoctions" being my 1st graders favorite!! I am so THANKFUL for a co-op to be apart of, it has been such a blessing for my family!
I have my first half marathon race coming up in less than 2 weeks. I started this crazy running adventure back in July and have completed a 5k (3.1 miles) and a 10k (6.2) mile race so far. I have put in a total of 250 miles since I started running!! Of course with running comes the risk of injury and over the past few weeks I have been really set back in my training due to some issues I was having with my lower left leg. After seeing a physical therapist I was advised to get different shoes that offered more stability and support for my arch. I had just purchased brand new shoes a month before and paid over a $100 for them. I was bummed to know I'd have to fork out more money for a new pair of shoes...but THANKFULLY, the place I purchased them at was more than willing to make an exchange. Yay!!! So since running in my new shoes my leg has been doing alot better. I thought for sure I'd have to drop out of this upcoming race...but am so THANKFUL that things are looking hopeful for me to run! This race means alot to me and I will share more about the reason why next!
I am so very THANKFUL for how running has allowed friendships in my life to blossom and grow! One particular friendship is my dear friend Rachel! Rachel is a homeschooling mom of 3 girls just like me. She took me under her wing in regards to running back in the spring. I was not in running shape at all...and she put up with my walking and my huffing and puffing! Once I was able to start running we have met consistently and ran together since summer. Majority of our runs have ended with arms embraced (sweat and all), heads bowed, and a word of prayer for one another. It has been so encouraging and brought a greater bond to our friendship! Rachel's husband recently accepted a pastoral position that will take their family about 3 hours away. They are moving at the start of the new year. So this upcoming race means so much because it is one Rachel and I have trained for together and will be running together (though she is going to whip my behind...that girl can run!). I am going to miss our regular morning runs and time just hanging out laughing and chatting. But I am so happy for her family and know that the Lord has good things in store and THANKFULLY she is only going to be a hop, skip, and a jump away!! She is a remarkable friend and I am so so so THANKFUL for her (and the countless other amazing friends the Lord has put into my life. I love each and everyone of you!)
I hope that each of you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with your close family and friends! We live in a world of sin and darkness, chaos and uncertainties...but we can find hope, joy, peace, and THANKSGIVING when we put our eyes on the Lord.
