What is Normal?

Lately it seems as if I have been waiting on things to "get back to normal."

I know I've said a jillion times:

1. When we finalize the sale on the lake house, things will get back to normal.
2. When we get the baby chickens settled with the older chickens, things will get back to normal.
3. When we get back from our vacation, things will get back to normal.
4. When I unpack these seventy-leven boxes of stuff from the lake house, things will get back to normal.
5. When I clean out the storage closets and get rid of stuff we haven't used in a year, things will get back to normal.
6. When my husband's ribs heal from his wreck, things will get back to normal.
7. When, When, When...

And today it hit me like a ton of bricks.

What is normal?

God doesn't send interruptions to be hurried through or ignored. I should enjoy the blessings He sends my way of selling the lake house and having things that I can unbox, being able to go on vacation with my family, being able to donate items our family hasn't used in a while, and knowing my husband's ribs will heal.

And for today, our normal is a little different than yesterday and probably even from tomorrow and I thank God for the interruptions He sends my way.

My Letter to Me

Dear Robyn,

You are bringing your beautiful baby boy home from the hospital today. You are completely raw with emotion and gratitude and love. You can laugh and cry at the same time your heart is so full of joy.

There are simply no words to describe the feelings when you first held him and were able to sing your favorite hymns to him. You didn't care what anyone thought when you were rocking and singing (Most definitely off key.) It just didn't matter. Remember this.

You are certainly ready to be this little boy's mother. You've read every parenting book you could get your hands on, filling them with sticky notes to mark the special sections you want to be sure to visit again should you need to. Even though these books are written by experts, I am writing to tell you a few things I learned along the way.

1. Don't fret. It will only make whatever you are fretting about so much worse. That was the hardest lesson to learn, but one of the most important. When you pray, pray specifically about whatever your concerned about and God will take it from there.

2. Yes, it really is colic. The doctors and nurses keep telling you that it is not colic, but it turns out that Grandmother Verdie is right. And here's how you comfort him - warm a towel in the dryer and then place inside of another towel, now wrap that towel around his belly. It will feel so much better to him. And go ahead and plan on sleeping in the recliner for about six weeks. That's where you both are the most comfortable.

3. He loves the swing. You wonder if it is worth the money to go ahead and buy him that swing when he's two month's old. Don't worry about it, he'll love it. As a matter of fact, you'll have to give it away when he's two because he sees it when you move and wants to swing in it again.


4. Your mother-in-law is a baby whisperer. It's just natural to pick up the phone and call your mother when you have a question or need something, but be sure to call your mother-in-law from time to time as well. She raised six children herself, she has wonderful insight and first hand knowledge. She really is a baby whisperer.

5. Enjoy your daddy's visits each day.  Every day during lunch, your daddy will "drop by" with lunch for you and want to feed and hold the baby. He really wants to give you a break and spend some one on one time with his new grandson. Let him. They will build a special bond that lasts even after your father passes away in a few years. These memories will warm your heart on days when you really miss your dad the most.

I'll write you again soon to tell you of some other things I've learned. Until then, remember, I love you and enjoy this beautiful gift you've been given - even on what you think are the bad days.

Love,
Robyn

Homeschooler's Inspire Me

Even before we officially began homeschooling, I was inspired by homeschooling families.

A good friend of our family began homeschooling her daughter when she was in second grade (sound familiar?) and then as she had other children, she added them into her homeschooling fold.

Having grown up in the traditional public school environment, at first I was taken aback that my friend felt competent to educate her own children. And then I took the time to talk with her personally about it. Not investigating, just a true desire to learn and understand.

She shared with me her and her husband's desire for the type of education for her children to receive, the connection she had built with each of her children, and the ability to know each other in a way she would not have known them had they been in a traditional school setting each day. I'll never forget her comment, "We've had to work on character issues." I immediately said, "In training your children?" Her reply was, "No, in training myself."

The impact of our conversation stuck with me for years. When my husband and I began seriously considering home education for our family, I scheduled a time to spend the day in her homeschool with her and her children. I was the proverbial fly on the wall, seeing what their entire day entailed.

I was amazed. I had helped in my son's classroom since he was in two year old pre-school and I had not witnessed as much organization, discipline, and love in any classroom I had had the priviledge to help in. How could I? My friend, the teacher, was rearing her own children to be ready to go into the world. Her priority was for them to have full hearts for God and his purpose for each of them. Her day was based on love and prayer.

As we discussed more about what home education really meant to her, she also was quick to tell me. "Robyn, I am not a lady who lunches. I don't have time. That's not my priority. I'll have time to lunch when these children are taught and on their own. For now, my place is here, teaching and loving them."

Since that wonderful day and many conversations since, I have had the honor of meeting and getting to know many home educators. Many I have met through our local homeschool groups, co-ops, and yes, I've met many more online through my blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

Regardless of the manner in which they teach in their homeschools, they all share the same desire - to educate their children to be ready to go out into the world. The majority also desire for their children to have a heart full for God.

I would like to share the blogs of three of the home educators who continually inspire me and just a little bit about why they do.

Marsha at Other Such Happenings - Marsha's heart is so full of love for God it just spills out in everything she does. Her writing and photography make me laugh, smile, and often cry. She inspires me to honor God in all of his decisions and actions while not taking a second of the precious time he's given us for granted.




Melissa at A Familiar Path - Melissa tells it like it is - poetically. Her gifts of writing and photography draw me into her family every day. I can't wait to see what her children have done throughout the week. Her practical and honest take on life in general, especially homeschooling, helps me to keep things in perspective, to not beat myself up on a daily basis for what I should have done but haven't yet. Melissa inspires me to be my authentic self and share that on my blog.


Heather at Sprittibee and The Homeschool Post - Heather lays her heart open on a regular basis for the whole world to see - and what a beautiful heart it is. You can tell how full of love her heart is for her children in each photograph she shares. I can just picture her grinning the entire time she's taking each picture and then again as she shares it. You can also tell how full of love her heart is for the homeschooling community with her founding and managing The Homeschool Post. She inspires me to encourage other homeschoolers while keeping the priority on my own homeschooling journey.


I hope you will take a few moments to visit these three ladies. If you aren't already subscribing to their blogs, you will most certainly want to do so and quickly so you don't miss anything. They are that awesome. If you are already subscribing to them, congratulations - you know exactly what I'm talking about!

I am sharing three of my favorite homeschooling blogs as part of Homeschool Village Blog Fair. To read about other favorite homeschooling blogs, click on the button below.

On the Grill

Are y'all finding excellent grilling recipes and ideas? There are some delicious ones, aren't there?

Just this week, I made Diane's Grilled Artichokes and for lunch one day I made Little Buddy one of TidyMom's Grilled Pizzas since I just didn't have time to make my pizza dough for lunch that day. We've certainly enjoyed Wenderly's Grilled Sweet Potatoes and I we have big plans for Marsha's Ribs among so many of the other great recipes you guys have shared.

This past week, everyone was busy actually grilling and didn't have time to link up all of the recipes. I hope that means we'll get lots of entries this week. You did take pictures didn't you? {I have to admit, I have forgotten to take them on more than one occasion myself.}

Last week, Maggie and Ryan were our Guest Judges. I have to admit, I was blown away with having not one, but two professional foodies this past week! I can't thank them enough for all of their wonderful ideas and tips! I'll be posting the Grill Master from last week's party later on Thursday. The holiday threw us a little behind on entries and judging.

**Update**

The winner of last week's On the Grill are the Honey Chicken Kabobs. Congratulations!

We picked the Honey Chicken Kabobs for the winner! I thought this recipe sounded simple and quick to make and that's important to me.  Ryan liked this recipe for it's creative ability - giving two different variations for making the marinade.  Thanks for all your entries! We really enjoyed drooling over them all!

And now... are you ready for this week's On the Grill? 

Earlier in the week, I introduced you to Liz of Hoosier Homemade! Liz shows you how to do everything you really want to be able to do in your home. Her Cupcake Tuesday is what initially introduced me to her site. I couldn't get over how delicious her cupcakes looked. I think I licked my screen.

Remember, it can be favorite drinks you serve, sides, desserts, and yes main course items. Anything you would serve at a cookout or BBQ.

Also, take a few minutes to read over the On the Grill guidelines.


This Week's Giveaway

In honor of Liz and her beautiful cupcakes, I am giving away a copy of What's New Cupcake? By Karen Tack and Alan Richardson.

 

How Do You Win?

Our wonderful Guest Judge will review your recipes and photographs which are linked up below. She will determine the Grill Master {winner} for the week. The winner then receives a special button to display on your blog or site,  the Gift Card to Amazon will be emailed to you, and you'll be able to show off your new t-shirt at your next cookout.

Be sure to include a link back to Our Homeschool Home. You are welcome to use the snazzy button in my top right sidebar or use a text link if you prefer.

In true cookout party style, be sure to visit the other blogs linked up to On the Grill. If you can't visit them all, at least visit the link ahead of your link and behind your link. In other words, mingle a bit.


When Does It End?

The link will close Sunday evening. Entries will be reviewed and the winner announced at next week's On the Grill party. And yes, you may enter more than one post. You will need to make sure each post entered meets the guidelines.


Which On the Grill recipes are you wanting to try? 

Honey Ginger Pineapple Chicken Recipe

I know you're drooling. Go ahead, I'll give you a second while you wipe your chin.

Doesn't that look divine? I thought you'd like it.

My recipe all started with this beautiful pineapple my sister brought me from the local farmer's market. There were just so many possibilities for this little fella.

Should I add him to my morning smoothie? I strongly considered it, but then would have felt guilty that I was the only one enjoying him.

Should I make ice cream? Now that sounds delicious, but I am trying my best to watch my calories and be good. 

And then finally I decided I would use him in a grilled chicken recipe. I do love grilled pineapple.

The result was delicious! I knew y'all might like to try it, too.

Honey Ginger Pineapple Chicken

Marinade
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Honey
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 Teaspoon Ginger
3 Red Peppers, chopped finely or 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes


Chicken
For this part, you just need chicken.

Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple
Butter
Brown Sugar

(Preheat Grill to between 350 - 400 degrees)

Chicken

Step 1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 2. Pour over chicken and let is soak up all this goodness. I suggest in a zip top bag so you can occasionally turn in the refrigerator to make sure the chicken is soaking up all the yummy marinade. For this picture, I show in my pretty dish. The zip top bag just didn't look as pretty.

Oh, you remember the saying, "Do as I say and not as I do," don't ya?

Well, notice in the instructions I say "3 red peppers, finely chopped?"

See in the picture above those big ole hunks of red?

Yep, you got it, I didn't finely chop my red peppers.

So, I guess I should have said, "finely chopped if you want to and if you don't, well, then don't."

Just consider that what I meant to say, okay?

Step 3. Refrigerate for up to 8 hours.The longer, the better. I promise.

Step 4. Place on grill, turning once, and until reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The temperature will continue to rise after you remove from the grill and allow it to rest.

Pineapple

Step 1. Peel and remove the core from the pineapple. I use a small pastry cutter for removing the core and to get those perfect circles every time, but a knife works well, too.

Step 2. Lightly butter the top side of the pineapple slice and dust with brown sugar.

Step 3. Place on grill and allow to cook for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4. Remove from grill and serve. I would prefer to serve this with the pineapple on top of the chicken; however, my son does not like for certain foods to touch. Hence it is served on the side.

This post is linked to On the Grill. Head on over to see all of the other delicious recipes!






What would you have made with that pineapple?

Summer Full of Little Boy Fun

"Mom, I'm Bored!" Those four words are not welcome in our home. They mean trouble is brewing. Minds and bodies are idle. Something is amiss.

Now, I do love my "down" time and think that children should have some as well. It helps me to recharge my Mom Batteries. At the energy level Little Buddy runs all day, his batteries could use a little break every once in a while, too. That is until I hear the words, "Mom, I'm bored!" Then, it's time to get busy.

We already have a fairly busy summer planned of homeschool group activities, vacations, golf camp, tennis camp, Vacation Bible School, and Boy Scout Camp to name a few things. We'll also be right in the beginning of third grade. But, we also have time for lazy afternoons at the pool, picnics on the farm, riding bikes, and I hope taking a trip down to my Grandparents' old home place to pick wild berries.

And on rainy days, we love to pull out games like Monopoly, Ticket to Ride, Scrabble, and Clue to name a few. I also keep a deck of cards in my purse, ready for a game of Kings Corner or Go Fish. We draw, we read, we make up stories and giggle. And being silly is just perfect to end fits of boredom.

Most of all, I hope we have a whole lot of this. Fresh from building forts and racetracks, mud pies and dams.




Then I'll know our summer was full little boy fun.

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.


What do you look forward to this summer?

Thankful for My Boys

I am so thankful for my boys. I always have been, but honestly I think I can take them for granted from time to time. Okay, probably more than I realize. But in a minute's time, what really matters was made apparent.