Jav and I had planned to leave for a luncheon, but after saying our goodbyes to our children, and joyfully anticipating our afternoon together, we found that our van would not start. Jav tried all the usual "tricks". Open the driver's side door, slam it shut and try again? Nope, didn't work. Pop the hood and tap on the relay box? Hey, it's worked in the past! But this time, no. We prayed, not just to ask God to help us, and start our van (which he is fully capable of doing) but also to get our focus on him.
We were past being late for the luncheon when our van finally started. Jav had changed into some clothes he could work in and tapped a hammer on the starter from underneath the van. That did it. Our van is obviously something we depend on each and every day to get us where we need (and sometimes, want) to go. It's a bit unsettling when it doesn't do what it's supposed to. It amazes me how my thinking in times like these has a direct effect on how I respond to the trial. Remembering that God loves us, he is sovereignly ruling over every situation, he is conforming us to the image of his Son, and also the fact that he is not surprised when things like this happen, are all truths that calm my heart. I can rest in him. We couldn't get to where we wanted to go, but it's ok. I can just be still in my heart and we can do whatever we can. All the while trusting God, even when we don't get the results we desire.
While we were home dealing with van issues, and thankfully with the help of a dear friend, Joelle was on her special date with Mrs. W. A sweet friend from church who has a big heart for young girls. They spent the afternoon baking and just spending time together. Joelle had a wonderful time and talked about it non-stop the following morning! Memories of the time they shared kept popping off in her mind like fireworks. Her excitement made me smile. I burst out laughing when a few of us were talking in the kitchen. Someone just happened to say the word "talked" in a sentence and that triggered another memory for Joelle. "Oh! Speaking of talking, Mrs. W's cat actually talks!!" She is so funny.
Brienne was so motivated to finish every bit of her schoolwork before lunchtime. Visions of a "free" afternoon danced in her head and with determination she did it! I gave her a big high five. Here she is crocheting. You gotta love having some extra time to enjoy things like this after all your hard work is done.
I start off my mornings teaching Amera at the dining room table. She often uses the office chair in our bedroom/office to do her work. World History has been interesting. I never liked it when I was in school, but I love it now! Amera enjoys it too! Every day is filled with lots and lots of work. I've taken over a little more of the housework that Amera usually does because she needs time to do her assignments. She got an A on her first history test of her Sophomore year! Way to go!
Sometimes Joelle jumps in and helps Javi finish up. They were in quite the mood here. Joelle was enjoying his silliness because when my camera comes out, Javi gets excited! "Take a picture of my teeth mom!!" :)
Sometimes the kids have a poor attitude toward their work, we have moments of frustration and moments of silent tears falling. Mommy often corrects and redirects. They are learning discipline and hard work, it doesn't come easy. But there are also moments we enjoy and wouldn't trade for the world.
Amera and I laughed so hard, we cried during our Spanish lesson. Really, it doesn't take much to get us going. Don't worry, I am often serious. I am not always a "fun" mommy. But when these moments come, I treasure them.
Reading is starting to "click" for Javi. This is soooo exciting for me. As I've been teaching him, I can tell when he's not applying what he knows and I wonder "Is he getting it?" It's so exciting to see him getting it!!
Sittin' on the porch eatin' an apple together. Too sweet. :)
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