Homeschooling has been terrific. Really super. We're enjoying every minute of it and I'm finding myself pleasantly surprised by the graces abounding from this new, teacher-student relationship with my daughter. Of course it's not entirely new - it is an extension of what I've been doing with Gianna for years as her mother, but new graces through schooling are forming something in our relationship I can't quite put my finger on - whatever it is, it's wonderful.
A few weeks ago I decided to paint a few rooms in the house. The girls helped and we played music while painting and had a marvellous time. Then I noticed our baseboards were terribly outdated, dirty and nicked, so I bought a book on architectural trimwork and taught myself finish carpentry. I used a power miter saw (boy, are those things fun!) and a coping saw for the first time, and installed new baseboards in three rooms of the house. Loving every bit of the work involved in the process, I now wonder whether I missed my calling as a finish carpenter. :) I couldn't stop there, so right now I'm putting my newly learned skills to use in constructing a
trumeau mirror for the girls' room. I'm so excited about this project. I hope it turns out well. Woodworking is an incredibly rewarding art, and though I'm not carving statues or furniture (yet!), I can't help but contemplate the work and love of Saint Joseph for his own household while making something for mine.
Life is so good. It is rich with new things to learn and do at all times - good things which have the potential to benefit our families, our homes, our neighbors and ourselves. God has blessed us with His beautiful creation on earth, providing us abundant resources for enjoying the benefits of this life. And it doesn't have to stop there. Each and every newly learned skill performed in service, with love and gratitude, with eyes turned upward and arms outstretched as if, to say over and over, "Thank You, Father.....All for You, O Lord", can benefit us way beyond this life.
All I know is, with the wealth of goodness created for us, life should never be boring.
I haven't done any sewing in a while, but here's a little dress I made a couple months ago with the same fabric I used for sweet
Karoline's outfit. It was my first fully-lined dress and Madeleine wears it to church every Sunday. :)
silly girls
kite-flying
red hair, and warm red light
daddy's girls
mama's girls
bike rides
soaked dresses
sandprints
breakfasts
wedgies
youthful fearlessness
sunsets
~
