Sonlight Garden

Urgent Prayers

I have some blog posts I want to publish. I want to recap our busy summer. We went apple picking last week. It all seems so unimportant right now. 

We first met the Walbridge family twelve years ago. I will never forget that first homeschool park day when I met Sussette (now our beloved Aunt Sussie) and her sister Jessica. We became fast friends. My Joseph, Sussette's oldest Aubrey and Jessica's oldest Lucas were all in kindergarten together that first year. We had many play dates and field trips and family get togethers. I loved the support of these women. I loved their children. I still do. Those were some of the sweetest days. Our families have grown and distance has seperated us physically, but I love them like the sisters I never had.

I am writing because I am begging for prayers for Jessica and her family.

Jessica and her husband Jason have nine children. Last week they found out they are expecting blessing number ten. It is with heavy heart that I write that Jason passed away on Wednesday. As I write this I can't believe it. If you can please pray for Jessica and her beautiful sweet children. I can't even begin to imagine how they are hurting right now. Jason had a devotion to the Divine Mercy. Would you pray a chaplet for all of them and their sweet unborn baby and for Jason?

A fund was also set up for the family. This is also very much needed. If you feel led to help in any way at all that would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

          May he rest in peace. 

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

The Best Education

By now most of us homeschoolers are back at it. Our lesson plans are written, there are new books and notebooks, pencils and crayons. Maybe you tidied up your house. That is something I like to do before starting a new school year. 

 

May I suggest one more thing that you should do? 

 

SMILE :0) 

 

 

The best home education starts with a mother’s smile. 

I know I have written this quote on the blog before. But it is a good reminder for me. Always. I read this quote years and years ago from a blogger who was home educated herself and this was advice that her mother gave her. How wise. For the life of me I don’t know who it was. Anyway, kudos to you unknown blogger!!

 

Smile at your children! When they are struggling with a concept put your hand on their back, give them a kiss on their cheek, smile, and reassure them. 

It will help. 

 I think this is some of the best advice I have ever been given. Especially important to remember come February. Around February I am just so worn and weary and empty. I look in the mirror and look that way also. I think to myself “This is what the kids see.” How uninspiring.

 I also try to shower everyday, fix my hair and put on some make-up. It makes me feel better. Who wants to look at a haggard worn out mom/teacher all day?  Maybe you're thinking this is a little vain, maybe it is, but it helps me. 

 But the smiling part? That is real. Let them see that you love them and that you love to spend your days with them, these beautiful little people that God gave you. You are forming, shaping and molding them. How awesome is that!? Be happy about this big job that God has set before you, this job of home educating your child. Be happy and smile!! It’s contagious!

This Evening's Garden Haul

Henry helped me this evening. We pulled in a bunch of acorn squash, butternut squash, Golden Hubbard, cucumbers, and Patrick pulled off two nice size pumpkins. We have a lot of pumpkins! I am so relieved because I thought we had lost everything to the Downey Mildew. We were wanting to have a fall party and let the kids pick pumpkins. I was so worried with the disease that everything would be dessimated but I think we made it through, with most of the pumpkins. It looks like despite my lack of weeding time, mildew problems and obvious neglect, our garden didn't do half bad. The kids and I will make some more pickles tomorrow. I have plenty more tomatoes to bring in and potatoes need to dug up. Maybe tomorrow.