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Top Ten Ways to tell that school is almost out:

10) Several subjects are completed, leaving only the ones that were put off and nobody really likes.

9) Mom ignores the excess reading and piano playing in place of schoolwork (not entirely)

8) Mom is thinking about how much more time we'll have to clean and declutter and has a plan in place!

7) Summer schedule is picking up, so busyness just shifts directions.

6) It's stinkin' hot outside!

5) Everyone is counting down the hours (although it's really about finishing the curriculum. hahahahaha).

4) Next year's schedule is nearly figured out (except for what isn't).

3) Mom is anxious to completely clear off the shelves and get rid of some school books to make room for the new (a daunting, emotional task).

2) First camp is in a month!

And the number one reason...(drumroll, please)

1) Did I mention new books?

Too funny!

I guess I'm not very original, because I was going to do a Top 10 ways you can tell school is almost over and realized that I did that last year. Ha! Most of the things are the same, too, only we don't have any tadpoles dying on the counter...only flowers we started from seed that didn't do so well.

Guess I should do a garden update. The things we started from seed indoors didn't do so hot. I think our pepper plants survived, but the tomato plants didn't get hardened enough and have bit the dust. Broccoli was frail to start with. The other things that we started from seed outside are doing ok. Need to check on things tomorrow and see how they held up after all of the rain this week.

Since I stole my own thunder, I guess I'll close this out and just say SIX MORE SCHOOL DAYS (provided they stay on task...they better!)! Then comes all the fun of cleaning out and finishing planning for next year and doing some deep cleaning in the house.

A Mighty Fortress

It's fort building week here. Half of the schoolroom is covered in couch cushions, blankets, and pillows, and a remodeling is currently taking place. A fort has generally been thought to be a place of refuge or safety...or if you are a 6 year old, it can become a place to hide all of your favorite things to protect them from siblings. I could hardly think about a fort without thinking of this hymn:

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.

fortress: any place of exceptional security; stronghold
bulwark: any person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt

It's an amazing image really...a mighty God who wants to shelter us as a hen gathereth her chicks under her wings...and never fails!

Coming up for air

Highlights of the past two weeks:

12 pepper plants growing
11 piles of paper
10 books a reading
9 loads of laundry
8 minutes of sanity
7 ballet lessons
6 bills awaiting
Walked a 5K
4 rehearsals
3 concerts
2 many things
and a family to love and enjoy.

So many blessing through all these different things. Thank you, Lord!

Praying for you KayPea! Hope you're feeling better!