Lazy Summer...

Summer is definitely here. The air is thick and sweet smelling, though I have to say the humidity levels are down from their norm for June -- and I have not been watching the news, I can tell by my hair! It is a much better indicator than any weather person (sorry Janine).

So far we are being extremely lazy this summer. Today, for instance, there is NOTHING on my calendar!

Yep, I said nothing!

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty to do around here. I did not say that my house is clean, my laundry caught up, or my nasty closets cleaned out. However, I do not have anywhere that I have to be today - no appointments, no classes, not even a play date scheduled. Though Graham is certainly working hard to change that!

It is good to be on a more relaxed schedule. I actually feel like I accomplish more sometimes. We are about halfway through the book Little Pilgrims Progress, which I am reading aloud to everyone. Graham is working on a summer workbook and not whining too loudly about it. Joshua is teaching Graham to play chess, and he is catching on quickly. Stan spent last night explaining the first few Algebra I lessons to Joshua and Bryce because they are going to finish that book this summer since they really, really don't like math and I really, really don't like math and during the school year when we are constantly busy, that is the subject that most often falls by the wayside. We are also going to do an SAT prep course this summer because we will have our very first standardized testing experience in October with the PSAT and we are all more than a little nervous to see how we "perform." Graham has decided to see how many Boxcar Children books we can read together and I think we have already read about 15!! I am reading them, but this is a great accomplishment for Graham that he wants to sit still that long and listen. Lyndsey has been visiting grandparents since the beginning of summer, so I can't say for sure what she has been up to, but I know she is making great memories - that is for sure!

As for me, I have a stack of books I want to read this summer - it is a lofty list, but I'm plowing through. Green Mansions, War and Remembrance, Ismael, and War and Peace......to name a few. I am also working through the Bible, taking notes along the way. I am almost done with the New Testament and I am reading Matthew aloud to the kids.

As you can see, reading is the main priority around here - we have to really grit our teeth and get the Math done, but we are going to do it!!

I also want to ask everyone to please pray for our friend Brandon. He is only 14 and really dealing with some health stuff. For privacy reasons I don't want to share details, but this is a godly family, dear friends of ours, really searching for some answers to his medical issues. We are beseeching the Great Physician to reach down and touch his body right now and would appreciate you adding your prayers to ours.

I hope each of you have a great summer, spending time doing what you love with your family!

Enjoy!