Welcome to My World: Almost Done!! - Random thoughts about my life

It is 5:00 AM. I am up because Sam threw up. So, I thought I would catch up on some blogging. I am so behind!!

1. School
-We are finishing up the school year!! All I can say to that is, "HALLELUJAH!!." I am so ready. I need the craziness of May to be OVER!

-Cody was done yesterday. Lauren, Abby, Sam, and Isaiah finish up today. Well, Sam actually may already by done. He woke me up at 4:30 this morning because he had thrown up. I don't know if he is sick or if it is from the many cups of root beer and food he had last night at the Sky Sox game he and Rick went to. Either way, I will keep him home today. I know he is sad to miss his last day of school, but I don't want to risk getting others sick.

-Poor Laila does not get out until June 3. Next year she will be at the same school as everyone else so this won't be an issue.

-Speaking of switching schools, Cody will not be returning to TCA next year. After much prayer and consideration, we have decided to transfer him to a different school. It was a tough decision, but we feel like this will put him in an environment where he can be most successful. He is pretty pumped about not having to wear uniforms anymore!

I was very nervous filling out this piece of paper for his transfer

There have been a few end of the school year events that I haven't shared yet:

Lauren had her Spring Choir concert

7th Grade Choir

This was her art work that was put in the art show at school

This next picture needs some explanation. Sam had to do a mini science project. He decided to follow in Abby's footsteps and do a vinegar/baking soda volcano. The whole point of the experiment was to learn the reaction when the two ingredients are mixed. He accomplished that. The volcano, is another story. This was his finished product:

It took every ounce of restraint in me to let him turn this in. I have never been one to do my kids' projects for them. I offer guidance, help them get supplies together and cheer them on throughout the process. I had given this project over to Rick to help with. Rick was completely content with Sam turning this in. I was horrified. Needless, to say, I consider it a victory that I did not intervene. He ended up getting a B+ on the project. The points that were counted off had nothing to do with the volcano, but with some of his written work about his experiment. Even after parenting for almost 16 years, I am still having to learn the lesson of stepping back and not intervening in some situations. I desperately wanted to tell his teacher that I had nothing to do with this. Once again, I kept quiet. You probably have no idea how much progress this is for me. At this rate, by the time Laila does it, I will probably make her go out and buy her own supplies! : )

Laila had a Spring Concert

Abby put her hair in piggies

Her smile these days is very interesting

Can you find my little flower girl

The Kinder "Garden"

2. Swaziland
-We are approaching the one month mark until our Swazi trip. We are so blessed by all of you that are supporting us in this through your prayers, financial donations to cover the costs of the trip, and supply donations for us to take over. Every time we lead a team, we realize this ministry is a group effort. We could not or would not want to do this alone. I am always amazed at what we can accomplish as God's people when we come together to accomplish a goal. We are praying through all the details as a team and seeking God in how we minister. Please keep us in your prayers. I will share more as we get closer to the trip. I also love how this experience teaches our kids a lesson in God's Provision. Sam is seeing God provide the funds that we need in order to go. He is witnessing what it looks like for others to sacrificially give in order for us to go. I pray this experience and the many more that he is going to have through this process will deepen his faith and the spirit of giving to others will take root in his heart. Thank you to each one of you who has given to us.

3. Driving
-Cody is now officially a driver. After 30 hours of classroom instruction, passing his written test, and the gathering of various documents, we went to the DMV yesterday to get his permit. We were prepared for a several hour experience, me with my Kindle, Laila with snacks, and Cody with his iPod. Much to our surprise, it only took 22 minutes! We did get in the truck and realize that they had our address wrong on his temporary permit, so we went back in and started over. The second time through was even quicker and the whole process from beginning to end, with the redo, took less than an hour. We were pleasantly surprised. Now, we begin logging his driving hours. This time next year, he can take the driving test to get his license.

4. Whole30
-I decided to do another Whole30. I am on day 11. It has been much easier this time. I am finding that I just feel so much better when I am eating good, healthy, natural food. I am hoping this second time through that I can pinpoint more specifically what foods affect me negatively. Last time, after about 2 weeks of going off Whole30, I could just feel the negative effects in my body. I also began have stomach issues regularly. I can see the difference in how I feel when I am eating better. Now, I just have to make it through this round and slowly reintroduce each food category so that I can see how I feel from the different kinds of food. I will share new recipes and foods that I find.

I made my own mayo out of avocado oil.