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Ever since the earthquake, we’ve been having internet woes. Well… in all honesty, limited access to the internet cannot actually be qualified as a “woe” for our family when it’s mostly just an inconvenience. It certainly has changed our routines and my work, but we aren’t a business depending on it. I can no longer easily navigate websites, so posting here, sending our monthly updates, and emailing have gone to the back burner. When I’m able to grab some weekend hours (like today), I’ll use it to do those things, but for now my time is focused on the girls.

Today I was able to grab some time while the girls were welcomed into the Silveys home for a pancake-making party. What a blessing to them and us!! They looked forward to it all week and made the most whimsical and delicious pancakes I’ve had in a good long time.

Although the breaks from each other like this morning are a blessing, it doesn’t diminish the fact that one of the greatest joys of my life right now is being a mom and homeschooling. I’m not always very good at it (patience is a hard won virtue), but God is gracious and so are my children. We walk through and take the days as they come. Gemma has been watching her sisters read for years, and decided she’s done waiting to learn. She’s determined, motivated, and all OVER the couch. It drives me nuts, but she’s reading properly rightside up and upside down. I take regular deep breaths pushing down the urge to get her to “sit still” and “right next to me” and “with her legs down,” opting instead to practice patience.

What a joy to watch her grow and develop by leaps and bounds. Ray occasionally runs over to give her a squeeze and tell her how incredibly clever she is, warming my heart even more. So!! Here’s to another week of upside down school!!

I’ve been preparing to lead our Branch Spiritual Retreat which is coming up quickly! We’ll be gathering next weekend for two nights and a handful of sessions to rest and dive into God’s word. Pray for me as I lead the group through the retreat, and for our teammate, Mac Silvey, leading worship.