Japan-a-mania

Meagan has been turning into quite the artist.  She must get it from her mom's side of the family, because it SURE isn't from mine.  I mess up stick figures.

Anyway, taking a page from some of my friends and a few of hers, she has been getting into a few Anime show series'.  In doing so, she has developed something of an obsession with the art styles of Japanese animation (both print and screen).  Below is a sampling of some of the things she has been working on.

It's gotten to where she actually wants to move to Japan for a couple of years to study that art style. To prepare, she is going to be using Rosetta Stone to start learning Japanese this year for her Freshman language requirement.  She's even managed to convince her Aunt Elizabeth to go with her in a couple of years (she's going to be applying to get a job soon to save money for a passport and a trip there).  

I love the passion that she is developing in going after what she wants.  I can only hope that as parents, we can continue to help teach her how to find and go after (and want) the things that are best for her long-term.  But I guess that is just one of the many typical "parent worries" when one's child is growing up faster than you think they should...

- Josh              

Moms Retreat......You are Enough!!!

Every year, one of the homeschool groups we go to has a mom's retreat for a weekend getaway. In the years' past, it has been out of town. This year, they decided to keep us in town and have an amazing speaker come to talk with us. She is a homeschool mom herself, and the author of a fantastic book...

I had such a wonderful, spiritual, emotional experience that weekend. I recommend this book to all homeschooling moms.

One of the things that really stood out to me was where she likened the story of Christ feeding the 5000 to homeschooling.....huh?? How can that be?  She stated that Christ asked that they bring all the fishes and loaves of bread they had. Peter then said that there was not enough to feed the thousands that were there. Christ said to have faith and bring them here and we will bless it and feed the people. 

So how does that work for homeschooling you might ask?  Well, we as parents bring forth all that we have to give, and the Lord will multiply it and it will feed us all. I have never thought of that story in that way before. All we can do as parents is to bring our best to the table, give "our will" to Him, and He will make enough to "feed" us all.

I struggle all the time trying to be the best mom, the best wife, the best friend, and I get exhausted trying to do it all. I can't, but I can bring all that I can to the Lord, and together, we can accomplish so much more. Whenever you have a rough time/day, you can come back to this book and feel empowered and once again ready for the fight. 

I learned so much, and am so grateful I was able to be a part of that experience.

Such a great night. Thank you Grace!!!

-Sarah