"You are where you are for such a time as this. 

 Not to make an Impression, but to make a Difference."

Ann Voskamp

Update...Gabe

 

Lest anyone think poor Gabe has been forgotten...well, if you know Gabe, you know he wouldn't let that happen!  The boy who has always begged to homeschool is LOVING each and every day of being home...except about once a week when he dislikes a writing assignment and thinks it's a waste of his time.  All I have to do is offer him the chance to go back to traditional school and I have a compliant worker once again.  ;-)

By far his favorite activity has been mummifying a chicken (which coordinated with our study of Egypt) although he does LOVE when Randall takes them on Friday field trips.  They've hit the trails, of course, enjoying fall in New England.  Today they're at the butterfly house.  This winter, we'll hit more inside museums and such.

This fall, Gabe joined a new travel soccer team.  He's been challenged to play with some of the best kids in town and he's enjoyed himself immensely.  His team is undefeated in the league and they have their final tournament this weekend.  I'm thankful.  It got CHILLY here this week! 

Updates...the GIRLS

Praise the Lord!  Mia is so happy to be home and has so much more peace in her spirit.  Even her countenance has changed.  The pensive looks that were so prevalent have given way to days full of grins and giggles.  Her laugh truly bubbles up and I can't help but smile when I hear it.  She LOVES to be with her Mama.  When the fall started, she needed to be wherever I was ALL.THE.TIME.  Seriously, like an 18 month old.  She would cry when I shut the door to take a shower.  She would literally cling to me if I had an errand to run and she would be home without me.  She still loves to be with me, but I see less fear and more peace on a daily basis.

Last year was one of transitions.  Learning how to be a family of seven.  Learning how to have a sister.  Learning how to have daughters.  They would be so emotionally spent from school that they saw each other as the competition for my attention.  They had no idea how to build a relationship with each other.  Mia was so afraid she would lose her Mama and Violet was so independent from living so many years on her own.  This fall has been one of learning how to be in a relationship with one another.

Slowly, this year I think they've fallen in love with each other.  I can see a little sparkle when they look at each other.  I've caught them holding hands many times.  Or hugging.  Or singing.  Or dancing. It helps to have three older brothers to conspire against!  wink wink

Homeschooling has been a huge blessing in regards to this.  They love to snuggle up together with me to read books and work on projects together.  The biggest gift is the TIME they have together.  Time to work and play and everything in between.  LOVE IT!

As for medical news....Mia is responding well so far to her new medicine.  She had a biopsy yesterday to search for clues regarding her horrible rash.  It'll be two weeks before we know anything.  Violet had a challenge test of a medicine to treat her Von Willebrands.  It worked!  Now we're waiting for Shriners to call and schedule the surgery.

In the meantime, we're in "simple" mode here...reading, writing, 'rithmetic...lots of projects...and visions of great books by the fire soon!