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What comes to mind when you think of your own childhood summers? Swimming on hot days, camping in the backyard, chasing those elusive butterflies, or running through the cold sprinkler? Side-walk chalk and jump rope? Gardens and snow-cones? Walking barefoot in the grass? However you spent your summers growing up, I encourage you to savor the upcoming moments and days with your family throughout the season ahead...
Guatemala is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. There are seven active volcanoes, a climate that is "eternal spring," a diverse topography that takes your breath away, a history that dates back many centuries and a population that is open, warm, and loving. In contrast, it is also the most desperate place I have ever visited! Although we stayed in a wonderful resort located in a beautiful section of the city (where they actually mop the sidewalks at least once a day), you only had to travel a short distance to see how most Guatemalans really live (or maybe it is more accurate to say die.) .jpg)
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What are your plans for the 4th of July? A cook-out or picnic? Fireworks? No matter what you do, I encourage you to talk about America and our great American documents and all that they mean to us. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights --- introduce them to your kids and continue to emphasize their significance...
One of the great things about homeschooling is the ability and opportunity to experience interesting field trips. An exciting excursion, an all-day outing, or family holiday -- no matter what you call it, you're sure to create some lasting memories when you venture out for a day of discovery and fun.
"Trust the GPS," Jay told me on the phone before I installed the new contraption on the dash board of my old white van a few years back. It was a breeze finding my way to the Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland that afternoon. I loved having help on every turn, and eventually became quite dependent on my new navigator. Then, one evening several months later while the twins and I were on our way home from a music recital, I realized that I often allowed my brain to switch to autopilot, and had neglected many great opportunities to teach the boys how to read a real road map....jpg)
What characteristics stand out to you as you think of your father? What do you admire most about him? Perhaps it's his gentle manner or quick smile. Maybe it's his generous nature, or his wit and wisdom. Now matter what good things we remember about our dads, I'd like to encourage all of us not only to give tribute to our fathers, but to think of ways we can express appreciation to our husbands in their vital roles as dads.
Temperatures climbed into the 80's that bright day last year. Graduation day. I remember how my heart skipped a beat or two when each of the guys put out their hands to receive their high school diplomas..jpg)
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I sat outside the violin lesson that afternoon while I graded math papers and wondered, "Is this worth it?" I taxied the twins to lessons once a week, encouraged them to practice every morning, and sat through many long recitals and rehearsals ... 
