September

 We've slipped into September beautifully.  I've started working part time with the public school orchestras again to help them cover a bell schedule change.  It's a perfect fit, spending time with people and a program I love while supporting the teachers and students on their journey to make music.

To celebrate the launch of Nasa's Artemis, we splurged on some Krispy Kreme Artemis donuts.  Since the launch was scrubbed, I'm curious if the limited-edition donuts will return for the next attempt.

I love it when people feel comfortable enough to call and ask, "Could we drop by for a few minutes?"  My cousin's family popped in and gave us a beautiful opportunity to pop some apple crumble into the oven and get some baby snuggles.

As our kids continue to blossom, we see them less often.  So it was with great delight that we answered a rousing YES when Sarah asked if she could stop for a quick lunch on her way to participate in a wedding in Missouri.

And Katherine faithfully chugs along with school.  Sometimes it's lonely as the last Choate kid at home, but we call ourselves "Cello Trio" now!

80 Years of Bible Translation

 

 We closed out August with "Play Music on the Porch Day"  Making beautiful music with my hubby is one of my favorite things to do.

After a year of waiting and faithfully doing the daily hidden work the Lord has given us, we're super excited that, all of a sudden, things are moving and shaking around here.  We've reached 100% of our American budget, which means Aaron can switch to a remote assignment.  Now that he can focus on translation work again, the difference in his work day is huge.  So much more joy!

And for me?  I moved forward in obedience and began my MME.  And then just before school began, the public school orchestra program asked if I could work part time to help cover a bell schedule change at one of the schools.  So in the middle of each school day, I get to spend time with some of my favorite orch dorks, which works out perfectly for our home schedule.  It feels like the Lord just handed me a big package tied with a big bow on top.

Friday Favorite Five

 -my new FitBit Charge 5.  After using the cheap generic version for more than a year and experiencing much dissatisfaction, I finally asked lots of questions and found a better quality fitness tracker.  This one fits my needs (I don't want to get texts on my watch) and is much more accurate in tracking both sleep and exercise than my old watch.  It's a win for me with the balance of quality and expense!

-Clio yogurt bars.  Especially the salted caramel minis. These are the perfect bite of sweet with an extra punch of protein.

-Eat Like a Heroine podcast.  Combines two of my favorite things -- books and food!

-Million Praying Moms. Such a great resource of praying scripture for our families.

-Native Deodorant.  Aluminum free, cruelty free, and an option for plastic free packaging.  I've used scents Oat Milk Latte and Ginger Lemonade Cupcake and Blackberry Green Tea and can't choose a favorite.

Katherine really loves playing in the Arkansas Youth Symphony Orchestra. During their first rehearsal, our former cello teacher led their sectional, and it was so sweet to think about all the years we learned underneath his tutelage.  What a fabulous opportunity for Katherine to make music this year!

While the students practiced, we enjoyed an impromptu brunch (our first time to enjoy the Root Cafe) and visit with another couple whose son is also playing in the cello section this year.

Field Trip

 

We invited some friends to kick off the school year with a field trip to the Old State House Museum and the Historic Arkansas Museum.

First, we spent some time learning about Missisippian Culture pottery in Arkansas, especially effigy/head pots.  

Then we practiced making our own.

We enjoyed our own tour guide who seemed to know everything about the building and early Arkansas history.

After a picnic lunch on the beautiful grounds, we walked a few blocks to take a guided tour of the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Our guide said we were the best behaved homeschool group he's ever led (of course, he probably says that to every group!), and he allowed us to go into rooms that are normally off limits since we had a small group. 

What a beautiful way to begin our 19th year of school at home!