Raising Arrows

February was full and actually very enjoyable. Sometimes we get to this month and time in winter and I feel it drags on and on, but this month was super encouraging and was full of some fun times! Some of the highlights were GEM UK field gathering, longer days, warmer weather, getting back into the garden, and prioritizing Sabbath again.  E has been reading so much more! And doing a great job.  February brought on Billy & Blaze. A classic in our homeschool. Found this read half way thru the month and have been enjoying all the knowledge it holds.  we made butter! i just had to add this one in - making butter and shaking the cream sure is a hard job! really hoping it's not the last time we do this ... but it's been a joy to do this project again with E and T. date night = coffee shop and games Schafer having a moment with his toy ... Celebrating a great friend! BLOOMS! Spring is near. Such a welcomed sight The Peak District! While at Field Gathering, we got some friend...

Welcome 2024! This month has been full. We started the month with friends hiking and ended in the same fashion. In between we began our school term up and got ourselves in a nice rhythm. The weather wasn't the greatest - with 2 massive wind storms that swept thru the country and very low, freezing temps. It was a chilly few weeks in the middle. But we observed some beautiful nature! Goldfinches in the sunrise, robins singing their morning songs, and a young fox just taking a stroll to school with us. N began school locally is adjusting fabulously! M went back and is still top of his class and keeping active in music and football. And the 2 boys are home with me as we study birds, read thru the book of Mark, learn about Lewis & Clark, and enjoy watching Newsround daily.  Ministry wise we've have wrapped up our Abide school of missional living and celebrated with a commissioning service the last Sunday in January. It was so encouraging to hear what folks took away from the co...

In the last few months, Tim and I have had good conversations and time of reflection on the past 16 months, since moving off the estate. We like our new home and the natural woods that surround it, along with the nice walking paths that are all around our new village - seriously, we can get nearly anywhere on a footpath! But all the while, our family is still drawn to the city centre. We knew this move was not to be a long term move, but a strategic one. A chance  to heal some wounds and give refuge to our weary hearts.  Now, a year and 4 months into life outside the estate, we are grateful to God for the insight and counsel He's given us. We wanted to share a bit of what we've learned and where He's leading.  1. TEAM / COMMUNITY  Simply put, we can't do this alone and weren't meant to be alone. Having folks who are with us and living in community with us is SO important. Weekly and monthly meals with other Christians living in city-centre Stockton is SO important. ...

after dealing a bad virus and a some snow, we decided it was best to move our campfire and smores indoors. So we roasted marshmallows over a candle with a christmas movie.   candlelight meals with friends are so special during this time of year! T and I were the only ones healthy enough to make the Light Parade in Stockton this year.  It was cold, but fuN! homesickness = lots of baking!  Sprits are my favorite. we joined other homeschoolers and a few primary schools  for a Rockin' Christmas Concert in Middlesborough. E was chosen to go up on stage to help with the 12 days of Christmas!   First Annual Family Candy Cane Hunt He just keeps loosing teeth! Tried my hand, solo, at the kids' favorite christmas cookie.  I was told they were as good as Nanny's, so I'll count that as a the highest praise! Ugly (L). Ugliest (middle two). Uglier (R)  This years winners at the Annual Keith Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! Our home was so full and it was so F...