I’m sure by now most of you who stop by here know that I am a single parent. It’s something I spend very little time discussing, not because of shame, or fear of judgement, but just because I prefer not to dwell on what I don’t have and focus on the many blessings that God has given me.

I have always felt completely capable in the strengths God has provided me with and His ability to meet any need that I may have, but there are moments that little thoughts and fears creep in and attempt to disturb my peace.

I always find myself taking extra care, washing my hands more often to rid me of those potentially dangerous germs, driving with a bit more caution than usual and dwelling a little more heavily when my aches and pains stick around a bit longer than I think they should. That is the nature of being a single parent.

However, the part I dislike the most is when I get sick. It can be really rough when you feel like you want to crawl in a hole with a box of Kleenex and a bottle of NyQuil and not surface for a week, and yet you know, there is no chance of that happening and you just have to tough it out because you have children depending on you.

I have a teenager that can be very helpful when the spirit moves her and I am very grateful for all she does, but often I find myself feeling a little guilty for asking her to carry so much responsibility. So despite my illness, last weekend my daughter spent the night at Kimmie’s house and I was feeling pretty horrible. When she arrived home on Saturday carrying a huge container full of the best chicken soup I have ever tasted in her arms, I couldve cried….in fact…I think I did.

Kimmie spent all Saturday morning making that chicken soup. No one has ever done something like that for me before, which in itself was enough to make me break out the tissues and sob. So not only was that incredibly delicious soup helpful in making my physical self feel a whole lot better, it was even more helpful in healing my soul. Maybe Kimmie doesn’t know it; maybe she was just being her gracious, giving, loving, kind self, but that chicken soup let me know I am not all alone in the world and I do have people I can call on if I need them. I know that they will not just respond out of their Christian duty to be a good neighbor, but because they really want to and ….because they genuinely care for me. So thank you Kimmie for blessing me so much more than you probably realized you would.

Ok, now that I’m done with the serious stuff….I thought you should know that I have declared Monday “Markdown Madness” day. Mostly, just because I’m not fond of Mondays so that seemed like just as good as any day to slash a price.

So, starting this week and every Monday until….well, until I forget to do it….I will have one product or series on sale with a serious discount. This Week Charlotte Mason’s Original Homeschool Series is 30% off its original price! But, it will only last until midnight tonight and then the product will turn back into a pumpkin along with the price.

This is the complete works of the turn-of-the-century British educator, Charlotte Mason. The six-volume set includes over 2,400 pages of the finest material ever written on education, child training and parenting. Recognized as the pioneer in home education and major school reforms,Charlotte Mason’s practical methods are as revolutionary today as when they were first written….List Price $58.95 Sale Price $41.27!

Have a marvy day!

This is an summer photo that I fooled around with in Photoshop Lightroom. I love Lightroom and if you ever get the chance to try it, it will not disappoint.

Blogging has been one one of those luxuries that I just haven’t had time for lately. In just one week – last week – I got very sick, the refrigerator thermostat went, my monitor and the DVD player blew and I had to call an ambulance for my mom when she either had some type of seizure, or stopped breathing – not sure which. So if you ever think you are lacking drama, just stop over, you will be sure to get a healthy dose.

As for my mother, the doctor’s have no idea what happened to her, but they did find a mass in her abdomen, which appears to be unrelated. Now I’m happy that they found whatever is there and will further investigate, but I’m not happy that she turned blue in my living room and will it happen again?

Sigh…there is much to be said for routine. It is well….routine and safe and uneventful and..something I desperately need. I sometimes wonder why it seems some folks have NO drama and we have so much. It is like this always. Maybe it is my perception, but I don’t think so. It’s not that I don’t feel blessed, I just wish I could be blessed with a little more of the ordinary.

So happy New Year and here’s to the routine and uneventful. I wish you lot’s of it in the year to come.

This is an summer photo that I fooled around with in Photoshop Lightroom. I love Lightroom and if you ever get the chance to try it, it will not disappoint.

Blogging has been one one of those luxuries that I just haven’t had time for lately. In just one week – last week – I got very sick, the refrigerator thermostat went, my monitor and the DVD player blew and I had to call an ambulance for my mom when she either had some type of seizure, or stopped breathing – not sure which. So if you ever think you are lacking drama, just stop over, you will be sure to get a healthy dose.

As for my mother, the doctor’s have no idea what happened to her, but they did find a mass in her abdomen, which appears to be unrelated. Now I’m happy that they found whatever is there and will further investigate, but I’m not happy that she turned blue in my living room and will it happen again?

Sigh…there is much to be said for routine. It is well….routine and safe and uneventful and..something I desperately need. I sometimes wonder why it seems some folks have NO drama and we have so much. It is like this always. Maybe it is my perception, but I don’t think so. It’s not that I don’t feel blessed, I just wish I could be blessed with a little more of the ordinary.

So happy New Year and here’s to the routine and uneventful. I wish you lot’s of it in the year to come.