Ahoy, mateys!

Last week, as I'm sure all of you know, was International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Not to be confused with any local recognition you might have, this day is set aside for the ENTIRE WORLD to celebrated the ability to throw around words like, "Arrrr," "Avast," "Bilge rat," and "Scallywag."

We found a website that even told us how to "TLAP" in German and Mandarin Chinese!

But, as with most holidays we choose to observe, our biggest care was figuring out what kind of free food we could get in conjunction with the celebration. And our friends at Krispy Kreme did not disappoint!

Ohhh, yeah. We were all over that. 

Here we are, all scowled up and ready to go get some booty.

And here we are with the goods! 3 dozen hot, glazed, fried rings of golden deliciousness just for brandishing a hook and a scowl. It was awesome.

We kept one of those dozens for ourselves and dropped off the other two at the Warrior Transition Complex to share with the soldiers and their families. They did think it was a little odd that pirates were BRINGING them plunder rather than taking it, but by then we had named ourselves "the polite pirates," and smiled and headed out for the rest of our day. 

I can hardly wait til National Pumpkin Cheesecake day (Oct 21)!

Thoroughness

Every school year we try to find a Bible verse to make our focus for the year. The Lord always directs us to something He either wants us to work on or sees a need for us to develop in our lives. This year is no different. In our devotions yesterday morning, we read Ecclesiastes 7:8-

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." 

This verse was accompanied by the word THOROUGHNESS, which had the following definition: 

Bringing to completion each task I do with excellence.

What a strong and convicting word! I have to admit to being a terrible finisher. I am great at starting out-whether it's a craft project, new routine, exercise regimen, home improvement project, etc. etc. 

But I would be so embarrassed to admit to every unfinished quilt I have, every half-filled in daily planner...even my stair painting project is still only partway done. 

School is a little easier, because there are standards I HAVE to meet, and frankly, I don't want my kids growing up and ending up in one of those terrible street interviews on Jay Leno. If they can't conjugate a verb or name the Supreme Court justices that's all my fault. 

But even with the pressure of national embarrassment, I find it hard to stay motivated throughout those long winter months and then into the glorious spring days...

This verse will be such a wonderful reminder that the race is not over til we reach the finish line. 

I am so looking forward to this year. My first year homeschooling just one student. A kinesthetic-learning fifth grader, who loves hands-on activities and appreciates a good 10 o'clock snack break. :) 

This year we are studying Medieval History (first semester), the Renaissance (second semester), Zoology, Saxon Math 6/5, A Beka Language B, and lots of other resources. It's going to be a fun year!

(Waffles with sprinkles and whipped cream to start the year off right)