Sunday, May 22, 2011

Hudler Happenings

Almost daily I have sat at this computer with thoughts I wanted to share on this blog, yet something else always needs my attention.

Well, I have some time now so I'll get as much out as I can.

Our last official day of school was Friday. Whoot Whoot!! It has been a very good year. The kids accomplished so much and I am very proud of their work. Each year seems to be getting better and better.

When I started homeschooling, 7 years ago, my main goal was to make it through elementary school. Well, Cody will be in 7th grade this coming school year and we are still plugging along. And now, I fully believe it is possible to homeschool through highschool so it is now my goal.

With that said, however, I wonder what the Lord has in store for us. This past school year has brought us several changes, things I never thought I would do.

We fostered two children, one of which was in public school. We now are the proud parents of 3 chicks. We are trying to make our home as self sufficient as possible. I believe this is much easier when you live on a farm. We don't. But, we now have chickens, apple trees, and a vegetable garden. Hey, its a start! And we are very much hoping for another foster child, a very young girl to be exact, a potential adoptee, to come into our life.

So with these changes, I wonder what the Lord will call us to over the next 6 years of Cody's schooling life. And with Macie 2 years behind him, she has even more opportunity to experience life following after Christ.

My heart continues to want to wrap itself around anything missions. Cody and Macie are both wanting to go to Romania, something neither have wanted to do in the past. Jeff is heading to Romania in July for a short term mission opportunity. I hope our family as a whole can do the same soon.

We have instituted new traditions and are raising some standards in our home and though it has been a recent effort, we are seeing the benefits already. The only one I'll mention now is reading aloud to our children, as a family. Many families already do this, especially in the homeschooling world. But, it has never been a priority for us. Until now of course, and we love it. It is a precious time of learning and unity. The kids are going to bed easier, the house is quieter in the evenings, the tv no longer demands our time, and even the mornings are so much smoother.
If you are not a read aloud family, give it a try, soon!

Ok, that's it for now. It's not much but I have many other thoughts to share soon so stay tuned!