The end of the school year

3 of our kids took SOL (standards of learning) tests yesterday. David managed to score another 600 (perfect score) on his history test (of which he called lame). He is remarkable in history and somehow I hope he incorporates it into his life and career. I took him for his Advanced Placement meeting last night-taking AP history (American) and AP English (instructor promised they would come out good writers-Amen!). He has his work cut out for him next year with these classes in addition to all his others. He will be a junior-hard to believe for me. He is doing driver's education in school-much to my happiness that they were able to squeeze him in. I hope they get him started on I95. We still haven't braved that yet.

Jonny and Elizabeth tried out for Classic soccer for the fall. We'll see how they do. They decreased the number of teams for next year.

Arianna's front tooth can almost be twisted all around and yet will not come out!

Arianna and David had fun on their respective trips, but were tired.

The Mile

We all went out with our decreased family to the Fredericksburg mile runs. It was in a residential part of Fredericksburg that we had never been in, so enjoyed walking around before the runs. Elizabeth ran first and her time was 7 minutes, 7 seconds. Jonny was second, ran 6 minutes, 22 seconds. Both were 2nd in their age group. I watched the next few heats, the fastest in the men's open at 4 minutes, 40 seconds. So I was nervous because I average 10 minute miles, but I ran at 6pm and my time, much to my surprise, was 8 minutes, 1 second. I was happy as I wanted to run at least 9 minutes. I tell you though, my lungs were burning as I am used to running farther but at a much slower pace. It was fun. We cleaned up and went to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. A good evening, after going to the farmer's market, the Made in Virginia store, and Miller's Farm to pick strawberries during the day.

Missing 2 kids

Arianna went with our friends, the Cains, again this year camping for 5 days and nights over this weekend. God bless them, they have 10 children with them!!!!!! Needless to say, she and the rest were excited.

David II also left Thursday to go to Florida with the marching band. He was excited too. He is also excited that there will be an actual separate mellaphone section next year and that he is not the leader! He completed his world history AP test (won't know the score until July but mom and dad are praying for 3 college credits). He started taking driver's education in school (so mom and dad don't have to look for it elsewhere and pay more). My little boy is not so little and is really moving on.

Elizabeth just got inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. She also just worked so hard on a gifted project on pirates. It was so creative and she is so motivated and persevering.

Jonny is almost done with elementary school! Less than a month. He had field day today and Dad went and volunteered! Way to go Dad!

I am 2 weeks into a new course on family therapy. On reading the Garman blog (yes I do read them, Annie, as I have time), I wanted to mention that post-modernism, social and family constructionism, second order cybernetics all go along with the new "spirituality" or religiosity. These state that there is no reality, no absolute truth, but rather we create our own reality by creating stories. We help others create "new" stories if the old ones are not working. It is really sad. Sometimes I get scared to think of this field of counseling I am going into.

I am signing up for lots of running races from 1, 3, 5, 10, 13 miles for the summer/fall. I find it motivating. I told the family they must do at least one. Tomorrow night we will all run/walk the mile in Fredericksburg. We plan to go to the Farmer's Market and pick strawberries at Miller's Farm down there as well.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all! For us, it is an amazing break-no soccer, no events, break from SS teaching,etc. Should be nice. Get to catch up on some house chores too.

Nancy

My first half marathon! and AWANA closing

I, Nancy, ran my first half-marathon today. It was the Marine Historic Half which was so organized and through one of my favorite towns-Fredericksburg. The surprising thing was that I ran the first 9.5 miles and then ran/walked the rest so I finished in 2 hours and 28 minutes for which I was thrilled! (I was expecting to take 3 hours). I think I ran a bit too much though, as I am very sore, especially my left hip! I hope I didn't fracture anything! I picked up a bunch of race entries from the Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC) and the Marines of which I plan to do at least 1 a month through November. I told the kids they need to pick at least one. It was cold and rainy which was great during the race but afterwards, I was freezing-hot bath helped, but now for the Advil!

Anyone interested in any runs, let me know. It would be more fun if I knew people even if I didn't run with them the whole time.

Awana: Awana ended today with the closing ceremony at Ararat. Jonny, Elizabeth and Arianna all finished their books. We were proud of them. I really like Awana and think it is a good way for kids to learn Scripture and study the Bible. Jonny's T & T book was hard-I helped him with it and couldn't believe all the hard, long verses. But he did it!

Mother's Day a Hit!

Mother's day: You know, I wish this would happen more often, that things work out great without planning especially as it seems a lot of people live like this, but once in a while, it works for me and yesterday was one of them. I slept in and had breakfast in bed and received cards and presents from my kids. David II made perfect eggs-no brown with just a touch of salt and he gave me a kiss which is quite a rare treasure these days. Then we went to church, came home and I was able to putter outside a bit (I even got some free plants from my neighbor and the woods). After that we drove down to Fredericksburg to do the New Generation homeless ministry meal-which worked out great. Carl's ice cream was next-delicious as usual. We all walked the length of the Canal path-down and back and walked into Old Town although all the shops were closed. Now for a place to eat-nothing in Old Town so I suggested we go to Central Park knowing we might end up in McDonalds. David II mentioned Joe's Crab Shack. I have been wanting to go there. We did not wait the hour they said-less, and they had a playground for kids while we waited to be seated and for our food. They also did some singing and dancing while we waited which was fun. We ate outside-the weather was perfect yesterday-sunny, dry, in the 70's with a soft breeze. We did wait a while for our food, but received an apology from the manager and a free dessert for mom. The food was delicious-I had my fill of crabs which is a rare treat, hung with the family and had key lime pie for free for dessert! What a treat! Thanks to my wonderful family! I hope all you other mom's enjoyed your day.

School: I am officially half way through school-30 credits. God granted me the reward of an A for my hard work. Now I went right into my next class on Family Therapy which started today. I should be reading!

Dave in Denver: Dave left for Denver early this am for a work conference. I hate when he goes away not because it is extra work for me but because I feel lost without him. It made me think of my mom when dad died or any widow. But, I hope he enjoys himself and get some much needed rest and a break from our busy life.

The Lord's Table: I have been concentrating on the Scripture from this great program at www.settingcaptivesfree.com. Isaiah 55:2-3 says: Why do you spend your money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?...eat what is good, delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me... I will make an everlasting covenant with you.