Plans for This Week
Recently, I mentioned that life has been crazy here. I love being at home, and I don’t enjoy spending all day driving to appointments and running errands. But it seems I’m moving into a season of needing to do just that.
A little over a week ago, our oldest daughter got braces. It wasn’t simply for cosmetic reasons, as she has some jaw/TMJ issues. Her appointments are in a city an hour away.
Then, last week, we took our youngest daughter to see the orthodontist that our dentist recommended for her jaw issues. An hour and forty-five minutes away.
Two girls in braces, both in different cities, both over an hour away from where we live (which is basically out in the middle of nowhere!). So, I’m going to be doing some driving this coming year. Yes, I wish they could have both been seen at the same office. I wish it could have worked out differently. But, this is the way it’s going to be, so I’m planning to make the best of it.
One of the happy things is that we’re about an hour away from the nearest Aldi, and both of the cities where I’ll be taking the girls for visits have Aldi stores! So, that’s a good thing. I can combine their orthodontic visits with grocery shopping trips. Also, listening to audio books and dramatized stories is another way we can make the most of the driving time.
Last week, my oldest daughter and I also had vision tests. I hadn’t been in over four years (Elyse was just going in for her yearly exam). I told the doctor that I’ve been looking over my glasses to read small print, but I do not want bifocals! He said in a few years I may need them, but as long as I’m only needing to do that for very small print, I’ll be okay with my current prescription. Thankfully!
In between all the running around, I spent a day in the kitchen making homemade toaster pastries and also mixing up some taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix.
We also had a family bonfire night in the backyard, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire.
Isn’t that the cutest little fire? My 13-year-old daughter built it after studying the instructions in a survival handbook of her brother’s. It started very easily since she built it so well!
In this last photo, you can see a few of the raised bed gardens. We’ve been enjoying fresh radishes, and the lettuce is just about ready!
My perennials are up and staring to bloom, also. The salvia, phlox, sage, and chives are so pretty!
And I’m so thankful for these two comfrey plants a friend gave me. She took them from her plant, and I was so afraid they wouldn’t live, but they look nice and healthy so far! I’ve wanted comfrey for years, so I really want to keep these alive.
We have no appointments scheduled this week! Yay! And the calendar is free of any plans away from home. I’m hoping that I can accomplish some things around the house, such as cleaning out the garage, organizing the boys’ room (again–more thoroughly this time), and getting some school books listed for sale. I hope to be sharing those here in the next day or two!
What are you up to this week?
My son just got braces put on for similar reasons. Thankfully our orthodontist is only 10 minutes away! I would love to know how you made the homemade toaster pastries!
An orthodontist that close would be so wonderful! Here's the recipe for the toaster pastries–my kids love them! http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/homemade-healthy-poptarts
The teen years can be tremendously busy. We didn't even do a bunch of stuff and I still felt overwhelmed with all the running we did. Just as daughter is graduating and getting married the boys are entering the high school years. It is all for the kids. I know some day I will be sitting here without much to do and they will be gone. The Lord gives us strength and grace for these years.
I always thought things would slow down as they got older–how wrong I was! It's busier! But yes, I know there will be a day when I'll miss these days. 🙂
Driving can be exhausting, but what a blessing to be able to address the needs of your kids.
While on the road, you might be able to take advantage of other audio schooling resources like the geography songs or presidents or even the Westward Ho from Diana Waring. (great folk songs about historical events) I personally love 100 Sheep, which is skip counting (2-10) your younger ones will know their multiplication table in no time and the songs are great. I wish we lived closer, I would loan it to you. 🙂
Also…your flowers are beautiful.
Thanks for the great suggestions, Carol! I'll have to check those out. 🙂
Some carpenters are renovating our mansard … help me!
Greetings,
Franca
Hope all goes well for you! 🙂
I love those no appointment weeks! Wonderful pictures!
Yes, no appointment weeks are the best! Thank you! 🙂