hello!!!!

I always seem to start with, "...it's been awhile..."

Smiling... sighing... sorry

So, moving right along-

This weekend was the Virginia Home-school convention.  I hadn't been in 2 years, so it was very renewing and affirming to have the privilege to go this year.  I took Danielle with me.  Mark was in California training to do cool stuff like rescuing people during international disasters (I'm not proud or anything like that:)), and my mom and dad (very thankfully) watched my tornadoes (ahem, I mean other two children) , Tom and Katie... my own version of Tom-Kat (ha!).

We've had a host of craziness at casa-de-schroeder:   migraines, asthma, etc.  Amidst all the things that seem to bring me down, though, some great things lift me up.  I realize that we live in a free country, we have good health care and insurance, my family and friends are so good to me, I have a car, a house, a job, a family.

Of course, also, we have had chorus field trips, book clubs, karate, gymnastics and dance.  And that's just the scheduled every day stuff!

There have been birds nesting on our front porch, too, and some fantastic afternoon thunderstorms!

Every day brings new excitements and blessings...

I had a date at chick-fil-a for Mother-Son Knight... a very cool event that I wish I heard of ages ago because we had so much fun.

I'm slightly anxious and very excited to home-school the girls again next school year.  I'm praying for patience for all of us as we prepare for a new routine.  I pray that Tommy knows he is loved and that high-school at school is best for him right now.  His teachers and those that provide him with his special education and autism services are rock-stars!

I also pray for God to help me and guide me and give me wisdom (a lot of requests, there) so that I know I am serving my family in the right way, and for Him to lead me to whatever ministry He has in store for me (and that it is obvious- I tend to need a very clear sign).

It's on my heart to type this one last thing tonight... I know some of my friends are struggling...

I'm praying for each of you in my own special way for the special stuff that you need.  Every life has purpose!  Even yours!:)