I Feel Like I Just Won the Lottery!

I got a call while standing in line at Walmart today from our state senator's office. The state is awarding a $10,000 grant to our homeschool group! I filled out the paperwork in August - then some additional paperwork in September - then some more paperwork in November. I pretty much figured the request was bogged down in red tape or they would find some reason not to give it - after all we are a homeschool group, and this is excess state tax money! But the check is now written and on its way!

The main "catch" is that we must spend all the money by the end of this year. We are already brainstorming about Lego mindstorm, microscopes, rhythm instruments, a powerpoint projector, etc. We want to make sure that we spend it in a way that folks can benefit over and over.

Praise the Lord for His goodness!

Start Spreading the News . . .

We're leaving next Sunday for New York City! I'm so excited that Rebecca and I are going to get to accompany Terry on his business trip to NYC. We'll be there Mon.-Thursday and plan to make it an "art field trip." We plan to see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and perhaps the Brooklyn Museum and the Guggenheim. We also plan to take in a half-price Broadway play or two and do some shopping (window-shopping at least) on Fifth Avenue. If we are brave and the weather is good, we may also skate a little in Central Park.

A Wood Nymph and and one of Aslan's Animals

These are the parts that Rebecca and Nathan got in the upcoming "Chronicles of Narnia" play at our local theatre. They both really wanted speaking roles, and I thought they did great at tryouts, but over 140 kids tried out for only 16 speaking roles. Caleb and Noah tried out as well but didn't get parts at all. We are learning to be happy with supporting roles. I say "we" because I didn't realize until going through this process that I have a lot of pride wrapped up in my kid's performance and achievements. That's something I need to work through with the Lord.

I'm sure they will both enjoy just being in the production because they like "Narnia" so much.
And Nathan is glad that he gets to fight on stage with the good guys. Rebecca will be able to spend time working on the scenery, program and promotional artwork for the play.