It's another weary Friday for me.

We have had 2 weeks of work teams (praise the Lord for the HUGE amount of work they did!!!), but I am tired after having non-stop work going on during that time. AND trying to get some school done. This last team was over 70 people so that was a lot of mouths to feed....it was many, many hours in the kitchen.
But the camp is once again quiet, 2 houses have new roofs (mine included), lots of things have been painted and cleaned, hobart got a makeover, and the beginning stages of completely priming and repainting the lodge has begun. Those teams come in like whirlwinds and do so much work....then leave as quickly as they came. I have seen many things accomplished this week.....some people worked on the big, noticable projects, like the roofs or the painting....while it was encouraging to see those who worked quietly, on less noticeable projects, like cleaning out our pantry and walk in...or wiping out ALL the shelves in the kitchen (and there are alot of shelves!).....some people even cut out THOUSANDS of snack shop certificates for us to use this summer! What a blessing to have these groups come in and give up their vacations and spring breaks just to help us out. Some were professionals and many were just high schoolers....but all did their best to be a support and encouragement to not only the staff that live here all year, but to the summer staff and campers that will be flooding our gates in the next few weeks. We really could not do it without their willingness to come and serve in this way.

Thank you!!!

HOME SCHOOL WEEKLY

A pretty decent week....despite the broken thumb (Abby), the work team, and home school outings.

MATH:
Again, we made up time in this subject....several days we did 2 lessons....even got one done on Wednesday (crazy busy day in town). Almost got a whole chapter done with the twins (10 lessons).....so we'll start this coming week with a test and then keep plowing through. Abby is almost done with percents (yay!). And we have added speed drills back to hers as well.

ENGLISH/GRAMMAR:
Alamo paper DONE!!!! Moving back into more 'grammar' type stuff (Abby). Didn't quite hit my goal with this subject but we'll just keep pushing along. Now that we are done with "paper writing" it should move faster. She also is working on the "tan book" with is more grammar and literature. We may continue with that book through the summer. I like it as a supplement to her other english/grammar. The twins also made up good time in English....again, didn't hit my goal with them but this past week we did double up almost every day. The upcoming few lessons are mostly repeat stuff so hopefully we will move quickly. I really want to finish up this subject for the year...I mean really finish the book. English and Math are the 2 subjects I really try to finish each year...not sure why.....

SPELLING:
Abby finished her words for the week and made a 96 on the test. The twins got everything done except the test.....we'll get that done first thing Monday morning then start a new week. It was just a review week for them (a review of several weeks worth of words)....i anticipate they will do ok on it.

VOCAB and HANDWRITING:
Abby is the only one doing vocabulary right now and doing about 2 chapters a week. I'm not testing her on that, just allowing her to work through the lessons. The twins are doing the handwriting and they really enjoy it. I think they are probably behind in their cursive writing....I need to start making them write more in cursive. Peter struggles with just print....not sure if I should push the issue.

SCIENCE:
Not even really sure if I'm going to start a new subject in science.....we only have about 1 month less. We have been watching some "Life" episodes. Sometimes I have them write papers on what they watch, but I haven't this time.
HISTORY:
I really had intentions of continuing in our study (from before co-op) of US geography. We are doing a study called "Man in the Map". We will definitely pick it up this week. We should be able to get it done in a month.

EXTRA STUFF:
Abby still can't take part in piano lessons, but she is able to play somewhat (just can't use her left thumb!). Hannah is going above and beyond what her teacher asks of her. She said that Hannah could possibly catch up with Abby even pretty soon.
In the area of knitting, Abby finished her first official wash cloth (the previous ones were just practice, no trim, etc)....this one is nice. And although she didn't officially finish it because her teacher had to do the last 2 rows (broken thumb, remember?), she did a great job and is ready to give it away as a gift. Hannah should finish hers this week. Not sure what their next project will be. They will continue to work on their scarves.
They have written several letters this week....I like them to try and work on that every now and then. They enjoy it, so that is a good thing!
We havent' done much baking this week because of Abby's injury, but we should be able to get a couple things done this week.

We did get together with our home school group and went bowling. It was a great afternoon....except for Abby :( Even Wes was able to get away and join in the fun. We also all got together at the library again this week. The kids are still going through the book Bridge to Tarebithia. We'll be getting together again this week for a field trip.

We have another work team in this week (about 70...so the cooking and cleaning is alot more intense) so please pray that I can still focus here at home AND still try and minister to the team and get to know them....along with the other ministries going on. Pray for my kids too....we are doing lots of extra work (longer hours)...just pray I can encourage them and love on them while being an efficient teacher.

I hope all you other home school moms are getting lots done in these last couple of months...press on!!!

Enough

God is really all we need....He is "enough". That is a truth that is said many times in our christian circles....I've even said it several times myself. But I'm not sure if I always believe that, or even live according to that truth....

Last night I drove, like I do every week, an hour out to Ft Wingate. It's a boarding school for navajo kids, and a couple other ladies and I teach Bible lessons there. Usually, when we arrive, the first little girl to see us coming starts spreading the word that we are there and by the time we get to the meeting room, everyone is buzzing and excited that it's time for another "church" time (well, most of them, anyways). This week we arrived as usual at 6pm and were greeted by an empty, very quiet meeting room. There was not a girl in sight, on the whole wing. They had gone on a 'field day' to a local park. No one had bothered to call us, no one had given thought to our plans to come out and spend time with the girls. It was discouraging, to say the least.
Well, as Ruth and Ann headed downstairs to teach the little boys (who ALSO were on that same field trip, they soon found out!) I headed over to the older girls, glad that my drive out there was not going to be a total waste. As I rounded the corner I could hear the talking and laughing coming from their meeting room. I was glad to hear they weren't gone for the afternoon as well. So as I started my teaching and began to share my heart with these girls, it soon became apparent that they had very little interest in what I was saying. Now that in itself is nothing new, but I knew the dorm parent had really come down on them about how they treat visitors and for the past couple of weeks, they had at least sat quietly and 'pretended' to be interested. But this week, it was back to reality. As I shared the final lesson in my study of Proverbs 6 and the seven things that God detests, the girls mocked the Scripture, talked openly amongst themselves, made faces, and overall seemed annoyed that I was even there. When I tried to encourage them about my next week's lesson on the death and resurrection of the Savior, they only replied, "ok, cool, now leave". When I let them know that I was praying for them as they finished up their school year, again the reply was 'thanks, now bye'. My closing prayer was the shortest ever as I could hardly hold back the tears. I wasn't sad they had rejected me, although that's not the best feeling in the world....I have a pretty tough skin when it comes to teen agers. But my heart just suddenly became so tired and weary that I thought I would just completely fall apart in exhaustion.
I left as quickly as I could and waited til I was in the sanctuary of my van before I finally let myself cry. As I pulled out of the parking lot, a song came on.....Enough, by Barlow Girls. I like that song ok....never thought much about it....but as I pulled out onto the lonely 2 lane road headed back to the interstate, I was struck by the words...simple and true...."all of You, is more than enough for me..." I almost laughed at the simplicity of it and my response to those girls....I was getting all upset about what response I thought I "needed" from those girls....but really, I had everything I needed in my Savior. And although, in that moment it was hard to have my needs met in an 'intangible' way (I wanted to call someone and just sit and cry for a long time!), I just allowed myself to really grasp that truth and rest in it.....it was much easier than I thought it would be.
I still cried most of the way home, but there was a peace that was there now.....a peace that passes all understanding.

My times at Ft Wingate will still not be "fun" as long as the girls continue with that attitude....but I'm praying I can leave with a better attitude each week, knowing that I truly have all I need, and that's 'enough'.

ENOUGH (by Barlow Girl)

All of You is more than enough for
All of me for every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You
Is more than enough

You are my supply
My breath of life
Still more awesome than I know
You are my reward
Worth living for
Still more awesome than I know

You're my sacrifice of greatest price
Still more awesome than I know
You're my coming King You're everything
Still more awesome than I know

HOME SCHOOL WEEKLY

Well, I'm late again....but this time with a slightly better reason. Yesterday, in the middle of our quiet afternoon of rest, Abby came running in screaming about her thumb....I took one look at it and knew it was broken.....(broken stuff makes me queasy). Long story short, after a trip to the er, it was confirmed that she broke (shattered is a better word) her thumb and the Mlekodaj kids have experienced their first real ER trip. I've called for a follow up appointment with the orthopedic, but we won't get in til early next week. They will decide if they will re-cast it or just put a light splint on it. Praying all that will go well.
After a fitful night's sleep, we are up and attempting school (not Abby....she is well "medicated" and veggin'!). So, here's our accomplishments from last week.

MATH
Again, we made up time in this subject, often doing 2 lessons a day. But there was at least one day we didn't do any so I'm not sure if we made real progress or not! Either way, we made good efforts and are moving along. Even as I type this, the twins are doing 2 lessons (the first was just a review of dividing by larger numbers, so we just talked through that one)....I love the feeling of "catching up"!!! Abby also is making good progress....we can't often do more than one lesson with her because she is learning new stuff every day and usually has more work. But we have done it a few times and she is conquering percents very well! Everyone took tests recently and scored well....(sigh of relief!).

GRAMMAR/ENGLISH:
I don't feel like this subject got as much attention as I would have liked. There were 2 days we didn't get to it at all...but then there was at least one day we doubled up. Again, not necessarily moving 'ahead' but not falling further behind either. Abby's paper on the Alamo was put on hold while she finished up two papers for co-op. She will finish that up once she is able to do school again. She really just has to correct her rough draft and get the final one typed out. She is almost done with her 'review' grammar book (something she just works on every now and then to stay on top of stuff she previously learned). I have a goal to get through 2 chapters this week (that would take doubling up every day) so I doubt that will happen with the broken thumb incident. But we'll see. Some stuff we may be able to just talk through. It's mostly about writing papers right now. Thankfully, it was her left hand that was hurt and she is right handed. So once we are over most of the 'pain' we can get busy again.
I also have a goal to be done with a unit in the twins book too...but again, gotta double up this week. It's all pretty easy right now so I feel like we can do that. It's nice because if they get the hang of it, great, and we keep moving.....but if someone is struggling, then we can just slow down again and take our time until understanding sinks in.

SPELLING:
Everyone did really well on their spelling tests last week. Abby already started her new list and the twins will start one today. Peter really struggles still (possible dyslexia) but the more time I spend with him, the better. I still have plans, before the public schools get out for the summer, to get him tested for dyslexia.

HISTORY/SCIENCE:
Co-op.....
For the past few weeks they have received most of their history and science at co-op. They have studied New Mexico History for history and Bees for Science. Last week was our last week of co-op (praise the Lord!) and they finished well. They each had to write a biography on a famous New Mexican explorer and then for science they had to write a paper on bees (i think i wrote more in detail about that last post). They finished them all, read them out loud for the whole co-op group and now it's over! They also, for NM history made a replica of a covered wagon....very cute! Also, the adobe bricks they made in week 2....they brought those back to class and then dropped them outside to see if they would break, thus determining if they were solid enough to build houses with. Peter and Hannah's broke on impact, but Abby's stayed together :)
I am already putting together the possible classes for our Fall Co-op semester....it will be here before I know it!!

READING:
Everyone is still in the same books, but should be wrapping them us this week. I am almost caught up with Abby in the Bronze Bow and I am loving it! When they finish up, they will write book reports on them.

EXTRA STUFF:
Piano.....Going really well for Hannah...she will play the offeratory on Easter Sunday. Abby, unfortunately will put her piano career on hold until the thumb is healed.
Knitting.....same thing. It's going really well, and Abby will have to stop for a while. She is literally about 2 rows away from finishing the washcloth she is making for a gift. Once she is better she will start another one and also continue on her scarf. Hannah is about 1 lesson away from finishing hers...and she too will continue on her scarf and a practice washcloth she is working on. They will both attempt to make an additional scarf to help a friend with a project to give out scarves and hats to the homeless this Christmas. I will help them with that project and hopefully between the 3 of us, we can get a few made by then.
They are all still very involved in awana, gymnastics and Bible study. I can't remember if I posted it last time, but they are finished with Bible Quizzing for the year. They came in 1st all but once. We will have an awards banquet next month to recognize their hard work. We studied the book of John and I am so impressed with how much they learned....and I learned lots too! Great experience!

I had high hopes to start this week off well (early). There is a workteam here and we were going to eat breakfast at the lodge each morning (7:30) and then start school right away. But with the long day yesterday and the not so restful night's sleep, the day started late. But so far, we are moving along. I even used my lesson plan notebook for the first time in months! I have all the lessons written out and scheduled for the week. We will PERSEVERE!!!!

Home School Weekly

I didn't do a 'wrap-up' last week because it was so busy....so I don't want to miss it again. I'll try to re-cap the past 2 weeks as briefly as I can.

MATH:
We made great progress in math (more so with the twins). On more than one day we did double lessons. It's a little harder with Abby because her lessons are a little more intense and longer. But we are moving along. I have set up goals in all the subjects, to reach a certain place by April 15th....I'm praying we can accomplish that.
Everyone has completed a math test (2 for the twins) and is doing well. Abby is starting a new chapter and it will cover percents. The twins are wrapping up a chapter on adding and subtracting fractions.

SPELLING:
We finally got some spelling done! Abby did a whole week, test, and has started another lesson. She has always done really well in spelling...praying it stays that way:)
The twins will take a test on Monday. Peter struggles a little more than Hannah, but with some extra attention he can do well. This week's words are hard for Peter....."interrupt, underneath, elevator, neighbor, etc..."we just have to take it slow, and sometimes we have to test twice (and combine the scores).

ENGLISH/GRAMMAR:
Abby is continuing her lessons on writing a research paper. She completed her rough draft (her paper is on the Alamo) and will type it out on Monday.
The twins are making good progress in their English.....some days we do 2 lessons....the ones that are easier and somewhat 'review'. They are working on different types of verbs right now, and will continue that topic for the next couple of weeks. I want to be done with this Unit by April 15th....doable, but with much focus and determination!

VOCABULARY:
Abby hasn't done any work in her vocab book the past couple of weeks....it's not something we do every week. But she did finish up her Explode the Code book and ended up with a 95/A on the whole book. The twins are moving through their Explode the Code book.....probably just a couple more weeks in that. Then we'll be through for the year.

READING:
Abby is still reading The Bronze Bow......she is about 1/2 through it, doing some vocabulary from that and answering discussion questions on the book. Peter is reading a Boxcar Children book....that's about his level. Hannah is still reading Little House on the Prairie.

HISTORY/SCIENCE
Co-op:
Right now, they are getting their history and science at Co-op. In New Mexico History they are learning about the Santa Fe trail and the explorers involved in that. They are doing a biography on a famous explorer and it is due on Thursday. They will just be starting that paper on Monday so we will have to really focus on that this coming week. Two weeks ago they had a "spanish" day....they got to dress up in spanish attire and they made homemade tortillas with all the trimmings. It was a fun day for them :)
For science they are studying bees at co-op. The kids LOVE this class! They have really enjoyed making their lapbooks and telling me all about what they have learned. They have even been 'bee hunting' here at the camp and love to get up close and personal with them (now that they know which ones will sting and which ones won't). They are also writing a paper in this class. Abby is writing hers on the different kinds of bees (queen, worker and drone), Peter is writing his on the Queen Bee and all her duties, and Hannah is writing hers on the life cycle of a honey bee. All they have left to do is type them out.
It's really time consuming for the twins to write research papers....they haven't studied how to do that in detail yet so I have to walk them through most of it. I helped them with their outlines but they are responsible for actually writing out the paragraphs. It's tempting to help them more, but I need to let them do that. They DO know how to write paragraphs so I just need to let them work it out.
We only have one more week of co-op so we will go back to doing history and science at home. We will pick back up in American History but I don't know what we will do for science. We only have about 6 more weeks of school so it needs to just be a short study.

HANDWRITING:
I've started doing handwriting with the twins again.....something I have neglected since Christmas.

BIBLE QUIZZING:
We just finished up our last tournament for the year. We studied the whole book of John this year and they have learned lots....me too!! They won every tournament except one. This weekend they scored more points than they ever have. Abby really did a great job and really stepped up and was actually competitive. The twins are the youngest in the whole program, but they manage to answer a couple.

Extra Stuff:
Awana.....Peter just finished one of his books. He is very excited about that.
Piano......The girls are doing really well. Hannah is working on "Were You There".....hoping it will be ready in time for Easter and she can play at church. Abby is really loving the "fast" songs. She loves to memorize those and play them over and over :)
Gymnastics......They all really enjoy it and are showing improvement. Peter has only been involved in it for a few months but he is doing really well.
Home Ec........The girls are involved in a 7 year course.....although Hannah technically shouldn't start until 6th grade (she is in 4th), I am letting her start in some of the areas. She and Abby are both doing the knitting and doing well. Still working on their scarves and also working on nice washcloths for a birthday gift. Abby may finish hers up on her next lesson....Hannah probably has 2 more lessons. In the area of cooking, I am only letting Abby do the actual required cooking for the course. Hannah wants to cook so I am letting her do more "box" recipes right now. But Abby is really enjoying the cooking part of it. This week she made whole wheat tortillas, fruit kabobs with strawberry dip, and banana bread. She did all the list making, shopping and preparing for each recipe. She also (outside the course) made some peanut butter cookies. She just loves to bake.....not sure where she gets it! Hannah made a lemon cake with lemon icing, and Peter found a recipe for Honey Bee Cookies and made a batch for the Bees co-op class....big hit!
PE.....Abby is the only one involved in the homeschool pe class. They are doing floor hockey right now, but in a couple weeks I heard they will be doing frisbee golf....a favorite out here at the camp!! :)

So that's a 2 week wrap up....again, it doesn't feel like much but I have to take what I can get and keep moving forward. Makes me want to get some school done TODAY....on a SUNDAY! But I will try to control my urge and wait until tomorrow :) Today we will attempt to rest.....tomorrow will be here soon enough! :)