Here’s the two favorite men in my life right now. Josi, celebrating his 14th birthday, and my brother Eric, who also just had a birthday.

In the Works

My daughter and son-in-law came over this weekend and helped out some. Virgil and Josiah have been living with his sister in Elizabeth, and Josiah has decided to try public school. So I guess they’re gone for the winter. So Amber and Dave helped me get my wood stove going. Dave split all this wood by hand (actually, with an axe), and Amber helped him stack it, cleaned out the stove room, and clean out the stove. Then Dave built a fire, and I’ve kept it going.

Dave also fixed the stairs in the garage (there was an unfortunate accident while Josiah’s friend was over for a sleepover one night and three stairs collapsed). He discovered that the first 3 stairs were constructed with nails instead of screws. That’s why they came loose.

Anyway, I’m forever grateful for the inspiration to get to work, and hope the momentum continues, as I have lots to do.

Look like anyone you know or used to know? This scarecrow made by the kids in the youth group reminded me of Josiah because he wears Josiah’s outgrown basketball clothes.

Here’s a song I wrote for Josiah:

The Boy in You

Though you’re growing up, changing into a man,

New manly ways you’re learning, like how to win her hand,

I’ll never stop believing in the boy I rocked to sleep.

Your lock of hair, the toothless grin, they’re all mine to keep.

Reminders of your childhood spark my reverie,

Memories of you playing, tousled and carefree

Marbles, balls, and skateboards, bikes and model cars,

Help me to remember, you’re a child at heart.

God sees the child in you, the babe I held as mine.

Though life’s trials harden you, Grace will smooth the lines.

Don’t ever grow too far away from God on bended knee

That you can’t hear your mother say, “You’re God’s child, I can see.”

Scrapbook of Life

Every summer I go through all the papers and memorabilia I’ve collected all year and make a scapbook of Josiah’s unschooling year. This is always an enlightening event, not to mention time consuming. It’s nothing fancy, just a looseleaf notebook with protector sheets stuffed with pages of game talleys, trip plans, artwork, letters and cards written and received, songs and poems penned, and other scrapbook novelties like ski-lift tags, subway tickets, and baseball cards.

I also try to keep lists of books and videos we borrow and rent so I can keep track of what all he’s imbibed mentally. I’m sure it’s nowhere near exhaustive. He comes across stuff I’m not even aware of.

I also try to list all the new skills he’s learned, equipment he’s learned how to operate, games he’s played, events he’s participated in, groups he’s been a part of, places he’s performed, and lessons he’s taken. Whew!

He’s a busy boy. There’s not much to show paper-wise—he rarely picks up a pencil. But he sure does cram his brain (and his laptop) with data.

I pray the Lord will guide him in the paths he should go and will help me to facilitate his walking those paths.

Josiah in his new John Deere hat.

Though I’d just write a little about what we’ve been up to.
Tuesday we sang and played at a community jam session in the hometown of the famous Jessica Lynch. Everyone sat in a circle and played together, taking turns passing the mike around. Josiah was too busy talking to his friend to sit the whole time, so one lady rounded him up every time it was his turn. She didn’t want to miss his singing. She said we livened the place up.

I’ve been reading some good parenting books. I guess it’s not entirely too late to learn more about parenting. Josiah’s only 13, even though he’s taller than me now.
You should check out Hold on to Your Kids–Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers, and How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk. I also read a historical fiction Weedflower about a Japanese girl who was forced to live on an Indian Reservation after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, written by the daughter of a man who actually lived through the experience.

I’ve been practicing the violin. But Josiah keeps packing it away for some reason.

The Leggett Family appeared at a benefit concert in the park pavilion Saturday. Granddaughter Kylie played various accompanying instruments.

Mowing

Josiah decided to mow the fields today.
Doesn’t it just remind you of Green Acres?

The Pond is Full!

Even though the water is still pretty muddy, Josiah tried to get in, but it was very cold. However, he did throw the dog in. She swam out very fast, shook, and rolled in the grass. I think she was really grateful for the spring bath.