Summer So Far at Hidden Pines

My oldest daughter graduated from homeschooling recently. I am so thankful that I’ve been able to home school my daughters all these years. It has not always been easy, especially as a single mother for the last 10 years, but it’s definitely been worth it all. The graduation ceremony and reception was very simple. It was held at our church and around 40 were there. The tables were decorated with inexpensive plastic tablecloths. All tables but one had an amber medicine bottle with one rose in it and a ribbon tied to each bottle. I had been saving the medicine bottles for flowers around the house and purchased a rose bush for one of my daughter’s graduation presents. We used the roses off of it to decorate with, so that when the roses died, there would still be more coming from the bush. My mom brought a vase and roses from her garden for the family’s table. Other decorations were things I’d gotten on clearance or very inexpensively. I had a table that had photos of my daughter, and a friend brought her laptop with my daughter’s senior pictures scrolling in a slideshow. I gave the commencement speech, which told funny and precious memories about my daughter, and then presented her with her diploma. We then enjoyed cake, a cheese platter, crackers, and punch. We used some paper dinnerware that I’d gotten on clearance, but others had to be purchased.

With my daughter graduating, there have been some changes. Even though the changes are good and part of growing up, they hurt a mama’s heart sometimes. I am so glad that I can lean on my Lord to bring me through all of life’s phases.

For the first time ever, we are having a 2-month summer vacation. We used to homeschool throughout the summer with sometimes a 2- or a 4-week vacation. I’m looking very forward to having some time for myself, to finishing my living room and dining room curtains that were cut out several months ago, and organizing and cleaning things around the house. July has been too busy to have much time for anything so far though! Although it’s pretty hot, I can see signs of Autumn’s near arrival. The pine needles in the woods are falling and leaves are already turning yellow and red.

Our puppy Missy is now a grown girl. She’s such a joy and pleasure. She is so very smart and obedient. We love her so much and learn so much from her. Dogs sure go at life with full gusto and are thrilled with everything, it seems. My daughters like to take her around the area, just to give her a ride. They sure love that girl! She, along with the neighbor’s dog Teddy, has brought up animals that we’ve had to rescue and take to the wildlife lady. We’ve rescued 2 baby bunnies a few weeks ago and a duck recently. Missy did bring up a baby raccoon, but it was already dead. I keep kerosene on hand to burn the dead things, because the dogs will just bring back anything that I try to leave in the woods. I know that they would uncover anything I buried, too.

Our cat Autumn is getting lazier and plumper than ever. He has daily, and sometimes, hourly cravings for Temptations cat treats.:)

We’ve killed several water moccasins this year, sometimes several in one week. We can’t go walking around the pond without bringing a gun with us.

God has answered prayers that have been 5 years in the making. An estranged friend has come back into my life in a way that I know that God did it and has changed hearts. I never would have thought He would have done the things He’s done! This has opened the door for us to be involved with a group for Christian girls called Bright Lights. My daughters are so excited to be able to fellowship with these dear young ladies. It means the world for me to find some like-minded Christian women in “real life” and not just online. The talks at the meeting are meant for the girls, but have spoken so very deeply to my heart.

My business has been very busy for the last few months. I’m so very thankful! It was awful last year. I’m so pleased to have created a beautiful blog for author, editor, and homeschool speaker/coach, Mary Jo Tate. I have also built a website for an upscale restaurant at the Pentagon. You can see these by visiting my business website.

I hope you all are having a blessed summer!