Time

My last post was about my day out with my husband, sans kids, which was about a month ago.  Wow!  I am surprised that it has been a month since I posted! 

In this past month, our lives have taken a bit of a different turn.  All three of our children have joined Civil Air Patrol (CAP).  During that time we've paid for all 3 of them to have FBI clearances done, spent a good portion of a morning with their Commander and Lieutenant to try on not only dress blues, but battle dress uniforms, combat boots and dress shoes that were given to them by their unit; we've kept our eyes out for their physical training shorts (like gym shorts) at Good Will so that they can do PT in the proper attire; and since their feet are bigger than the boots offered at the CAP warehouse, we've purchased 3 pairs of combat boots. 

Why Civil Air Patrol?  

We were agonizing about this decision for quite a long time.  We had considered boy scouts years ago, but something constrained us those years ago.  We believe that God's hand was on that decision, or the constraining of that decision for a reason.  As for CAP, there are a number of reasons we've allowed our young folks to join.  First of all, it helps to reinforce the lessons we have taught all their lives about obedience, respect, helping others, and advancing in one's learning/education. 

Second of all, it helps to promote healthy peer pressure to push young folks to learn and advance because those who are at a higher level than they are, are usually their sergeants or cadet commanders in charge of them.  This positive peer pressure in this light helps these kids to understand the need to stick with those who are going to encourage them to become a better person not just for their sake, but for the sake of the squadron.  

Thirdly, there is a camaraderie that is occurring with the kids that is a good influence on them.  

Last, but not least, the educational opportunities with CAP, after aging out as a cadet, are amazing!  With adults, there are senior member benefits of taking classes online for a variety of areas to not only benefit the squadron, but also for one's own advancement.  This type of schooling is FREE as well as a resume builder.  

Now that I've told you quite a bit not enough about CAP, I'll move right along.  

I am in the process of adjusting to this new bunch of activity in each of our calendars.  I am certain that all of the activity is worth the effort of getting all of us to not only the meetings, but additional activities, youth meetings, choir, young ladies' book club, piano lessons as well as home school co-op days and field trips. I was filling in my perpetual calendar earlier today and when my Mr. G saw it so filled with things to do, he said, "Wow!  This calendar is just too full!"  LOL   

This is my calendar without all the activity:

I love being able to plan my days with this as my guide.  It doesn't matter what is going on, I can look at this calendar, see what week we're on, look to the left and see which room to detail clean.  Along the bottom are the chores for the day.  Along the right side is kitchen chores to do.  I've changed those since I took this picture due mostly to changes in diets and needs for the family, but that is how things need to flow as a family grows and changes.  

Now, I know the question is resting on your tongues/fingers/minds, "What does she do while they are at all these activities?"  Well, I have numerous knitting projects in process.  I am currently making my own wool felted purse that I will line with some lovely and wonderful fabric complete with zipper pockets and pouches. Another project I'm working on is a knitted winter headband that covers the ears for outside play. 

It's about double this size now, but it will be nice and warm for my ears when I go outside in the winter.

 These are things I work on while waiting for my kids.  If it's youth group night, I attend an adult Bible Study while they have youth group.  If we attend a field trip, I usually participate in the activities.  Then we throw doctor visits of all varieties in to the mix as well and there are lots of knitting opportunities.  

I thank God for these learning opportunities for my young folks.  Seeing them now and how much they've grown in their knowledge and walk with the Lord does my heart good.  I am excited to see what the Lord does in their lives.  In the mean time, I perfect my knitting skills to glorify God in every way I can.  

God Bless!

In Christ,