Musings of a Mother

This past week has certainly been filled with many joys and sorrows. We had such a glorious weekend in finding a new church where we felt welcomed and loved the worship and the preaching. Not only that, but a woman from the church connected me to another woman who is in charge of a home school group that meets at the church.

Penny and I ended up visiting the enrichment group on Friday morning. Although Penny was very nervous and apprehensive about going, she went and ended up really enjoying herself. In large part, it was a positive experience because the many wonderful kids who were so welcoming. In particular, there was one very happy, outgoing girl who kept asking Penny to be a part of her group. This same girl later told Penny that she, too, was adopted. What an answer to prayer! She even helped Penny get through the least favorite segment of the morning, when they acted out a mock government setting. Acting as the house of representatives and writing bills was not Penny's idea of fun. But, this new friend somehow made it fun, by laughing, smiling, and even bringing a prop fish into the mix to add another perspective. In their team-building event, this girl got her team all excited and they ended up winning a prize for the best attitude. I was SO glad that Penny was warming up and wanting to be a part of this group. In the end, she got to choose an elective, which ended up being "Theatre". She's excited about the fact that they are putting on a musical and really enjoyed the upbeat song that her group of girls practiced. So, this mama was VERY thankful to God for answering prayers to provide a place where Penny can feel safe and make new friends. Speaking of being safe, we're not feeling so safe here in Arvada, CO since the recent happenings that just took place a little over five miles from our new home. I'm sure that you've probably heard the shocking news of the 10 year old lost girl in Colorado named Jessica Ridgeway. She disappeared while walking to her school (which is the school district where we are now registered as home schoolers) last Friday. Her body was found at an open space area on the west side of Arvada. It was just west and a little north of us, a little over 5 miles away. In fact, when we came home from our home school enrichment class yesterday we noticed a female police officer in her car very slowly cruising up and down our street looking around. I'm guessing they are combing our area, since we live just a block from another elementary school in the same district. It makes me wary of having Penny walk by herself down to the school playground. So, I went with her in the afternoon so that she could swing. I can't imagine what the mother of Jessica must be going through. She was a single mom, so I imagine that Jessica was her life. I pray that God will embrace her as only He can to fill the hole in her heart. This whole experience really makes me hug Penny more. And I've decided to not keep our blog public, since there is still a child predator at large, perhaps still in our area.

A Great Weekend...(minus the cough)

We had a great weekend this past weekend! It was the third weekend that we spent in Denver. The first weekend we all caught colds and stayed home. The second weekend we visited a church, but it didn't turn out to be a place where we felt comfortable. But, this weekend we visited Arvada Covenant Church and we LOVED it! Plus, the sun finally came out on a very crisp, cool Autumn day and we could get an awesome view of the mountains.

And guess what wonderful news we got right after we got out of church?! My brother called to tell me that he had proposed to his girlfriend the night before. I am VERY excited for the two of them. I must say that I am extremely excited to have April as a sister-in-law! After that great news we stopped at the Majestic View park on our way home and got quite a majestic view. The photos I tried to take of the three of us are hilarious. But, I'll include them anyway, because I finally got Penny to reluctantly be in the picture. In her defense, she even let me get a shot of her on the swing.

The only downside is that Jay came down with a second cold this past week and was coughing REALLY hard this past weekend. Thankfully, it was a teacher workday on this Columbus Day. But, I just hope that he'll feel better tomorrow. He actually took Thursday off. It's really hard to teach music when you don't have a voice. It was so cute that when we met him for lunch today at a local restaurant, one of his students saw him. Her face just lit up like she'd seen a movie star. Her mom smiled, waved and said "HI!", as we were just getting in the car. It made me feel reassured that we were meant to be in this community, which seems so different at times from Ft. Collins. It's definitely more urban here with more people from all walks of life, more crime and car accidents. We've witnessed two in front of our eyes already. But, our humble home is beginning to feel more like home and we've been blessed with a nice, quiet neighborhood and good neighbors. Even Jenny seems to be settling in better. She is eating more, hiding less and getting more playful again. Now that we're starting to settle in, I want to try and connect with some other home schooling families. What an exciting adventure this life is!

Exploring our New Environment

Well, we've been in our new home now for a little over two weeks. We're still trying to adjust and realize that this is now home. It's even taking the kitty a while to adjust. She seems to get worn out exploring this new home and ends up going to her bed in the utility room to nap. That is the oddest behavior we've ever seen in Jenny. Normally you have to make her go to her bed in the basement. But, it's the one thing that smells and feels familiar to her now. But, since I'm starting to find more of her toys and put some food for her upstairs, too, she's starting to eat better and play more. This morning she had a surprise to look at through the bay window...SNOW!!

Yes, it was over 80 degrees just two days ago and this morning we awaken to our first snow of the season! One thing Penny and I have been enjoying during the warmer days was going out to explore our new area. We visited some Asian market places which are bigger than our little ones in Ft. Collins. And we visited a few parks. The only pictures I can show you of Penny are ones with her face covered.

For some reason this year she is going through a stage of not wanting her picture taken. So, that's why you see more photos of scenery and the cat these days. I'm lucky to get a rare shot of my daughter, except for on very special occasions, it seems. When I do get her picture she is often pouting or refusing to smile for me. Praying that this stage, too, will pass. One thing I love about the area where we live is that there is a huge golf course nearby with beautiful trees, green grass and views of the mountains.

We're just hoping that we can find a good church, where we all feel comfortable, soon, so that we can make good connections with people in our new community. The one activity that keeps us the busiest is school. Jay is busy teaching music to elementary students. Penny is back at her home schooling and I'm busy preparing lessons, teaching her and grading her school work. I really admire classroom teachers who have to do this for 30 kids. It's enough work with one student. But, it's definitely the highlight of my day. I'm LOVING it! A one-on-one ratio is awesome! I'm so impressed on how Penny's reading skills have improved ever since we started homeschooling back in January. I know it doesn't work for everyone. But, fortunately, for me, this was her idea and she is normally highly motivated. Hopefully, we can soon begin to connect with the larger homeschooling community in this area. I better finish up this blog so I can get back to my teaching duties. Who cares about the unpacking?