Wow. This month marks a year since I started sharing with you via "My Sun is to Yellow." I've enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for hanging in there with me as I share what I'm working on, switch things up, try new formats, and such. It's not been easy but it stretches me. It's good to try new things. I hope this year my blog touches a few more people as I make a few more changes.
    Speaking of making a few changes and trying new things, I owe you some more information. Remember my post back in March when I shared with you that God was working on me, and He really had my attention at my women's retreat? Well, I'm happy to say that He's still workin' and the next new adventure I'm taking on will be HOMESCHOOLING!!!
"Wait…What???…Don't you have enough on your plate?…How's that going to work? Now your kids won't be 'socialized.'  Oh, no, she's turning into one of 'those' people…"  Ha, yeah, I can hear you all ;)  But, yes! God has changed me from a girl who has said, "OMGoodness, I would NEVER homeschool," to being super excited and confident about it. (And if you know how stubborn I am, that was a lot of work ;)   I just have to say that when God wants me to do something, He makes it very obvious. And in this case, it was so obvious, it was laughable. Looking back, He's probably been working on me in that regard for years, but I only started hearing (or choosing to listen) a few months ago. It is a long story with SO many neat God ordained details, that it would take too long to write it all out (and I just don't have that kinda time ;) but I will say that He so creatively used my love of photography, friends, my SIL, social media, my children, the mail man, my involvement in Bible Study's, my husband, scripture - of course (and lots of it), AND my mom, to lead me exactly where He wanted me.

    But "why" you ask? Well, I can only say that for the past couple of years, my heart has been extremely burdened for my children. I SO want them to, not only, know the Lord, but I want them to love and serve Him:  and not because that's what they were taught, or that's what would make their parents proud. I want them to live to serve Him out of the overflow of their heart, and because they want to. I need time to give them the tools, and I just can't do that when they're away from me for 8+ hours of the day. Day to day, they are bombarded with an extreme amount of ideology that I just don't support, nor do I have the time to be 'un-teaching' so that I can teach. I don't just want them to meet the standard. I want them to love to learn. I don't merely want them to survive in our culture. I want them to thrive in it. I know it will be hard, but I believe it's possible. I know I can't do it, but I know God can do it through me : )  And I'm excited to see Him work!!! (I'm speaking in first person here because it's MY blog, but Steve shares the same desires for our children.) 
    I want to share with you just a few of the verses that have ministered to my heart these past few months. I'm sure they (along with several others) will continue to be an encouragement and a driving force behind our decision to educate our children at home. I pray that they will be an encouragement to you wherever you are, whether you have children or not, whether your children are living at home or not, and whether you homeschool or not.

    Now, I'm not saying this decision is right for everyone. And I'm not implying, by any means, that you don't love your children if you don't homeschool. I hope you're not hearing that. I'm just sharing with you what I believe God wants for OUR family. I'd love to chat with you about our decision, so please leave your comments below or contact me via email. And ya know, I'm always up for meeting over a good cup of coffee ;)

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    So, what would my blog posts be without pictures? (Don't answer that.)  Maybe a little boring. There, I said it. :P  Well, let's fix that. Sorry, there are no kiddos in these photos, but I'll finally be making an appearance :D
    Steve and I went to our first homeschooling conference in Duluth, last weekend. We were so encouraged! It totally could have been overwhelming because there was a C.R.A.Z.Y. amount of information, but I'd done my homework before hand. You know me! (Well, maybe you don't… but I like to be prepared / know what I'm getting into.)  It was just a really nice time together. We were on the same page as far as what we want our family to look like, what our reasons for homeschooling really are, and educating our children. We even had a little time to enjoy each others' company. I'd forgotten how much fun we have together. Guess we have some work to do in that department - - - especially in our near future - - - the Lord knows I'm gonna need it ;)  I'll keep you posted!

Our hotel was on the old side of the city.
cobblestone streets & ornate stone buildings

We were finally able to try a gluten free pizza (still has dairy but…)!
And we didn't have to cut anybody's food - - ahh, the little things.

The view from our hotel

We had to get our wiggles out after long days at the conference.
Here we were at Lester Park.

We couldn't figure out how the ice was often cut so perfectly in to geometric shapes.

Pushing his limits…pretty sure that's where the kids get it from ;)

I've often wondered what the north shore looks like in the winter.
I guess I'm thankful that winter hung on 'til April this year??? ;)

Our very own icebergs!

What you can't see in this pic is the camera sitting precariously atop a slippery rock, and me gingerly running to Steve (in 10 seconds) so as not to fall through the ice… 
I'm basically falling into his arms [sigh]!

Someone thought it was a great idea to jump onto a floating miniature iceberg.
And it wasn't me ;)  He's chuckling nervously as it floats out to sea…

I loved the quote on their government building, as well as the architecture.
"The people's laws define usages, ordain rights and duties, secure public safety,
defend liberty, teach reverence and obedience, and establish justice."

If only that were still true today... it can be.

I'm all about using found objects to create with,
so I thought the use of the lake rocks on this home was quite …unique

Our view from Skyline Drive as we left the city