A.J. is entering three pieces in our upcoming art show, a collage of digital portraits of Ginny, a separate portrait of Ginny, and a painting he whipped out today. They are all very nice, especially the collage. He really got up close, and they are all very captivating. I am definitely hanging it at home once the art show is finished. I hope you homeschool friends of mine are entering the show and coming to see it in Staunton at the end of this month.

I may let Lily enter, too. I just have to find time to set her up at the table with some paints and paper. Why should that be so hard? I’ve always tried to enjoy my kids for the stage they are at, but I must admit, I’m looking forward  to a year or two from now when they are a little more independent so I can do more with them, if that makes sense. Right now, I spend a lot of time caring for Ginny and soothing Lily and feeling like I’m generally not getting anything done. Then again, having a baby and toddler around is kind of cool. Just a smile from either one of them lights up the room, not to mention a full-out belly laugh. What joy! That’s what makes it all worth it, I suppose.

Back to the art–maybe I’ll get photos of their pieces up at some point on the blog, but it will probably be after the show.

I am the leader of our co-op for the first time next month (this means I get to plan the activities for the month), and I’m finding it quite enjoyable already. I have to find a way to entertain and educate the kids without actually teaching. No way I could do much with carrying around Ginny and keeping the shy one (Lily) happy. So far, we’re tie-dying (led by a fellow homeschooler who has volunteered to help us out), and having a lady from Cat’s Cradle (www.catscradle.va) come and speak. I’m also hoping for a field trip to Boxerwood Gardens (www.boxerwood.org) and maybe a game day or another field trip. I was thinking about a field trip to or presentation from the Wildlife Center of Virginia (www.wildlifecenter.org), but that may be out of the co-op’s budget. Leading and planning is more fun than I realized it was going to be.

Oh, I added a bookshelf to my blog. I love this idea, since I love to read. I also feel like what you read can say a lot about you or ferret out hidden depths and pleasures you might not see on the outside. I’ve always been an introvert, so I guess that’s not too surprising.

Enough rambling for tonight. Peace out.