We’re taking it a day at a time here.
Schoolwork, housework, music, basketball (things are slowly opening up for limited practices), getting together with a friend or two. We are coming out of this crazy funk, but somehow things still aren’t quite “normal”.
Our official school year is FINISHED, but we’re taking the time now to read ahead for next year, start the online Drivers Ed course, and pursue an interest or two.
We have ZERO plans for this summer. What we did have planned has been canceled. We are truly winging it.
And - maybe that is the lesson in all of this. Flexibility. Patience. Discernment.
There have been an abundance of opportunities to discuss the pandemic with our children. Where do we get our news? Who is our authority? Can we view this crisis through our lens of faith? Are we exercising judgment? Are we living joyfully, and not controlled by fear?
I imagine I will come back to this post in 5 years and the world will be a very different place.
Because I have been reading so much - I decided to dedicate this 5 Good Things post to books - books I have enjoyed, a summer reading list with prizes, and a great online story resource.
Reading has been my escape in all of this - so I hope you enjoy today’s post and that it might allow you to escape a bit, too!
Enjoy!
Storyline Online
Have you seen this amazing resource of videos? I can’t believe I’ve not seen it yet. A reader sent me the link to the Trombone Shorty story - which is wonderful! And, there are so many great stories to watch and listen to. Enjoy!
Jane Eyre
I have been re-reading Jane Eyre this week. It is included in my son’s Challenge II curriculum, and I wanted to have it fresh in my mind to discuss it with him this year. Let’s be honest: this is a hard book for a 15-year-old boy. So, I am seeking ways to help him connect more with the story. One thing a friend gave to me was this Jane Eyre graphic novel. It’s great!
Additionally, I want to try out the Jane Eyre BBC miniseries, and I heard there is a 2011 movie that is good, too. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know in the comments!
Elizabeth Berg
This recommendation is purely for moms. Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors. Her books are sweet, humorous, timely, and literally bring a smile to my face while I am reading them. I just finished The Confession Club on audio - which was such a treat because it was read by the author! If you just want an escape, read the three books in the Mason series! (I use RB Digital through my local library for audiobooks - any time I can read for free is great!)
The 2020 Minimalist Summer Reading Guide
I’m a big fan of Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy). She just released her summer reading guide, and I always enjoy the minimalist version of that guide! Reading has been such a great way for me to escape, broaden my horizons, and be a better teacher for my children. I get most of my recommendations from Anne Bogel!
Veritas Summer Reading Contest
This is a simple summer reading contest with several good recommended book lists, too. It also includes a printable to track your reading.
