Wednesday, February 24, 2010

What's been up?


Well, it's been over a month now since a real post, so I thought I would take a few minutes to update on what we've been up to the past few weeks.

Here's a quick rundown of our last month:

  1. I started tutoring two afternoons/week at a local elementary school in December. I have mostly been working with 3 kindergarteners and one 1st grader--all boys--in reading and math. This has kept me busy, and I am thankful for Mom for keeping EB during this time.
  2. In January, I started teaching 3 homeschool students--all boys and brothers--Spanish! I have really enjoyed this new job! The boys are really well behaved and seem to be enjoying our lessons so far. Will and I met their parents while visiting churches. I teach at their house twice/week--right before I go to the elementary school to tutor.
  3. One of my New Year's goals was to e-mail my former editor to tell him I'm back in the area and interested in freelance writing. I was a little nervous about doing this since I hadn't written in so long, but I was pleasantly surprised when he quickly wrote back and offered me a job! We did not feel a full-time job was in the best interest for our family (EB is my full-time job!), but I have been freelancing for the Herald Weekly, the University City Weekly, and the Mt. Island Weekly--all North Charlotte area papers--ever since my contact with my editor. I've written several school news features, a business feature, and a human interest feature on a candlelight vigil commemorating the anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death. I have truly enjoyed this transition back into journalism.
  4. The three of us spent a weekend with my parents when a "big" snowstorm hit. We planned to get "stuck" because I really wanted to enjoy the beauty of the snow on their 6 acres instead of from our view of the townhouse parking lot. We stayed with my parents for 3 nights, enjoying the warmth of their woodstove, the taste of homemade soups and chili, and, of course, the pleasure of their company.
  5. Will and I traveled to Rome, Georgia for a marriage retreat with our church two weekends ago. This was a refreshing time of time together and teaching on God's plan for marriage.
  6. Mom and I have been attending Beth Moore's Esther Bible study at a local church that hosts community Bible studies for women from all different churches. The program offers an excellent nursery, and Emma Brooke has enjoyed making new friends there.
  7. Emma Brooke and I occasionally attend storytime at the library, which she absolutely loves.
  8. Emma Brooke and I are still attending a weekly playgroup for Hispanic moms and children.
  9. I finished reading Sink Reflections and Choosing Forgiveness. Reviews to come soon!
  10. I finished my quilting class, but I haven't finished my quilt. I need to carve out time to go to the store to get the ladies to help me. I have a one-day binding class to attend in April. I haven't had a lot of time to sew in the last month, which is sad, but I'm hoping to carve out some time soon!
Whew--I need to update more often, so I don't have so much to write at one time!