I’ve always had a hard time of getting started in the new year. I never want the excitement of Christmas and all the festivities to end. So, this year we extended our holiday celebration by leaving up our decorations an extra 3 weeks and doing some post holiday things, like visiting the Enchanted Lights at Rock City. It had been several years since we had put this on our local excursion priority list. It worked out perfectly one evening since all three girls were invited to a 
sleepover, and we took the boys for a fun-filled, yet chilly, adventure. We had a blast trekking up, down, and all around while listening to Christmas carols and sipping on steamy hot chocolate. The boys’ favorite, by far, was the light up “blinking” cotton candy. They had so much fun eating the sticky, gooey stuff while lighting their way down the paths. We had lots of photo opportunities to remind us of our stargazed night.
We also included an ice-skating trip to our after Christmas activities. Even though we were unsure if Shafer would try it, we suited him up and he loved it!
Our second part of the school year seems to be running even smoother than the first. Since we are new to homeschooling, it has been an adjustment getting use to this new way of doing school.
I see the tremendous benefits that we have garnered as a family and I praise God daily for allowing us to have this season of life. It has been especially gratifying to watch Shafer learn right alongside his siblings as he fosters a positive attitude toward educational development.
Progress is a little slow due to the rainy weather, but we are excited that it is coming together. Our hearts are filled to overflowing with gratitude for the amazing passion that the Make-A-Wish foundation has for children like Shafer. Stay tuned for more updates and photos…Shafer’s Mommy