Paige Barnes

So the other day Matthew and I were working on some summer school work. You know that whole statistic that kids lose 2/3 of what they learn during summer vacation prompted me to buy a first grade readiness book at the beginning of summer. Well, the first week of summer he was diagnosed with diabetes and we've been trying to catch up with ourselves ever since. The past few days have been much better and we are starting to find our new "normal". So we finally pulled out the workbook and we were working on some pages. My sweet little red-head who is most definitely 6 going on 26 said out of the blue, "Mom, nobody can tell me what to read or what to say". I reply, "Yes, buddy. That's right. Where did you hear that?" To this he replies, "Well, mom, that's democracy"! I must say I had that momma moment where I thought, oh yes, my son is the most brilliant little boy ever. So we sit a few more minutes working on the workbook. ...

I am in the process of totally revamping the blog. Please bear with me.... Paige

Ok , catching everyone up... I arrived at the monastery just in time for dinner. One of the sisters met me and showed me around. What a quiet, relaxed place. Dinner was simple - egg noodles, Swedish meatball, zucchini, and water - but it was delicious and filling. I took only a small portion of each and finished my plate feeling satiated, but not stuffed. After dinner I made my way to my room to get settled in. I came with only the bare necessities, not even bringing make-up, and only wearing my wedding band. After introducing myself to my room I decided to go for a walk on the grounds. They were beautiful. It's as if I could hear the flowers and the trees and the grass crying out to their maker "Holy, Holy, Holy"! I walked the Stations of the Cross which is always a very moving experience. Then I stumbled upon a stone labyrinth. There had been no mention of one in anything I read or was told and it was a delightful discovery. I had to walk it. ...