2010 in Review

If I had to sum this year up in only a few words, I would call it a roller coaster year. 

The constant motion of life, jostling from peak to valley, made me feel a bit woozy at times, exhilarated at others, and occasionally a tad bit nauseated.  But in the midst of life's ups and downs, our family has clung to the one constant in our lives... Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:17-18)

It was a pleasure to serve the Lord this year in my home and with this blog and a comfort to know that though life is ever-changing, God's love for His people remains unchanged.  I give Him thanks for all He has done for my family in 2010 and ask you to join me on a little trip down memory lane....

In January I made sure none of my children will ever win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.  I also shared a little about living in the South.

In February, we participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count.  I tendered my resignation from the TOS Homeschool Crew due to the return of chronic pain and then posted several reviews to complete my Crew commitments.

In March we celebrated National Pi Day with lots of fun activities and tasty Pi(e)!  One of my sons shared a little dream he has about a Yellow and Blue Kitchen, too.

April brought the Youth Birding Competition where we started out prepared to bird in the rain.  However, the Lord was pleased to send the rain while we drove and stop the rain as we arrived at each birding location.  I also began my series, Considering Homeschooling?.

I dedicated much of my writing time in May to journaling our homeschool journey and telling you all about Our Year with Tapestry of Grace, Our Science Choices, Writers' Workshop, and how I've Got Rhythm.  Michael and I celebrated our fifteenth anniversary, too!

In June, I completed Considering Homeschooling? with a post with a weird title.  We vacationed in Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, SC...a trip that was almost entirely free!  (I should have written about that!)  Instead, Michael and I turned our trip pictures into a photo journal which we called Summer School.  I also finally finished my series on birding with children, Birding 101.

I completed the Summer School series in July and destroyed my camera during Our Day at Six Flags over Georgia. 

In August, we held Wilbur's 10th birthday p-ART-y.  I shared how to make the invitations, to make the cake and treats, and to prepare art-themed activites. 

In September I took a little break from active blogging and shared some of my reader's favorites from the archives.  I did manage to write one of Our Family Stories about a special day sixteen years ago when I found a handsome young man kneeling behind a tree.

I returned to the blogosphere in October fully refreshed and ready to lose weight!  Wednesday Weigh-ins have kept me on track!  Thank you for your support!!  (Oh, and I took an Unintentional Horseback Ride that month, too!!!)

In November, I was Drowning in Soap while preparing to open the soap shop.  I also injured myself in a way That's Just So Dawn. 

The year ended with a visit from the Kingdom Arrows, our Top Ten Christmas Moments, and The Injured Party where Orville broke his arm!

On behalf of the Olive Plants family, I want to thank you for reading and invite you to join us here in 2011 for more homeschool help, bird watching tips, and funny moments.  We wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Dawn