Catching Up

Yesterday was Laetare Sunday. Do you got your joy on for the rest of Lent?

My family does. 

See?

(Okay, I admit that we were having a photo taken for Family Foundations and our joy in this photo is conditional. Still, an entire family that’s all smiling at once? I’ll take it.)

After seeing this photo (it will be in the May/June issue, I’m told) I realized that it’s been awhile since I’ve done an update on the family. As such, I thought that I would joyfully share with you all the goings-on.

(As opposed to, say, miserably complaining about all the challenges.) 

“Joe” is a high school Junior attending a private school just up the road. He is discerning colleges (though perhaps not as fervently as we should like) and is on the track team. Do you have kids who compete in track? My word, those meets go on forever. 

“Jem” is a freshman at that same school. He receives the sacrament of confirmation THIS SATURDAY (!) so your prayers are greatly appreciated.

“Cate” is a seventh grader and is doing well in school, despite being “hungry, cold and tired” all the time. She said that she is willing to return for 8th grade or be homeschooled again, “whatever you would like, Momma!”

Can you see why this gal has a hold on my heart?

“Felicity” is a 5th grader and has done an amazing job as the Oldest Available Berns kid. Being the OAB is a privilege in our home school–a privilege and a challenge, as you shall see.

“Angela” is in 3rd grade. She is one of the brightest little constellations I’ve ever seen, though definitely one of my more challenging students. For example, she likes to re-write their Spelling City sentences to say things like:

• “Felicity failed the quiz 15 out of 15. Fail boat!”
• “Felicity, I know you’re impatient for Lent to end, but stop beating up the poor clock.”
• “Why does Felicity require junk food, TV, shakes, toys, computer and playmates who do whatever she wants to be happy?”  

“George” is four and a half. He spends his day doing Pre-K stuff and fighting with his big sister Angela.

(Woops! I said that I wasn’t going to complain.)

“Francis” is 15 mos old. He spends his day clinging to my legs, climbing onto the kitchen table, requiring multiple diaper changes and writing on the furniture (and his siblings) with marker. What’s more, he does it all with joy. 

Finally, last but never least, my husband John. (That’s his real name so I left out the quotation marks.) John’s been working hard to establish his new at-home business; the going was slow at first but he now has work from several clients. Praise God! Does this mean we can finally afford a new couch? One that isn’t covered with marker?!

John will be sharing his story in the May/June issue of Family Foundations, which you can read (along with seeing all the kids’ real names) by subscribing to the magazine here.

And that’s all, folks!

At least until, like, Wednesday.