Well, Howdy!

Hi!

I know...it's been awhile.

But I have not forgotten about my blog....honest.

It is one of those things always in the back of my mind. A nagging thought that never lets up.

But I had a goal these past few months that was very important to me and I purposefully let some things go during that time. The blog was one of them.

But now I am here.

I told my children I was blogging today. They went into their most dramatic acting as they faked heart attacks. If I wasn't so dead set against Hollywood I would nominate these kiddos of mine for an Oscar. (Do those come with a cash prize?)

So why the sabbatical?

I concentrated on home schooling.

We have home schooled for several years now. And I love it. I love spending my days with my children. I love teaching and working with them. I love organizing and filing. I love visuals and field trips. But I have always struggled with our schedule.

I know ladies who home school more children than me and still seem to have free time every day....but I could not figure out how to help every child get everything done each day. It seemed like we were always doing school and yet we were never as far in our work as I thought we needed to be. I sought advice and counsel, but nothing seemed to fit or work for us.

This year has finally been better. We have made minor changes. I gave up a few things. I relaxed a lot about the little things. And it finally seems to be coming together more like I thought it should be. It still is not perfect, but I am sooooo happy for the changes that have been made. We still have things we are working on to make better, but improvements are being made. I still need to learn to relax more and not let lists dictate my life, but I am making strides. And I am very thankful as children blossom better in a more relaxed environment. And so do the parents! ;)


A year ago a precious friend I have not seen in years sent our family a gift card for a photo session. What a thoughtful gift! The arrival of this card coincided with another arrival in our household...the swine flu. The first arrival was gladly welcomed. The second was not. So the gift card was set aside and forgotten. But during our Christmas break from school last month we finally got to use it. What a fun experience that was for us! Our last family portraits were taken before Joshua was even thought of, so we were way overdue!

So now for updated pictures of the six reasons why I spend my days like the Apostle Paul. (...I put away childish things. I Cor. 13:11) ;)

Ricky, Age 13



Ryan, Age 12



Rachel, Age 10



Jack, Age 8



Jonathan, Age 6



Joshua, Age 4



My life is full. My heart is content. I love being their Mommy!



I have missed you and I have missed being here. It is nice to be back.



Thanks for stopping by,