First Day of School

We are back to the books officially this week. I am really looking forward to the routine and I am so glad that I am still homeschooling. Our oldest is in Grade 5 this year...I can hardly believe. Time flies. We started with a bang on Monday morning. Aliah was completely out of sorts and Hudson had a fever, but we plugged away at the school work. We also took a mid morning break and took the little ones for a much needed walk. It was sunny and warm. As I was walking I realized how thankful I am for the flexibility of home schooling, that when we all need a little fresh air, we can put down our pencils and go for a walk, even if it is 11:12am. God also blessed Keegan and I on our first morning in his grade 3 year. He has been a struggling reader, and when we picked up his reader, he started reading it as if he had never struggled at all. Of course, I started crying and so did he. And then he told me that God had answered his prayer. And I of course felt even more blessed to experience that precious moment with my wonderful son. Home schooling is a journey I thougth I would never take, and now it is a journey I can't do without. Despite the crazier moments, the messy house and virtually no free time, I am so thankful to be where I am today. And I am so thankful that I am able to be with and grow with all my children.

Bed Time

We (Bryan and I) were getting the little kids ready for bed tonight and I asked Bryan to throw down a pajama shirt for Aliah. I had the pants, but not the shirt, so I described the shirt we needed. He couldn't find it. So Brendan went up to get it. He couldn't find it either. I commented, in a very loving way, that they were somewhat blind as bats...seriously it was all in fun, and LOVE :o) Brendan then responded, "That's why we need you mom". Cheeky little fellow.

So how do I choose joy over feeling overwhelmed? I choose to reflect on the happy moments the kids and Bryan and I have together. It can get pretty crazy over here with 5 kids. But it is also pretty fun. There is never a dull moment. I feel like the kids are growing and changing so much. I feel like I am growing in my faith so much. Do I feel busy? Yes! Do I wish for quiet? Sometimes. Would I change anything? Never! I am thankful, and full of joy! (Oh and I think I am done my blogging break...I need the blog to share my joy!)

December

Wow, what a great December we have been having. Here are a few things we have been up too...this will be a shorter post because we are off to the local retirement home to sing Christmas carols:

- Hudson can say MAMA!! That's the most exciting update :o)
- We had our first snow fall, so of course that meant a baking session of gingerbread cookies.
- The boys completed there first session of gymnastics, and they loved and really want to do it again.
- We got our tree up!!
- Aliah started to open the presents, so the presents aren't under the tree, they are on top of the entertainment unit.
- And the basement renovations have begun!! Soon we will have a real play room and an extra bedroom!!

Bryan's book list for me this year.

Here are some books Susanne forgot to mention:

Rude and Loving It by I. M. Rude
(She obviously never read the book How to be less Rude)

Living with a Perfect Husband by I.M. Solucky

Presents from a Brother in Law by Hardto O. Pin

Perspective

Yesterday I had a bit of a quiet day. Bryan's parents took all three big boys for the day. Brendan and Keegan went with Dad to a basket-ball tournament and Joshie stayed with Grandma to play with his cousin Tyler. I was able to clean up...shop...relax and enjoy our two little ones. I wouldn't want this all the time, but every now and then is a welcomed change. I was thinking about when we only had Brendan and Keegan and I remember feeling overwelmed and very busy most days...everything was so new and I no longer only had myself to think about. Now, with have 5 amazing blessings, only having 2 for the day feels like I have had a break. Life is funny that way. I did enjoy my babies yesterday, and I am happy we are all back together today :o)

Note: If anyone wants to hang out with my kids for a day, I would be happy to scheduale you in :o)

Bees

We started our school year off with Bees this year. I know it is already Nov. but I thought it might be nice to still post pictures from our filed trip to our friends farm. Bees are amazing creatures. They are so little, but so complicated. And it is really neat to see how they live and work in a very task orientated community. And each bee knows exactly what its responsibility is. And honey is amazing...it not only tastes delicious but it never goes bad. I love learning about God's creation and seeing how He created even the smallest thing to show His glory!