A sigh of relief

I made it through another year of homeschooling.  My fifth year home educating our kids.  One done grade five, one done grade four, and one done kindergarten.  The kids are in a slightly different program than a traditional homeschooler as they attend a school affiliated with homeschoolers twice a week.  The teachers need to come to our home once a month for a home visit.  Today was our last one of the school year.  We ran through the things we've finished, what we're going to complete in the next couple days and then it was done.  Twenty five minutes later and we've determined it was a successful year and that the kids are ready for the next year.  We talked a little bit about next fall's curriculum and the options out there. For now though, we are going to just settle on some reading aloud and winding down the year.

MOM

Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom.
Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese! Peeeese!
Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up.

Oh I love you dear little one!  Hearing you talk to me with purpose and clarity is like music to my ears.  I will admit though that I have thought about hiding from you... just for a while.  A few moments to myself would be nice. 

I love how you walk away from me after a diaper change saying "bye bye" and then turn around with your eyes squeezed shut and huge hug for my neck as I reply "oh you DO love me!"  It's our little game that we enjoy. 

One more night...

I've lost count of how many nights Doug has been away for the month of May.  I probably don't want to know.  He should be home late tonight and then home for a while anyhow.  It has been a long run and I'm just about done.  I've dealt with homeschooling kids, a clingy toddler, puking kids, the possibility of strep throat, sleep overs, play dates, parks, walks, bathing, cleaning house, wiping faces, crowd control... the list goes on.  I genuinely love being a stay at home mom but single parenting isn't for me.  I am looking forward to him being around again.

Taking a Day off...

We attend church regularly.  Every weekend.  Yesterday we made the decision to hang out together at a family instead.  We bought a dozen hot dogs, buns, and the fixings for s'mores and drove up to Doug's parent's acreage.  We lit a fire and spent the evening away from the phones, computers and busyness of life.  It was time well spent as the kids roared around on the go cart, hula hooped, played on the swings and enjoyed the warm weather.

Me & my daddy!

Chillin' Out

Crazy girls & best friends!

Joshua wearing Sarah

*kisses*

Sisters

One good thing...

about this week has been a gift from my girls.  They agreed to share a bedroom so that I could have a craft room again.  I have missed it terribly since we moved and it wasn't the same having all my things in the bonus room.  Here's a little peek:

Day 2 of 4...

And two more to go until Doug comes home.  As a "gift" to me, the girls decided they would be willing to share a room so I could have a craft room again.  So the past two days, the kids and I have been moving bedroom furniture down to the basement for Arianna and all my scrapbooking things into my new room!  I can't wait for it to all come together and to have my own space!

Eleven Years Ago...

This little boy joined our little family of two.  Entering this world at 8 pounds, 2 ounces, he has changed our lives forever.  

 

A ray of sunshine and smiles at 8 months old.

A year old already!

Growing up so fast...

And now...

Like any other parent, I've asked myself, "where have all those years gone?"  It still seems like such a short time ago that I held his soft pudgy body close to me and breathed in his *baby* smell.  He was a good baby.  His mild mannerisms still are a big part of who he is today and I know that trait will hold him in good standing as he continues to grow up.  

Joshua loves to be outside, wear shorts, eat pizza and ice cream, ride his bike (even to the mail box only three houses down), hang out with his sisters and friends, and eat breakfast.  He doesn't sleep in and finds little use for school work.  I keep hoping that will change someday.  He loves to read The Hardy Boys, watch Little House on the Prairie, and be with his family.  

I look forward to what this year has in store for him and can't wait to see God work in his life!

Comparing...

I find myself frequently comparing my children to each other or to other children.  Because Joshua and Andrea are only 16 months apart, I must keep myself in check and not expect as much of Andrea as I do of Joshua.  Especially when it comes to their schooling.  Joshua is naturally smart and things come easy to him where with Andrea, it takes a bit more effort. 

One other area I am very guilty of comparing is with Sarah.  She's little.  I mean REALLY little.  At her 21 month doctor's visit, she just touched 18 pounds on the scale.  I notice how well other kids her age speak and although she does talk, it doesn't match up to the other kids around her.  Also, her hair.  Or should I say the lack of it.  Just a few wisps on the top and back but nothing to speak of.  *sigh*  I know that she is perfect and that she will come out on her own but it is tough at times. 

God, help me remember that she is truly Yours and that she has no faults in Your eyes.  Help me feel and think the same way... all the time. 

Happy Birthday Arianna!

On May 4, 2004, we welcomed Arianna Joy into our lives.  She was 7 lbs, 10 ounces and 19 inches tall.  I can't believe how the years have gone by and how *grown up* she's getting to be.  She has an easy going personality that is full of life and love.  Here are some of the things that make up who she is:

• She is as girly girl as they get.
• She loves pink and purple.
• She loves to wear dresses... the frillier the better.
• She loves to change her clothes during the day (many times)
• She loves Barbies.
• She is able to start and take a shower without any help from me.
• She is my Tim Horton's buddy.
• She knows how to read and write.
• She can swim like a fish.
• She can ride a two wheeler with ease.
• She adores her siblings, each in their own way.
• She is an early riser like her mom.
• She is ours.  Unique, special, loved.

 Happy 6th Birthday Arianna!  

I hope this year is a great one for you.  I look forward to sharing and celebrating this day with you!