New Beginnings

I have felt for some time that God has been leading me in a new direction. Just some of the things I have felt God nudging me to do are:

• I have known for quite some time that it was time for me to take a step back from some of the responsibilities I had committed myself to.
• It is time to reorganize my house and do some cleaning out - so to speak.
• I have also felt as if I will be reaching out and making new friends. (This is a stretch for me because I am quiet until I get to know someone).
• Have a new focus for my household. (Ex: more responsibility for the kids, more focus for me so I stick to a schedule, etc...)

It was amazing to me that once I made the committment to following this path God was taking me down everything started to fall into place. I will be updating and letting you know about all that is happening soon enough, but I just want to encourage you that God may not give you the answers you are looking for until you agree to his wishes without questions. One thing I learned through this - and I'm glad it didn't take me too long to figure it out - is that God will be patient with us until we 'get it', so to speak. I look forward to sharing more with you in the week(s) to come.

Laughter

Laughter does not come easy for me. Don't get me wrong - I'm not a miserable person. I enjoy my life very much, but I have a hard time finding laughter in the midst of life, especially when it throws me a curve ball. As God works on me I'm noticing my children are much more able to laugh at a frustrating moment than I am. I've decided I want to see life through the eyes of a child. My children have been such a great inspiration as I learn to find laughter in the little moments.

Outdoor Learning

As we finish up the homeschooling year the girls seemed to have a little "spring fever". It was a very long winter here in New England. Once the warmer weather arrived there were more than a few days that we took school outside. From studying the wildlife to nature walks they always love the outdoors approach. It is always a favorite and the kids learn and take in everything around them. Here are some pictures from our adventures. We are looking forward to more warm sunny days. The learning never has to stop when you close the book.

One of my daughters named this baby turtle "Claws". She was very disappointed a few days later when I made her release him so he could go home to his mother.

Tap Dancing 101

With a house full of girls I still get amazed at how much they love to dance & sing. Baby Giggles wants to dance sooo bad.....to the point where I have to pull her off the dance floor at her sisters practices. With recital time right around the corner the older 3 have been hard practicing. Yesterday they decided to practice in the kitchen & I just happened to catch this on video. If you have sound it makes it that much cuter......she was so happy no one stopped her attempts this time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35243761@N03/3514545278/

Memorable Moments in Homeschooling

Last week was a very busy week. I had numerous committments and tried very hard not to let them interfere with our schooling. I think I took multi-tasking to a new level and tried to do "my things" while trying to teach the girls. On one of these particularly crazy days my 1st grader was waiting very patiently - as patiently as a 6 year old can be - for my help. When I came to help her she was sound asleep on her school book. It was at that moment I realized I needed to slow down - and maybe just take a nap with her :). It amazes me how much we can learn from our children - if we are willing to learn.