The Inspiration I Needed

We are just beginning our 7th year of homeschooling. I love teaching the boys at home and I have no doubt that it is the right thing for our family at this time, but I have to admit that I have been a little apprehensive about this school year. Nick is entering the middle school years, so it's time to step up his program. Michael is not reading well on his own yet. That coupled with his short attention span means that I pretty much have to be right there with him for almost all of his school work. What makes me the most nervous is schooling with sweet Baby Luke. He likes to be held all the time, doesn't nap well, and will be crawling and walking before we know it! Will I be able to give each of the boys the time he needs from me?

This past weekend Corey and I attended our first homeschool conference - www.ihmconference.org . I always enjoy shopping for school books and looking at things I might want to use in future years, but listening to some of the speakers was just what I needed. I heard some things I really needed to be reminded of. God would not call us to homeschool without providing a way for us to get it done. Although not every day is perfect, we have always been able to get through our school work. I need to remember to keep a sense of humor. The most important phrase I heard was to "bloom where you are planted". For me this means that if I am being called to homeschool my children, that is where most of my time and energy need to go. It is easy to fall into the trap of volunteering for many things since I am not out of the house at a paying job every day. I need to choose carefully where I spend my time at things like teaching religious education at church or running Vacation Bible School or coaching the kids' soccer teams, especially when it takes too much time away from my home and my family.

Now I really feel like we are ready to kick off our 2010/2011 school year. I've got everyone's books on their places and schedules all written out. I know it will be hard work, but I'm ready. I'm excited about all the things we (because I learn new things along with the kids) will learn this year and to see how it will all work out.

Twins 11 Years Apart?

It never ceases to amaze me how many people talk about how much Luke looks like Nicholas! I mean, I see the resemblance, but I have access to all of Nick's baby pictures. If I hold Luke up next to Nick's baby pictures you can hardly tell the difference. I just find it funny how many strangers just tell us that they look just alike.

What not everyone knows is that they act just alike too! As a baby Nick wanted to be held all the time, he nursed what seemed like constantly, we could seldom lay him down without him waking up, and his temper was horrible - when he wanted something he wanted it right away. And he hated riding in the car seat. He could cry endlessly and never give up and go to sleep. Now I feel like we are reliving Nick as a baby. The only difference is that I have alot more help around with Luke. Corey works from home a lot and the other boys are old enough to help a lot.

The nice thing is that now Nick is so well behaved, helpful, and obedient! So if Luke continues to act like his oldest brother we will be very lucky in a few years.

Chocolate Milk in Church

I saw something quite disturbing during Mass this morning. A little girl (about 9 or 10 years old) walked into church with a bottle of chocolate milk. She proceeded to sit down with her mother and drink it. My first thought was that it was not appropriate, but maybe she wasn't going to communion. Sure enough she went up and received the host! This was not a toddler with a sippy cup - I understand that. I'm trying not to be judgemental, but this family attends church regularly and her dad teaches religious education classes, so they really should know better. What is wrong with people!?!

Learning How to Blog

I'm having fun figuring how to set up this blog. Two of the boys just finished baseball season this week, so hopefully I'll have some more time to play with it. Maybe I'll have them post some happenings as part of their writing for school this year.

Today we are at the house visiting with family. The kids are outside on the slip and slide. It's a little too hot for me to sit out there and watch them. They really play well together most of time.