Keeping It Simple

We have been following so many rabbit trails that we find ourselves pretty thick in the forest right now. There are just so many fun books and movies to go with this time period (some more historically accurate than others!). I have made some adjustments to James' participation in our American History studies. He seemed to be getting frustrated with what I had planned for the boys to do. After giving it some thought, I realized that in spite of being the sophisticated age of nine, he really is more of a "younger elementary" student. To that end, I am picking and choosing a few projects that more fit his needs and he can just listen in for the rest. In a few years, he can have a redo. I knew that my assessment was correct when he was working on his Thanksgiving booklet and said- "I think this must be way funner than what the boys are doing." This booklet is made using US History Little Books: Famous Events . You can tell James took a little artistic l...

The road has gotten bumpy. If you have read my blog before, you know this is not the first time. Sometimes it's just life, sometimes it's my attitude, and sometimes it is the kids' attitude. To be honest, when it is the kids' attitude, it usually means that mine is the one that needs adjusting first. While life has been crazy, I've come to think that the real reason that I have not been blogging much is because I am discouraged. I'm pretty sure I don't even need to explain being discouraged to other moms. I think most of us have our moments. My first commitment is to get us back on a routine. We usually work in blocks of time- not a strict schedule. I also try to block out true "free time" for the kids. Free time has not been a priority because I am constantly feeling like we haven't accomplished enough.  This, I believe has led to frustration on my boys' part. So, I am going to try to carve out that time regardless of how the day is go...

Really!! It has been busy around here. When life gets like this, I try to comfort myself by saying that "things will settle down next week- or the next". Not this time. It ain't happening. That's okay. Somehow, I feel up for it. Sort of. ;) I'll give a quick update at any rate: Some hair got cut.  True story- We were at church this Sunday. After the alter servers (about 10-12 of them) processed down the aisle, I whisper to my husband, "where is Paul?!". He starts to laugh- "that one carrying the crucifix in the center is your son". Eee gads! I really did not recognize my own son. Somehow, he also seems to have grown like 6 inches over night! Some adorable uncle time happened.  We fed some Koi Fish.  We added a family member of the four-footed variety to our household.  I said NEVER. Never say never. Mark met this guy 3 weeks ago at his first class at the animal shelter. This was their go-to do...