Halloween {in November}

I have been so busy, I forgot to post pictures of Halloween, but my kids were way too cute not to share.

11 years

Today marks my 11 year anniversary of being a mama.  11 years ago today the Lord blessed me with my first born son & change life as I knew it.  I cannot imagine not being this boys mom.  I know some moms brag about how good their kids are, but mine, this one – he is an amazing person, wonderful son, & fantastic big brother!  I could not be more proud of the young man he is growing to be.  I admire his diligence, tender heart, & God fearing soul.

I love you Tyler Alec!!

*This is his 12 point!!!! buck he shot 2nd day of deer season.

Just checkin’ in

I have gotten some very sweet e-mails from a few of you & your comments are so encouraging – THANK YOU! 

So, how are things going?  It is a work in progress . . . 2 steps forward, one step backward . . .

 

God

I’m still lacking in this area, but I think (like a lot of things) that it’s more of things just not looking the way *I* think they should more than total failure….  I have this vision of waking up early to a quite house full of sleeping children, sitting on the porch with a glass of warm tea or coffee, reading my Bible & praying while I watch the sunrise.  Reality – I talk to God all day.  However, it’s not in a quiet house – it is in the chaos of rearing children, schooling, cooking, & cleaning.  Sometimes I pray for immediate help in my day-to-day moments, often I lift others up as I move laundry around or prepare meals.  The quietest moments are during showers.  So, maybe I should cut myself some slack & just realize this quiet mornings with God aren’t realistic for this season of my life.

My Kids

Tyler

I still haven’t started reading with him one-on-one, but I am happy to report that his personal reading time is getting done.  EVERY.DAY!!!

Tucker

I am sooooo proud of him!  This week he caught up to Trevor in his reading & spelling & is doing a FABULOUS job in math & other subjects!!!  And you better believe I’ve been praising him!

Trevor

We have had a couple Mommy-Trevor playtimes & he ate every minute of it up!  We are moving right along in math.

Truman

ChAlLeNgInG!!!!  I’m doing pretty good with using positive words, but still need to work on less yelling.  We are still finding our groove as far as a routine, but I’m consistently disciplining this strong willed boy & have been doing good with having at least a few things planned for him, rather than last minute activities being tossed his way.  AND I gave our schoolbarn a pretty good fall cleaning – we took out ALL the annoying/distracting toys & put up some old “baby” toys, plus got a few new BIG BOY ones out. 

My Husband

Dinner was ready early more days than not!!  This sounds small, but it is a HUGE accomplishment for me!  Bedtime is getting better, but not so consistent.  We did squeeze in some alone time a few nights this week.

Homeschool

I totally sucked at starting school at a reasonable time… I’m just wondering if we are more of afternoon schoolers!  I did pretty good not going online while schooling.  It is much easier if I just leave my cell at the house.

AM Routine

With nursing & lack of sleep, my body just hasn’t kicked into gear for me to get up (& actually get out of bed) before the kids.  We are rising between 7:30-8, but aren’t always getting around immediately.  Although this might not be very productive – I am getting some really good snuggle time in with my kiddos.  Truman wants nothing to do with school in the mornings with me.  So much for that idea . . .

School Routine

Core subjects are getting done.  It’s looking like my mustangs will finish their writing book, language, & maybe spelling by January. 

30 minute “Truman time” is successful!  He does great with Tucker, but is still pretty mean to Trevor.   Mondays with my mil are fabulous!  Now if I can find someone Tue-Thur

Afternoon Routine

Quiet time – LOL!!  Still no science or history in the afternoons

After school Routine

I’m doing great here.  I’ve been good about “work before play” & am using this time with the boys or for housework. 

PM Routine

Truman has been in bed by 8!!! {most nights}  WHOOOO HOOO!!!!

Tucker & Trevor are 50-50.  I try to get them in bed by 9, but it’s more like 9:30 when Tyler goes to bed.  I’ve been going to bed on time too!

Life is still crazy!  Deer season is here (pictures coming soon – hint!  hint!!!) so that has thrown a curve ball into our schedule too.  I’m tell ya, if it isn’t one thing, it is another!  But memories are being made.