A breakdown, of sorts....

I had a mini-breakdown the other day. It was sad and kinda scared my hubby, I think. Don't know what triggered it, but I was not feeling like homeschooling was going to work out this year. I was actually wondering what my life would be like if I sent my kids to school. Haven't had that thought even once since I started homeschooling. My poor husband got bombarded with my fears, concerns, and my tears just as soon as the kids were in bed and not around to hear me. He was so good to me and listened to my concerns and talked to me. He promised to help me in whatever way I need him to as we begin our schoolyear. He gave me ideas on how to homeschool three kids with two little ones to care for and love, as well. I went from dreading the school year to being excited and optimistic. He is a good man.

Some important things I have thought about lately:

• My homeschool day might not like anyone elses and that is ok. I might not teach my kids greek, and spanish, and have them do 1,000 extra math problems each day, and have them compose music, but they are still ok. I am ok. We will get important things done each day.



• Don't compare yourself to another homeschooling mom. We are all different and have different goals.



• Have a plan. Have a good one. Stick to it. As much as possible, that is.



• Be flexible. What worked last year, might not work this year. We might have to do math when Audrey goes down for her nap at 1pm, which is not when we have done it in the past. But, if that is the only quiet time in our day, I have to wait for it, and use it wisely.

I am grateful for prayer and for knowing that this is still right for our family. I am well aware this year is going to be a challenge. But, we will make it and the goals we have for our family will still be achieved. I appreciate the friends I have made since I started homeschooling, as well as the ones I have had all along; and for the words of encouragement I get from all. :) Keep calm and carry on.

1st day of school......if you'd call it that!

I thought we'd do a little school today. Will was surprised that we were when he called this morning to say,"hello" like he always does. We were waiting until September. But, the kids are getting restless, I said. They are ready. I am ready. Sorta. Not really, but guilt is not a good thing as a mom when it has to do with your kids. I read a few posts from other homeschoolers on facebook about it being their first day of school, so I felt like we should do something!!

So, we started at 10am and the kids were bummed. I don't blame them; I didn't warn them. They thought it was still summer break. Ok, I won't do that again. So, we eased into it. Phonics. Reading. That was as far as we got. **sigh** It was crazy. I knew it would be hard, but was kinda hopeful.......... Noah fussed all morning. Audrey ended up running around without a diaper on for longer than I should have let her. What happened to her diaper, anyway? Not sure. Oh, and our craft room\school\Noah's room has math manipulatives all over the floor. And clothes. And yarn. Thank you, Miss Audrey Anne.

But, I worked with Addie and feel better about her reading skills. I felt like I didn't do enough with her last year and she didn't learn a thing. She is ok and will do better and better. Sasha is always the willing student and I feel good about her school year. I went over how I will be writing her assignments in her planner and know she will get it done. Seth, will take some work only because I have a hard time getting him to do his assignments. He is capable, just not always willing.

I am not sure how other mom's who homeschool with 5 kids or more do it. I am sure we will work it out. Right?? Sometimes I do wonder what I am doing!!?? But, as I laid in the floor with Addie, helping her read, I had a moment of peace, which reminds me why I am homeschooling. I get to teach her to read. That makes me smile.

Today was not ideal at all, but I think I do need to take some more time to: get better sleep, get a few more things organized, get some better sleep, wait did I say that already???

Our day ended with me nodding off on the couch while feeding my Noah. Then we all took a dip in the pool cause, glory be, it's hot out there. Oh, and our grand finale to our sad excuse for a 1st day of school was Seth finally mastering what he and his dad call "pit farts". Did I just type "farts"? So classy. During family night a few weeks ago Seth asked his dad to teach him how since the neighbor boy can make such lovely sounds with his hand cupped in his armpit. Soooo, Daddy showed him how. Seth has been practicing for days. Today he got it down. (What subject would that fall under????)

Hope your first day back went well. If not, I feel your pain. There is always tomorrow.......or next week, right????

Baby Noah.......

He is here! Born exactly a week ago today and weighing in at 7 pounds 14 ounces! He was 20 1\2 inches long. Perfect! So far he seems to have a very easy-going nature! My stay at the hospital was good, hard, nice, too long, too short; but all in all, a great experience. They had fountain drinks right by my room so I would get my exercise by walking out there for a little Diet Coke. Nice!! Here are some pictures of our litte man, whom we all adore.


His first day home and getting a little snack from Addie!! They all have been such good helpers!!

Here is the gang, picking me up from the hospital. Audrey totally loves him and wants to squeeze\choke him all the time. She loves to "kiss" him which means she puts her lips on his head for a good 30 seconds. Then she turns around and smiles big at me and I smile big at her. Good big sister!!

Here is Noah getting ready to come home from the hospital. That was the smallest outfit I had that wasn't a baby nightgown, but also had the hand mittens. He has the longest nails ever and I can't cut them for another week or so! He also has long toes and big feet! Got another heart-breaker on our hands!! Handsome boys!!

His first picture! His cute hair made us all smile! He has tons of hair, just like all his siblings did! It is kinda blonde and curls like that when wet! Yep, he is a doll! I know, I know!!

Ok, this one is so cute! I took this one this morning after a long night thanks to his circumcision. He is ready to start his day: eating, sleeping, going potty and getting love from the whole household!!

I am feeling pretty good; each day is better and better. I am grateful I heal pretty fast from c-sections and by the time a week goes by, I don't need the pain meds anymore and I feel more and more like my old self. Just one more week and I can pick up my little Audrey again. She has been doing well and I have been giving her lots of love and handfuls of chocolate chips.

My mom has been coming over each day this week and that has been so nice. We hang out and watch TLC: What Not to Wear. Cake Boss. Love it.

Once again our ward has been amazing and have brought the best meals ever!! I feel so blessed to have such great people surrounding us.
It is so crazy to think we have 5 kids. I hope I do well at raising these precious ones I have been given. I am grateful to a great husband who is kind to me and enjoys these 5 kids as much as I do and works so hard for us! More pictures to come.....................