THE annual Pumpkin Patch pictures

Here is the past 7 years worth of pumpkin patch picture taking, at this exact pumpkin patch. Every year I think "oh we've got to get better next year", but alas we are still 0/6 with the kids actually looking and smiling at the camera. Maybe its time I just got over that and enjoyed what a real life picture looks like with kids. I love my little family and love their personalities:)!!

School

Honestly I've barely taken any pictures of our school days. I think I've been trying too hard to "get it all done" that I've not yet really relaxed in the school area. After over a month now, here are a few thoughts and strategies I'll incorporate after a few failing experiences... 1. play more 2. teach by playing 3. my relationship with my girls is far more important than their level of academic success 4. being a former teacher may be very helpful and very hard in terms of expectations 5. i need to pray more. lots more. for my patience and their desire to learn 6. they really are learning, praise the Lord I can see progress. deep sigh of relief! 7. I have all but done away with most of my curriculum except for Grapevine Bible Studies which I absolutely LOVE!!! The girls are learning in depth stories of the bible and stick figuring their lessons. They have also memorized 10 bible verses in the past 5 weeks which I am so proud of them for. 8. I have the sweetest boys ever, who are playing so well together and then when they are ready will come down and do their "tot trays". talk about "UN structured"!! 9. Despite some hard times I truly truly LOVE the time I am getting with my girls. I LOVE reading together on the couch...by FAR my favorite time with them all. 10. no school situation is perfect. Home, Public, Private. There is no perfect, but I am glad that for this family, for this year, I know we are doing what we think is best. Enjoying more time as a family:)!

what its like

This is what its like trying to take a family photo for the 7th year in a row...with now 4 kids who have an opinion of their own. More to come later:):)

when we aren't doing school

we try to get out. soccer and gymnastics have filled our thursdays and some saturday mornings so far. and many a friday at the Magic House, by far our favorite place to go. Me and the kids just wonder around from place to place exploring and doing "hands on" school. I love the ages they are at and the fun we can have together there. Some Saturdays in Columbia for the MU games, and a night at Disney on Ice. Up next for this week, Daddy's birthday, the circus, our favorite homecoming parade, a pumpkin patch and off to Dallas. "Home" school and "life" school all in one:)

the above picture was taken before their first practice...ie: before Avery took the field once and decided soccer isn't her thing:)