Journal ~ Forever Catching Up....

Sophia (3) and big brother Mattias (16) snuggle in bed.

Elias (7) on out backyard tire swing

Bekah (13) continues to take weekly "pie school" lessons from our neighbor.



Hello Sisters

Can it be possible that I am still behind in just about everything? I check my email about twice a week and probably dump a bunch of good stuff, I rarely browse the web, our home library looks like a tornado hit it (aka, "we can't find the books we need!), and Eric and my bedroom looks like a flea market.

I was asking the Lord what can I do, or MORE IMPORTANTLY, what does He want me to do? Well, I already the answer myself. Make His Word #1. No deposit, no return. If you don't put anything into a relationship, you can be sure you will never get anything back. I have begun to write out 1 or 2 verse scriptures that are encouraging and then I carry them in my pocket speaking them OUT LOUD many times a day. Another thing I do is to just talk about Jesus. I try and be thankful OUT LOAD many times throughout the day for whatever comes to mind. :) I want the children to see me making Him a priority in my life. :)

Robinson Curriculum (which is really not a curriculum at all, but rich literature) is working nicely with the children. We pretty much stick to a schedule that goes like this....Jesus 30 min. Math 1 hr. Writing 1 hr. and Reading 2 hrs. If we get these essentials done, the afternoon hours are free for the children to pursue their interests. The best part of the Robinson method is that all the children (with the exception of the 7 yob and 3 yog) are SELF-taught. No more Mommy sitting next to them, which frees me up to play and read to the 3 yog. The 7 yob reads to me for about 10 minutes a day and we go over some math. Then he is alone for drawing, copywork, more reading and more math. LOVE IT!!!!

I had planned to shut down garden operations for the fall/winter. Well, it seems like I am always thinking "gardening," yesterday I went outside and just sat for a few minutes with my vegetables and touched them and breathed in the air around them, picked a cherry tomato and ate it. My mind started racing 100 mph thinking about all the wonderful things I can do to improve my garden. But.....I said I would take a break, BUT it is SOOOOO relaxing, so enjoyable and it brings me peace. So, I guess I will allow myself some small projects (not really sure how small will work for me, since it usually doesn't).

With garden operations slowing down I have turned my attention to the kitchen and am just about ready to pursue GNOWFGLINS.com full time. I really need to be upgrading my cooking skills to better provide nourishing meals for the family.

Fall also brings the feeling of wanting to sew. I need to work with the girls and their sewing. I have some skirt patterns and if I could take them to the fabric store and let them pick out their own material, I know they would be more inclined to make their skirts.

I WANT more of "me's." I need me in the kitchen cooking healthful meals (which be the way really do take more time that opening up a package!) I need me sewing with the girls, I need me homeschooling, I need a me in the garden. But the Lord didn't give me more of "me's" so I had just better plan more efficiently, and therein lies my problem.

Goodbye Sisters...I hope by next time I write you, things will have fallen better into place for my daily routine's. :)

Shannon