About Face...

I don't even know where to begin. Life has been whirling about me, and pretty soon a month was gone. In fact, where did summer go? Did anyone else miss it entirely? Shucks...I had big plans and everything....*sigh*

I finally feel like I am coming into my own with six children. That may sound odd, but it is true, regardless. Juggling an 18 year old, 16 year old, and a 13 year old has it's own set of challenges, but adding a 7, 2, and 5 month old had made me feel undone at times. However, I must gleefully admit that Boaz is the MOST MELLOW baby I have ever had! God knew is all that I have to say to that. I mean I thought Roman was pretty self sufficient, (all be it moody), but Boaz seems to be happy and laid back no matter what. Ohhhh I know I am blowing it by stating that, but I have to say just how thankful I am for him and this little personality trait in him. I understand that all babies have there moments so I am waiting for Bo's, but until then I am relishing the angelicness of it all.

Abram is going to public school this year. The other boys are still homeschooling, well all but River who graduated this year and is now signed up with the Union. Abram has never attended school and we thought if he was going to attend a year of school in his lifetime that second grade is a good year to do that. It is still full of innocence and fun. I thought that the first day of school would make him a jumpy gus, but not so. In fact, when I walked him into the school for the first time yesterday he was very cool and calm. He said hello to his teacher, he found his cubby for his belongings, and then very nonchalantly sat down at the table. I said, "Well I guess I will see ya later honey." He responded with, "Okay Mom, have a GREAT day!" as he waved goodbye before I even turned to leave. I sort of giggled and raised my eyebrow surprised at his leisure laid back attitude. I mean he didn't know the teacher, the kids, or the environment, but he was unphased. So I stepped outside of the class and discreetly watched him from the window in the hall. To which he enjoyed the word-find that was placed in front of him, only glancing up to say hello to some of the other students who looked twice as nervous as he should have been. I was pretty pleased to see him so self assured. Who said that homeschooling doesn't teach children good social skills? In fact, it gives them tons of confidence. So we will continue to pray for him daily while at school, and hope that he has a very positive year. I don't expect that he will attend next year, but we will take it one year at a time just like we have done with all the boys. We find that homeschooling fits us best, but I have also found that the years that we dabbled in public school proved to be invaluable in more ways than one.

So far now, we are still pulling out the books every morning. We are mulling over geometry and pre-algebra AGAIN, and we are trying to find our routine with our new baby, River working, Isaiah working, and squeezing in one public schooled child. But aren't we all just trying to find that happy healthy balance in life?